Bipolar Type II Support Group

I have been treated unsuccessfully since 1988 for major depressive disorder. I have tried almost every antidepressant available. Now after my most recent hospitalization I have been given a new diagnosis of Bipolar II. This has been such a shock to me! I am on ALL new medications. Currently I am not as deeply depressed, but I cannot say that I am happy either. Does this get better? I am still in outpatient treatment for the next 3-4 weeks.

I am looking for a meaningful support group. I am an RN and familiar with mental illness from both side of the fence. Why do I find this new diagnosis so disturbing?

It took me 15 years of failed treatment resistant Depression to be properly diagnosed and I was equally shocked that I was having periods of hypomania until I looked back. It does get better as now you can be treated with anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers which should prolong and amplify the effect of the anti-depressants. It has taken me a long time to find the right mix, but I assure you it does get better.

I am so glad that you found this site as you will get lots of support here. Also ask ask many questions as you need to. Everyone has different experiences.

I think most of us have been treated unsuccessfully for depression for years. I know I am one of them. I was happy though when I got diagnosed and found out you could treat it with medications. It gave me answers and I take my medications like I'm supposed to and am stable thanks to them. I'm sorry you find that having bipolar is disturbing to you. Maybe it's because you've seen people in your nursing career that are really bad off? It does get better in time. Give your medications time to work and if one isn't working for you, then you try another until you reach stability. It can be frustrating, but don't ever give up. You are going to get a lot of support and understanding from people that know what you are going through. I'm very glad you joined. Welcome to the group!

Also treated for depression on and off for years. Was very upset about bp11 diag, but life has been better and better over past months. The right meds are hugely effective.upset as pissed that had missed out on help all that time and made many poor decisions.

Welcome drix,

Yes it does get better! I was treated for severe depression many years ago, went most of my life without medication until it got out of hand. I had a lot of anger at first and did fight the diagnosis but in the long run its not the diagnosis its being able to get the meds you need to feel better. I never thought I would ever feel good again but with the right mes I have gone long periods being pretty happy. I was stable for 5 years and in those years learned a lot about this disorder and the meds available to me. If I was only diagnosed with severe depression then my insurance would have only covered antidepressants. With bi-polar II I have access to meds that have done wonders for me.

I had been treated for depression since 1990. I took antidepressants and antianxiety meds and they worked for a while and then would stop. I started learning about BPII a couple years ago and wondered if that was what I had. I talked to my pdoc but wasn't completely ready to accept the diagnosis yet. In the last year, with much more stress, things got much worse with my symptoms, and I knew it was BPII and couldn't deny it any longer - got tired of struggeling. The Lamictal is helping alot so it will get better. I still don't like to tell a lot of people I have BPII. It's much less stigmatizing to have depression and anxiety, I think. I think people think you're "real crazy" if you're BiPolar - don't mean to offend. I know that's not true. I think it has helped me to see someone like Katherine Zeta-Jones share in the media about her diagnosis for BP2. Anyways, it will get better. You still are who you are and now will feel even better with the right meds.

Post edited by: blonde4, at: 05/20/2012 11:21 PM

Lamictal has also helped me A LOT!!

You said you find the diagnosis disturbing. Maybe it's because it's so new or unexpected. It took me years to accept my diagnosis. I reckon your mood will keep improving if you're already out of deep depression.

I'm currently stable- feel so much better. Still have ups & downs, but they're nowhere near as bad as they used to be.

Drix

As a fellow RN understand what you mean. It is a hard pill to swallow and deal with but it gets better. I am on year 4 of diagnosis and been pretty stable for 3.5 despite a glitch this spring and a med change. I was first diagnosed at 47 and am sure I have had bp my entire life as I look back at my insane life.

I look at this disease in the simplest form my pdoc sums it up. We are a chemical experiment to level out our chemical imbalance, and this is a chronic disease like diabetes not something acute like appendicitis.It was the best advice I was given.

I can tell you, I research everything, stay proactive and work for a super healthy work style, Although I have developed metabolic syndrome and hypothyroid due to meds, exercise and lifestyle changes have brought me back to an equilibrium. Yes there are fluctuations but there is hope when the correct chemical cocktail is found.

You will find incredibl support here with both public and private messages of information and encouragement. Please keep the faith and talk as well as create a stron support group there is hope believe me. Welcome to the group. I hope we will be both a resource and support.

Thank you so much for your reply. It was very encouraging. I could relate to it. I don't think I am on the right meds yet, but I hope we can find the right combo soon.