Bipolar Support Group

I am a few days old member here. I have already been around reading and commenting some discussions here but i didnt realize i should have first introduced myself, like all new members. I saw an open pool, i jumped in the water...

I have been struggling years with mood shifts and depressions, and perhaps from a personality disorder (conflicting professionals' opinions with regard to the exact diagnoses). This past week was particularily difficult and challanging, due to a stressful event that awoke many underlined issues of my responsive behavior and mood reaction to life environment. I realized that i 'have serious issues' but i was confused: who am i? what is wrong with me? why do i have to react so extreme? what is my real diognosis? who knows what other disorders i suffer from?

I needed someone to talk to without being afraid of rejection or judgment. I needed support, and the main thing----I needed to find out exactly what is going on with me and start adressing those issues one by one. I made an appointment to a psychotherapist and have already met 3 times.

My friend referred me to this support group, i visited, signed up, and as i stated above, i have already shared some discussions here. It seems like a big warm and supportive family that helps to and cares for each other. What i trully admired here, was the remarkable determination that the members have and their oppenness toward their problem.

I hope to find some answers here, and to be able to get and give help and support. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.

I'm sorry you've been struggling with mood shifts, i am glad to hear you are seeing a psychotherapist, i see a psychologist and i truly feel i'm healing from a lot of past and present issues which have complicated my life. I've been given coping skills which i never had before and i'm starting to allow myself to 'feel' and not be so afraid, I used to stuff my feelings (and still do) and i've picked up some bad habits over the yrs in order to cope. Now i can say with the help of my therapist (tdoc) i can sometimes recognize when i'm stuffing and i hope to find healthier ways to deal with these feelings/emotions.

Feel free to post wherever you want and don't hesitate to contact me or any group leader should you have any questions or concerns, wishing you well.

If you dont mind sharing, can you please explain what do you mean by 'stuffing feelings'? In theory i know you refer to ignore intense feelings and do not allow them room in ourselves. But can you describe it to me a little?

And can you also explain about the coping skills?

I am sorry for your struggles and am glad that you are seeking help and that you have a fiend that pointed you in our direction. Good friend!