Bipolar Support Group

Hi everyone, I'm Erica. I was diagnosed with bipolar 7 months ago. I should ask more questions because I couldn't tell you what type I am. Thing is, I don't really know if I am bipolar...That's why I've come to this group...I want to see if I can identify with you all! I hope I do, because I'm sick of not being able to have anyone understand what I go through on a daily basis basically.

Right now I'm on Abilify, Cymbalta, and Lamictal. I don't really think this combination is working, as I feel down most days. I don't get it...I thought with bipolar you're supposed to have manic phases and depressive phases. I seem to only be depressed...depressed or blah, really.

What else? I don't know, other than bipolar, I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I've been married 5 years, and don't have children. I'm quite afraid really, with everything I have.

I guess I really just want to know if I really have bipolar. Like I said, I tend to have more down, depressive phases than manic...If I do feel manic it's like not even a day...Maybe I'll feel better after spending some money shopping or something.

Sorry for rambling on. I am just at a loss, and feel like being diagnosed with bipolar has kind of been a stopping point in my life. I feel like things will never get better. I hope they do. Thanks for reading this.

Hello and welcome to the group. From what you're describing, you're probably a Type II. I'm a type II and we are usually down more than we are up. Our manias are called hypomania because they're not as high as what a typical type I might experience. Like you, I would do the shopping thing, etc. The manias were also much shorter than the depressive episodes. It took me awhile to get the right mix and dosages of medicines, so it may take a few tries. Unfortunately, it's not an exact science. Don't be afraid to ask your dr questions. Ask us anything. You'll find that a lot of us like to talk about ourselves! The group leaders here are very knowledgeable about a lot of things and can give you a starting point for looking things up or to ask your drs. You don't have to apologize for stuff here - we don't judge you here. We just say WELCOME.

Post edited by: CynthiaJ, at: 02/22/2010 05:12 PM

Welcome erimousch. I think understand your feelings. I am unsure if I am or not. Doctors tell me I am but I dont feel it. My family is relieved that I am getting healed yet I don't feel I am. This group has a lot to offer and I find the forum additive for me to get as much understanding as I can from people that understand what we are going through. To mirror CynthiaJ,ask anything because this group does not judge nor preach. Again welcome to the family

Hi welcome to the group. I can say that shopping is a bipolar symptom and it can put you in the poor farm if it gets out of control. This comforts me when I am down or struggling to find ways out of my stress. I have fibro too. I also had the gastro bypass, and IC. I attend many groups for support on this site.

I get depress when things are not going right or my stressors are high. Manic moments can be a burst of energy that I can't sit still and have to be doing something. usually cleaning house in the middle of the night or going to school or on this site. Now that I take meds to sleep , I am not doing this at night. I also get where I talk really fast and get tongue tied. I have inappropriate thoughts in church, so I knit during services so that I can focus on what they are talking about.

I cry at a drop of a dime. My emotions are so strong at times that it physically hurts me.

I have the tendency to want to make myself suffer the pain that i feel. I am my worst enemy. I have hurt myself in the pass especially when my anger is ourt of control. I do throw things and cuss a lot.

Sexual arrousal can last all and make me feel unconfortable all day and sometimes it can cause physical pain too.

I hope this helps. send PM to me. I am only receiving new discusion messages , since I am a leader in one grouo and don't want my email totally overwhlemed with all the groups messasges. Cappy

Thanks for all the welcomes. It makes me feel relieved to finally meet people who understand me. It's really hard to deal with sometimes, but this group will definitely make things easier.

Hello,

I am also new to the group but I have had Bipolar disorder for ten years or have known that I have had it that long. I am sure that it is hard taking the steps of medication but I have yo-yoed with being on meds and off and now that I really am desperate to control my disorder I no longer can afford the help.

I am sure staying with the meds for awhile will be benificial to you in the long run. It is very hard without help. I wish you the best.

Veronica