Topic Tuesday // World Bipolar Day with Bipolar Australia // Tues 29th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[cloudcore]

Question 4: What are some of the treatment options available that people living with Bipolar may access to support their recovery?

[Olga]

The only positive thing that I know is that it gives you empathy for other people with mental illness. I am lucky that I am doing this now for a paid job  working with people with mental illness. All other aspects of bipolar are in my eyes really s.....

[Quilly]

I experience rapid cycling where I am elevated and depleted one after the other in the same week

[SusanaBA]

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@SusanaBA wrote:

Question 3: What are the positive experiences/traits of bipolar disorder? Are there strengths that living with Bipolar can bring to your life?

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@Quilly have you found any positive traits or strengths in your experience?

[Quilly]

Creativity and mindfulness have become very helpful to calm my biological state. These are very life enhancing skills when it comes to reflecting on the choices I can engage even with opposite feelings

[Quilly]

This reply has encouraged me 

Thank you 

[Delicatessen]

What a wonderful message.

[Moodwisehub]

@cloudcore 

b) We often hear questions about the differences between schizophrenia, bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, can you explain the differences? 

Just one more thing about psychosis regarding this question.

Psychosis is not a requirement for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. A person only needs to meet the criteria for a manic episode (in bipolar I disorder). Psychosis is more commonly found in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. In bipolar disorder, psychosis usually only occurs for those with bipolar I disorder. Psychotic symptoms usually only present themselves during the height of an acute manic episode but can also occur during episodes of depression. Approximately 58% of those with bipolar I disorder have a lifetime history of at least one psychotic symptom. Those living with bipolar II disorder or cyclothymia (bipolar III), will not experience psychosis as part of their condition.

[SusanaBA]

Welcome @Delicatessen 

[Jacques]

probably my strengths with bipolar @SusanaBA would be i think about things more before doing them, to make sure they don't affect others around me, they highs and low show me where my moods can improve. i have never been at a manic state, more depressive and neutral.