Lost and needing support

Hey @jac333 welcome!! Thanks for sharing a bit of your story with us.

New diagnoses are always a bit of a rollercoaster hey!! Definitely a transitional/adjustment period as you wrap your head around everything.

It's a tough call, as to whether we reveal these things to certain groups of people. Unfortunately, stigma is still quite a common issue that a lot of people face, and more 'complex' disorders like bipolar doubly so.

Perhaps you could have a think about what the potential benefits are, and have a think about how likely your friends/coworkers are to be open and nonjudgemental.

One of my bestie's has bipolar and something she finds suuuper helpful is like a mood tracking chart - helps her in identifying warning signs that she might be headed towards mania/hypomania, or in particular to watch out for mixed episodes (she said that was when her SI was the worst 😔) - I wonder if something like that might help in terms of communicating with your partner? Just like, finding those signs to know when it might be a better idea to take a breather/time out from the conversation and wait till you're in a more grounded headspace.

Glad you found us, and hope you find what you're looking for here in the community 😊💜

Hello @jac333

I have bipolar and @Jynx is right about mood tracking being helpful. I use the free version of the Daylio app. How long I sleep for at night and sleep quality is something else I keep an eye on. If I'm facing a red flag my psychiatrist lets me increase my antipsychotic for a night or two (I guess I have bipolar 1 and mixed states are awful).

Good luck with it all.

HI hun, I'm so sorry you feel lost and alone right now😔

I do think you have come to the right place for reaching out for peer support.

I've had bipolar since the age of 15 yrs old and now 50 yrs old. I like to see myself as someone quite experienced with Bipolar and happy to help.

From personal experience only tell friends you can trust and who love you re bipolar.

As for employers being aware of your BP you have the right not to disclose your bipolar. All of my jobs I have not disclosed it due to being discriminated in the past. However in my current job I had no choice to disclose but they accepted it.

As for not being a burden to husband hell yes burden him!! As the marriage vows state through sickness and health 😘 If you have supportive family members you can ask for help. You have this sweetheart yes it's a struggle but lean on those you trust and love.

Take care!!