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A pending bi polar diagnosis.

JoJo73Contributor12 Apr 2016, 4:08 pm AEST

A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Hey Groovers,

I'm new to the forums, but not new to mental illness. I am 42 years old and have lived with chronic depression since I was a small child. Sometimes well, but mostly not. Mental illness runs in my family.
Today I saw my GP, hadn't seen her since last year, but I laid it all on the table. All of it. Everything. All laid out in all its chaos and ugliness.
We both agree that I most likely have bipolar disorder. This has been a long time coming. Brewing for decades.
Anyway, she is referring me to a psychiatrist. To get the dreaded formal diagnosis. In the meantime I plan on getting lots of support and hopefully making some new friendships along the way.

Cheers,
JoJo73. X

8 replies

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In response to: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

NikNikSenior Contributor12 Apr 2016, 4:46 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Hi @JoJo73

WELCOME!! Great to have you around.

It sounds like you have made a huge courageous step! How does it feel? Is there a sense of relief? Achievement?

I'm sure you're a bit nervous about seeing a psychiatrist, but overall it sounds like you have got a plan and stickin' to it 🙂

Maybe some others could share their experiences & what to expect seeing a psychiatrist?

There's a new discussion by another member @Former-Member who has just been diagnosed too. You can find their discussion here

Welcome again 🙂

In response to: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

JoJo73Contributor12 Apr 2016, 5:51 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Hi @NikNik,

Thanks for the warm welcome. 😘
How do I feel?? That is the multi million dollar question.
I feel....Hopeful. Hopeful that with a diagnosis, will come better meds that will help and put an end to this giant wave of sadness, guilt, shame, anxiety and self destruction.
I also feel tired. So very tired!! Tired of feeling like this. Tired of fighting. Tired of fighting to survive just one more day!!

Cheers,
JoJo73 😘

In response to: Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

AppleblossomSenior Contributor12 Apr 2016, 6:19 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

I am glad you feel hope and are planning to find new friends. It is amazing in all the ups and downs of life that hope comes back ... but so often she does.

My visits to psychiatrists mostly had them saying I was fine. roll eyes!

Do what you think will work for you and pursue as long as it truly works.

In response to: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Unknown userMember12 Apr 2016, 7:50 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Hi @JoJo73

Well done for making the first step and talking to your GP!

I can understand how tired you are, I wake up and am mentally exhausted before I start the day. Take it easy when you go to the psychiatrist. Have you got an appointment yet? Waiting times can be a bit annoying.

Good luck and I hope things will start looking up for you soon!

In response to: Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

NikNikSenior Contributor12 Apr 2016, 8:17 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Mixed emotions - pretty normal I suspect 🙂
Have you got some strategies in place to help you keep fighting?

In response to: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

JoJo73Contributor12 Apr 2016, 8:29 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

My plan is to see my GP regularly. Be around people that lift me up and encourage me. Do the things I love. Exercise regularly. Eat good nutritious food. Find a support group to attend, if there are any.

When you asked about my strategies, a quote from the movie: Castaway (With Tom Hanks) came to mind:

"Now I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise, and who knows what the tide will bring in."
(Chuck Noland)

In response to: Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

NikNikSenior Contributor13 Apr 2016, 8:34 am AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

Wow! It sounds like you have an awesome plan.

Of course, these forums are here for ongoing support too. Many members use these forums between appointments to keep them inspired and moving forward.

🙂

In response to: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

NikolaiSenior Contributor30 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm AEST

Re: A pending bi polar diagnosis.

I wish to the best of luck. I did the same thing about 4 months ago because I was past breaking point and couldn't even function anymore. All of my GP's in the past have simply put me down as depressed, and put me on antidepressants. I tried 3 different ones over the space of about 5 years, never had any luck with them. Went to a clinical psychologist and then psychiatrist who diagnosed me with Bipolar II. I was put on an antidepressant for my severe depressions and a mood stabiliser to stop me from cycling. I have finally got the right treatment and I am happier than I can ever remember being. I feel really calm and hopeful for the future which is a first for me.
I really hope that you get the same result when you go.

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