Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

New to Combatting Bipolar

BubblingBillCasual Contributor22 July 2023, 5:55 pm AEST

New to Combatting Bipolar

Hi guys,

first post here on the forum.

To be straight, I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 weeks ago. Currently I am only seeing a Psychologist until I am able to get time with a Psychiatrist.

Being diagnosed has answered a lot of questions and given me much better understanding of my patterns.

The only issue is, I am driving myself INSANE with analysis on all of my reactions and actions. I am constantly falling apart from guilt and angst due to having NO CONTROL over my daily highs and lows. Lately I’ve grown to feel helpless, like I will never be able to get a handle on reality.

does anyone have any experience to share on beginning to manage Bipolar?
I have very quick changing high/lows throughout the day and have Periodic High/lows over weeks/months at a time.

thank you to anyone who is willing to advise or share knowledge ♥️

3 replies

1 - 3 of 3

In response to: New to Combatting Bipolar

DimitySenior Contributor22 July 2023, 7:22 pm AEST

Re: New to Combatting Bipolar

Hello @BubblingBill and welcome. I still struggle at times but some things do help.

First off some people have a dual diagnosis of BPD and Bipolar re cycle times - Bipolar cycles usually last a few days or more. I try to eat healthy to even out sugar highs/lows and walk every day which helps my mood. I'm very aware of my meal and sleep patterns and find there's 2-way interaction between disruptions to routine and not doing so well. I also use a mood/activity tracker app so I can see patterns emerging.

When you see your psychiatrist they might suggest or revise your medication - it's tricky because they might try antidepressants antipsychotics or mood stabilisers depending on your needs, and it can take a while to see if they're working and get the dose right.

There's a community thread called Let`s talk about Bipolar where we can share experiences, get support and ask questions - please join us and meet some of the folk @Shaz51 @Captain24 @Delicatessen

Best wishes

Dimity

PS to reply to someone or send a cheerio start with @ before their username and a popup box will appear

In response to: Re: New to Combatting Bipolar

BubblingBillCasual Contributor22 July 2023, 7:40 pm AEST

Re: New to Combatting Bipolar

Hi @Dimity and thanks for your input!

I can completely agree on Routine and healthy balance. It has always been a massive helper! What App do you use? I’d like to find a way to keep track of my swings rather than rambling Voice memo’s.

I won’t lie, I am in one of the deepest lows of my life and feel completely insane. Either continuously eating/drinking for hours on end or not eating/drinking for days.
I was 10000% on finding a medication that would help me, but now I’m scared of that too! I’m not against it, I’m just worried about mind-altering with chemicals

I’m unsure on how to follow Let's talk about Bipolar as I’m quite new to the space.

thank you again!

In response to: Re: New to Combatting Bipolar

DimitySenior Contributor22 July 2023, 7:50 pm AEST

Re: New to Combatting Bipolar

@BubblingBill sorry to hear you're so low... hopefully having the diagnosis will give your psychologist and eventually psychiatrist a way forward. I use the free version of Daylio, which does all I need but the paid version offers more.

I'll tag you into Let`s talk about Bipolar so it's easier for you to find.

1 - 3 of 3