Bipolar Support Group

I have not been "offically" diagnoised as bipolar, because I have been dodging the issue for as long as I can remember. I wont get into the whole history now but I can explain my most recent actions.

I am in the military, combat arms. I joined for 2 basic reasons. Healthcare and to support my ex and 2 kids. In order for me to aquire meds to manage my highs and lows I have to do a lot of research and outsmart the docs. Thus, they have chosen to call my condition a mood disorder. If they knew my full history they would know how inaccurate that is. If I fail or go manic then im looking at a discharge. I cannot link my condition to PTSD, because I have not been engaged with the enemy....well, I could but it would be a stretch. which means I cannot support my family or get treatment. There are alot of cases of guys being chaptered out under article 5 as a personality disorder. Their condition is pre-existing and the gov. gives them no support after the fact.

So, if something goes wrong how does one get treatment. I cannot work in a normal job long enough to get healthcare. Thats why im here in the first place.

Gee Thyestean, I really do not know where to start here. It appears to be a very difficult situation indeed. However I note that you have not been professionaly diagnosed. You may not have Bipolar Disorder.

I gather the doctors are service ones. And you are on medication. Is the medication you on related to Bipolar Disorder. Some will call Bipolar a mood disorder.

I cannot help much here. ie I cannot if it happens that the service doctors find out that you have Bipolar Disorder they will decide what to do with you inaccordance to the rules and policty.

How are you going? I ask this as you say before you could not hold a job for long.

Best wishes to you,

JennyWren

"bipolar" comes up everytime I go to session. When we go over my history I guess there are alot of things that fit. I know myself pretty well. I know that I have to expect "spikes" in my behavior...I have always known that. In the past I have either isolated myself or been able to work through them with a great deal of focus. So far being in the military has worked well. It gives me lots of chances to work out my energy and justification for my "rough edges". This is the longest job I have ever had.

My real issue is this damn thing has cost me my marriage. We had been working on things for the past 2 years, but I finally realized that its not to be. We are friends, but otherwise I have lost her. Its this that has damaged my ability to concentrate on my behavior..and its starting to show itself.

I finally mentioned my concerns about my career. I was so afraid to say anything. Basicly, they think I am bipolar, but they want to try and treat it without hitting me with the label. My job is all I have left...I have to take care of the kids. I kinda wish I hadnt said anything. The stress is causing alot of problems for me.

Hey hang in there. It is tough living with bipolar but so far you have dodge the label. I am sorry to hear that you lost your wife but it is hard to live with people like us I am bipolar.

If they treat you without the label then hopefully you will be ok. Bipolars aren't the only people who get treated with mood stabilizers. I hope they find an appropriate combination of medications for you. I hope you get better soon. Some of the anxiety should go away with medications as well. I am sorry about your marriage. Maybe once you become stable your exwife will look at you differently.

Thystem (I think)

I note that you say:"If I fail or go manic then im looking at a discharge."

I gather from the rest of your message that the doctors in the military know that you have Bipolar Disorder. That was not clear to me in your first message.

I also gather that you are worried if you go manic you will be discharged from the militery.

The best thing that I see for you to do, is firstly try and not worry about it. Worrying will not help you. And stress is not good for anyone.

The next thing is to take your medication. This will help avoid a manic eposode (sp) or lessen the effects of one.

Being on the positive side of things, I have heard of some who have taken their meds and not had another manic eposode for some twenty years.

Hope it all sorts out for you,

JennyWren