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Hey guys. Does anyone still read this journal? I'm struggling with Bipolar Disorder. I was recently diagnosed and now that everything (and I mean everything) in my life makes sense now, the grief I feel over this stigmatized diagnosis is all sharp angles. Sometimes...my breath catches in my chest over what it means to have a real mental
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I'm glad you've been diagnosed with bipolar as once the 'right' medication kicks in, you're not going to know yourself! (I say right in inverted commas because it's a bit hit or miss until the right combination works).
My sister has bipolar and mum and I figured it out she's had it since she was about 12, but wasn't officially diagnosed until she was 27 - and was great on her medication until a kind, well meaning friend who is a nurse, told her that bipolar is just a nicer word for 'manic depression' and Rache has a fear of that term. She refuses to believe she is manic depressive and as such, took herself OFF her medication and then spent the next decade or so 'self-medicating' with grog and drugs of all sorts. Apparently about October last year she went back on the medication and this time appears to be staying on it and has stabilised.
I think being a case manager for the mentally ill and being diagnosed with bipolar will give you a wider understanding of mental illnesses that those without any form (and I've had clinical depression so also understand) can possibly epathise. You will learn so much more about yourself and others with this diagnosis.
I'm glad you know. I'm glad you're getting the medication and I'll be even happier for you when I read how much better you are feeling but
it does take a good month to two months before the medication builds up inside you and starts doing its job. Please don't expect taking a pill a few times or once a day will immediately start working. It takes time. You can also have slight side-effects if you don't take the medication at the same time every day. Bizarre I know, but it happens.
As mental illnesses go - bipolar is very common.
Hugs.
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