Newly diagnosed with bipolar...

Hi,
As the subject says, I've recently been diagnosed with bipolar. Currently bipolar ii, but final verdict is still in the air I guess. Honestly it's kind of a relief, as crazy as that sounds. I was previously diagnosed with PMDD but it just never seemed right. Looking back, I feel like I've downplayed a lot of my symptoms because I didn't want it to be anything worse. I am taking prozac for the supposed PMDD, have been for about 4 years now. Earlier this year things started to get, ah, much worse, so I went to see my doctor again who doubled the Prozac. Things would kind of even out but again, in hindsight what I figured was just normal was actually either hypomania or mania...

Anyways. I'm relieved because I feel like finally I can start to find some medications that will help me be at least somewhat normal... I often have a lot of anxiety and irritability and it's a relief to think that maybe that's not how things will always be. I know meds aren't a perfect fix but it's got to be better than this.

I'll be seeing a psychiatrist soon for my official diagnosis, and from there my doctor will work on a new med plan (HMO fun). I suppose I just wanted to say hi and talk about it and tell someone, because it's not really something I want to share with everyone I meet, ya know? So I'm glad this group is here. Let me know if you wouldn't mind me adding you as a friend, it'd be nice to have some people who know what I'm going through. Thanks! :)

Replies

  • midcoast_mommy
    midcoast_mommy Posts: 127 Member
    Hey there! I'm bipolar type 2 with rapid cycling. Meds help me a lot. I take Abilify, and I really love it. I'm on a small dose because my husband and I are trying to get pregnant. Even a small dose helps with the suicidal feelings, irritability, and anxiety (although not *all* of the irritability and anxiety). It's good to know they have you on the right path now. You'll be feeling good in no time, I'm sure. Add me if you'd like!
  • I am also Bipolar 2 and have suffered a lot with irritability and anxiety and depression. Currently taking an anti depressant (Celexa) and Trileptal for mood which help a lot. Add me as a friend if you feel so inclined. I hope you are able to get on a good cocktail of medication. It should really help a lot...
  • clydethecat
    clydethecat Posts: 1,087 Member
    i'm bipolar 1 mixed episode with suicidal ideation. it was great to finally be diagnosed, and i've been on a 12year journey to find the right meds. i'm on lithium with helps with the suicidal thoughts, i'm on seroquel and that really helps with my mood, and just generally how i feel then i take lamictal and risperdone which help support the other drugs.

    i have a lot of side effects due to the medication. but its all worth it. being "normal" is awesome. i still have issues if i forget my meds, but other than that, i feel really good, i dont get the anxiety that i used to get, and my rages are totaly under control.

    i hope you're able to find the right meds... it really makes a huge difference. if you every need someone to talk to, feel free to add me.. i've been at this a long time.. good luck :)
  • craftycatlady
    craftycatlady Posts: 16 Member
    Just wanted to send some love and support to everyone. I've had major depression since I was a child, and it evolved into a bipolar diagnosis a year ago. Meds have made a world of difference for me. There has been a time or two when in a manic state I felt like I didn't need meds anymore and stopped taking them, and within a few days to a week I would be bedridden and suicidal. I've come to terms with the fact that I need the meds to function and that's okay. Therapy is also great (I lost my health insurance a few months ago so I've been going without that though). And just being here, exercising and eating well makes so much of a difference, too.
    Feel free to add me as a friend! I'm fairly new here and would appreciate the support. :)
  • Thanks to everyone! I wouldn't wish this on anyone but at the same time it's comforting to know I'm not alone. I don't get to see the psychiatrist until December 26 (merry Christmas I guess) so I'm trying not to think about it a whole lot. I'd like to just have the appt now so I can start trying to find the right meds but I guess I've waited this many years, few more weeks won't hurt. Thanks again and hope everyone is doing well today!!