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Diagnosis acceptance

Lucylou1Contributor16 July 2024, 9:43 am AEST

Diagnosis acceptance

Hi there,

I’m wondering how others are dealing with a diagnosis? I received a Bipolar diagnosis nearly two years ago and am still finding it hard to accept. I am female and 57 years old. I believe I do have Bipolar following the mania and depressions that I have had, especially prominent and life changing over the last 3 years.

I have openly shared this diagnosis with family, friends and work colleagues ( I think I was in a mania doing this)

I thought there would be more understanding and awareness.
What I have found is that once I was out of the very deep and suicidal depression, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
My doctor took me off anti- depressants immediately as I was in a mania and felt fantastic.

I’ve discovered that although I was reading lots about Bipolar, no one else was. It felt like I was better now so everyone just got on with life. Even my husband admitted he didn’t know much about it. I’ve been on the mania/ depression cycle again and have put things in place with my husband and family to recognise the signs with a plan of action. I am taking responsibility for this disorder as much as I can (medication, therapy)but still fighting the reality of this lifelong condition.

Does anyone have tips for gaining acceptance? I really don’t want this life😔

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In response to: Diagnosis acceptance

Lucylou1Contributor20 July 2024, 10:46 am AEST

Re: Diagnosis acceptance

Thank you for your beautiful response @ChouxieChou 💜

I most definitely felt your good energy and your kindness.

I laughed out loud when you talked about everyone writing their memoir…… it’s always been a crazy idea in the back of my mind 🤣

But reading or listening to someone’s journey can often resonate more so than dry factual information. Someone who knows your pain somehow makes you feel less alone.
Storytelling connects the soul.

This very unexpected life path can be a blessing or a curse. Depending on which mind set I’m in of course!

I'm anticipating a bit of a roller coaster ride, but my hope is to use my lived experience to help others who may be experiencing mental illness. Perhaps even to be a part of the change that needs to happen to our mental health system.

I love your analogy of the promised land in our twilight years. Something to look forward to 🙏

P.S. I hope you have started on your own memoir. I think it would be fabulous!!

In response to: Diagnosis acceptance

Lucylou1Contributor20 July 2024, 10:56 am AEST

Re: Diagnosis acceptance

Many thanks ☺️

In response to: Diagnosis acceptance

AsgardSenior Contributor22 July 2024, 10:15 am AEST

Re: Diagnosis acceptance

Hi @Lucylou1

You definitely aren't your diagnosis and would never be defined by it. My diagnosis is a little part of me, it along with all my other qualities such as - love ice cream, snort when I laugh, collect plastic ducks, own cats and a million others all make up what constitutes me. All I can say is love yourself, you are a unique person, there is no else like you..............Asgard

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