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.
Unknown userMember
After a few years and two psychotic episodes, been diagnosed with Bi Polar.
Just seeking advice on what to expect from people who have been there, will i be taking medication for the rest of my life...?
What is life like with this disease?
Thanks in advance
In response to: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
BunniekinsSenior Contributor
@Former-Member Hi chaos I have bipolar 1 and schizoaffective disorder and yes you will be taking the medication for the rest of your life .... (I keep asking the professionals the same question). Apparently for many of us medication is like physically wearing a bridle (I would agree with that). I feel physically constrained by the medication but I know without it I will go manic which is not a pretty sight for anyone including myself when I look at the aftermath. At least the medications have improved and are still improving.
So anyway welcome to the bipolar bear club there are many of us here 🙂
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
Unknown userMember
Thanks for the reply!
Yeah whilst I know that the medication keeps me sane I just don't like the idea of them and the side effects, although that sounds entirely ungrateful.
Pretty surreal to think I'll have to be taking something for the rest of my life!
Regardless, thanks for the support appreciate it. Beats going manic again, that wasn't enjoyable..... (parts were not the aftermath) lol
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
MazaritaSenior Contributor
Hi @Former-Member, welcome to the bipolar bear club. 
I too have bipolar 1 and agree with @Bunniekins that medications are for life. I've gone off my meds a few times, never with good results. Resolved not to do it again.
I'm guessing you have a psychiatrist. I also find that having a psychologist helps. It's taken me quite a long time to find one I thought was genuinely helpful, but the one I have now is wonderful and I will stick with her as long as possible. Same goes for psychiatrists and GPs. Once you find good ones, my advice is to stick with them. You get to know each other better that way, which leads to better treatment from them, and more trust.
The side effects are the main problem with meds. But there are sometimes different meds that can be tried if you are having too much trouble with side effects on the ones you are taking. Everyone reacts differently to different meds.
Hope you find your time on the forum helpful. Good on you for reaching out.
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
QueenieSenior Contributor
Hey there @Former-Member, welcome to the bipolar bear club from me too. I am schizoaffective bipolar and yes unfortunately the meds are for life. I call my meds names of cocktails... the antipsychotic/mood stabiliser is a pina colada and my PRN is is my daquiri. For me it helps normalise my experience if I have to say "time for a pina colada" or "perhaps I can have an extra daquiri?"
I'd rather take a cocktail of medications than have the rollercoaster of dizzying and often dangerous and risky highs followed by very dark lows. I lost a lot of friends, my job due to my mood shifts. I have almost died numerous times. It has cost me a lot, but as much as I wouldn't wish mental illness upon my worst enemy, I wouldn't change a thing as having it for most of my life, it has help shape who I am now.
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
Shaz51Senior Contributor
Hugs @Queenie, @Former-Member, @Mazarita, @Bunniekins 
how are you all tonight
we are here for you xxx
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
Shaz51Senior Contributor
how did you go with your appt @Former-Member
In response to: Re: Just got diagnosed Bi Polar
Unknown userMember
It's tomorrow :0 just been working today, what are you up too
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
