Hi, I'm new to this space! Diagnosed as Bipolar Disorder 1 early this year - slowly recovering from two hospitalisations.

@MDMD Welcome to the forums.

I’m a D&M person myself, so I understand you there.

I will tag @eth @frog into the conversation, they will be really helpful.

Have a look around, and join in where you feel you like.

You might like to meet a few other people on the Good Morning thread. A nice way to get to know.

A forum tip. The @brings a dropdown, and is how we tag each other.

Hi @MDMD I can relate to your post in a few ways.

I thought about joining the forum for 2 years before I did it! It has been life changing for me to connect with people who understand and don't judge.

Although all the signs were there from about 15, I was not diagnosed with bipolar 1 till 46, and then it took me a year to come to terms with it, and another year to get anything near settled with the right support, medication. Be gentle with yourself and take your time. Work has been hard for me, even with the good support I have now. I have had to recognise limitations and learn to know when I need to step back and look after myself better.

Hi and welcome @MDMD and thanks for the tag @Maggie I agree with all that @frog has said - I have bipolar 1 too, combined with complex PTSD.

I haven't been in the workforce since before diagnosis at 46 so can't help with that specifically, but I'm happy to answer questions.

Thank you @Maggie

D&M's are always best when the other person can relate to what you're going through!

Will check out Good morning - thank you 🙂

Hi @MDMD the diagnosis really helped me make sense of my life.

I had my one and only manic episode and ended up in hospital for 10 days; the Dr I was referred to upon discharge diagnosed me with Bipolar 1. The trigger was trauma, unrelenting pressure and finally nights on end without sleep. I am more depressive than up typically, but the worst experiences I've had are mixed episodes. I didn't know what they were and confusing is putting it mildly! Now I know what to look for and can see the symptoms building.

I agree re work and routine. Routine is a real mainstay of stability for me too. Has been pretty hard to achieve this year.

Hi @MDMD

I am really missing the in-person social interaction too. I have found it nerve racking to speak about my condition with people in my life. It's good to know we will be validated on a forum like this.

I'm very glad to hear the medication has worked for you!

I feel like 2 different people depending on my mood/mind states as well. There are a few things I do to make sure my decisions are sustainable with the swings of my mind states:

1. First of all, I don't make a decision when I am too high or too low (no mood dependent decisions). I wait until I am feeling centred before actioning a decision.

2. I do a modified Pros and Cons List. You gave the example of deciding between 2 very different jobs. This is how I would structure the pros and cons list:
Pros of Job 1

Cons of Job 1

Pros of NOT doing 1

Cons of NOT doing 1

Pros of Job 2

Cons of Job 2

Pros of NOT doing job 2

Cons of NOT doing job 2

(I know this seems very extensive but it gives me a lot of insight and makes me think of all different scenarios, and I am more confident in my decision capabilities)

3. Look ahead and think "what can I still do when I am unwell, which isn't too stressful." I make sure I am realistic about my capabilities and take in to consideration that my moods WILL fluctuate. As much as I don't want them to, they will. (in my experience.)

4. Cope ahead and put support plans in place for when I may go downhill. Noticing early warning signs, organising extra support ahead of time.

Hope this has been helpful for you. Good luck 🙂

Hi @MDMD sorry I've been away for a few days. I used to feel like I was 2 different ppl at times but not so much these days. 11 years I've stayed out of hospital, since the admission when the bipolar 1 was diagnosed. So gradually learning to self-monitor and also gradually tweaked and changed meds, including new psychiatrist 3 years ago who I still see and who has me on a cocktail now that does seem to keep me much more balanced. When I do have an upward or downward swing it's less extreme and doesn't last as long. A big part of how I manage is using a daily chart that records mood levels (high to low), anxiety and nervous or irritable levels, sleep, medications ticked off when I take them and brief notes of significant things that happen that could be triggering including PTSD flooding. Aside from keeping me on track with meds, I am able to see quickly if things are starting to change.There are lots of different charts available - you can get one from psychologist or psychiatrist or google bipolar monitoring charts.

I also do a lot of what @Aniela has said - delaying what could be impulse decisions when I can e.g. re shopping or travel.

This is the chart I use https://www.google.com/search?q=bipolar+monitoring+chart&rlz=1C1CHBD_en-GBAU749AU749&sxsrf=ALeKk01ml0IPI0IPMrnjZjcyOjnQX3cBRQ:1602710335887&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=fF28cFEuGmaKZM%252CiMfRglUvxifLTM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQkqfqL_MapTxc7r0m-Tc3CBwruIA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjU-f2hgbXsAhUwlEsFHdlpCmkQ9QF6BAgDEAY&biw=1366&bih=625#imgrc=fF28cFEuGmaKZM