Let`s talk about Bipolar

[MermaidHair]

Hey @Doog I'd be more than happy to expand on my perspective, the positives of having bipolar disorder. I don't want to be controversial or underestimate in anyway the seriousness of the disorder, I know it can be extremely devastating and painful at times. But changing the narrative is what has helped me cope and take my power back in living with bipolar disorder, and even using it to my advantage. I think there are many positives personally, I don't think I would be who I am without it and when I am not in deep depression, I like who I am.

@Acanthiza has raised a lot of fantastic points and are very similar to some of my realisations and positives!

People who think they have it all figured out, they don't, and even if they do they could lose it in an instant. Mental illness does not discriminate. It's made me humble, compassionate, understanding. It taught me to question things, to slow down, at times it made me. It made me take stock of what's truly important to me and in life. It allows me experience the full spectrum of human emotion, elation, euphoria, sadness, joy, anxiety, love, hopelessness... and everything beyond and in between, it's not always nice but not everybody gets to feel this.

It's made me a better person. Without my bipolar diagnosis I would probably live very carelessly as average folk appear to do. Bipolar makes me have to work harder to be well. Watch my sleep, my routines, diet, activity, manage stress etc, it has made me take better care of myself and clean my life up a lot. 

It's made me a fighter because of all the deep lows and periods I thought I couldn't possibly make it through or do it again but I did! We all have. Beating bipolar is a marathon and we're all elite athletes 💪 

[Captain24]

I currently don’t see any positive in bipolar. It’s a horrible illness that feels impossible to live with. 

I don’t think I’ll make it through. I have an admission next week so maybe it will save me. If it doesn’t then there will be no saving me. I will not make it through, I don’t want to fight to make it. I just give up and have nothing left.

[MermaidHair]

@KirSa_EnigmA  this is the bipolar forum I was telling you about 🙂

[MermaidHair]

@Captain24 it is a very horrible illness, no doubt about that. I'm glad you're here with us 🙏 

[Captain24]

I’m done with it all @MermaidHair Im done with life 

[MermaidHair]

I hope you get some respite and relief in your upcoming admission. Take it easy @Captain24 

[Friendlyflutter]

Hi @Captain24, it seems like you are struggling at the moment, I have sent you an email, please have a look. 

[KirSa_EnigmA]

@MermaidHair

TThank you 😁 

[KirSa_EnigmA]

I have some questions... Or, more specifically, I've written some notes with some questions I have for my psych and gp about medication. 

Not sure if any of this is taboo here but I guess we'll see! 

Any feedback on these issues from personal experience here? 

Thank you 😁 

***

Side effects:

Muscle weakness and soreness
Sleepy and tired
High blood sugar
Obesity (already) 
Increased appetite
Heart problems
Increased cholesterol
Reduced s3x drive 
Keto diet + meds =keto acidosis

The fact is, I don't want to be sedated or lethargic or sick. I want to be strong, energetic, and powerful!

These medications seem to be designed to stunt me.

Surely it'd be more effective to use as needed rather than slap a sedative on my whole life?

It's contraindicated against alcohol. How will that effect me when/if I drink? Isn't that dangerous?

A cascade of additional drugs or treatments would be required to manage these symptoms.

Counter the effects of weight gain with metformin or ozempic? (weak and lethargic so exercise and training are out)

Cholesterol medication? (I already have high) 

How to stay alert? Functioning? Stimulants?

Wouldn't a dopamine blocking substance cause attempts to thwart the block with more stimulating outreach? More food, risk, sex, etc? Just to FEEL something?

Who do I need to tell I have bipolar?

Does it effecty drivers license? Any job I might get? Working with vulnerable people card? Care of my kids?

I appreciate any feedback you have. 

[Appleblossom]

@KirSa_EnigmA 

hearing your frustrations but you are doing the work and the research. Most docs agree it is best to be informed.

I am going to be honest. It’s tuff and each case is unique….

I know someone who has to pay $500 per annum for a psychiatric report to vic roads to give permission to keep drivers licence. Hmmm he had been honest and answered yes to a medication question. Then a tertiary teacher of master’s psychologists told me he shouldn’t have been honest. What get said up front … and behind the scenes… hmm.

Its tricky. You have to do what you believe is right.

take care Apple