Bipolar and ideas of how to help ourselves beyond medication

Hi @tjprather This is a good, safe place to talk and learn about the things that ail us. If you have the time, there are lots of discussions going on here in the mental health group, dealing with a wide range of topics. You're welcome to jump in with your comments or questions or experience. Or, browsing is always okay.

Jim

Just joined the mental health group. I like to share and learn. Thank You..

Hi @tjprather i'd like to join @hopeful33250 and @jimhd in welcoming you to Connect. You may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on bipolar that Teresa (@hopeful33250) mentioned so that you can connect with others with similar experiences. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

While we wait for others to join in that Teresa introduced you to, we would love to learn more about you. Are you comfortable telling us your story?

I was diagnosed late in life. I have been successful through life and accept the diagnosis. My mom coming from Italy was probably manic and my father was depressive. I'm a Vietnam Vet with a bachelor's degree. I have the experience of dealing with this disease for years. I have the best doctors, but the biggest mistake they make is labeling and medicating trying to heal person. My bipolar is part of my person. If you take it all away you taking my spiritual being away . We are all different for we live in this shell of body that eventually will pass on. Treat the spirit of yourself live, love, cry be happy and sad it's normal. God gave us emotion's and He will help us through our hardest times. I'm a survivor and let me smell the flowers. I have so much to contribute, but I.m stopping for now. Stay Healthy you have control.

It has been my experience that medication is the first avenue versus dealing with what causes this bipolar illness and to give us better skills in accepting and coping with it. Good luck to us all in conquering this illness and move forward in our own individual lives.😃

@tjprather

Mental health issues crept up on me in my early 50s and it all came to a head when I was 54. I was in the bottom of a dark hole of depression and attempting to end my life. I retired from the ministry when I was 55, and was approved for Social Security disability, and moved to the home we had bought, expecting to move ten years later than we did. I'm now 69, living on ten acres in the country, and after getting meds settled and therapy for 14 years, depression and the other stuff are under control.

I know that without the assurance of knowing that God would be faithful and never abandon me, I'm quite certain that I wouldn't be alive today. It took 5 years to get free from the suicidal ideation, and longer from depression, anxiety and PTSD.

My B.A. is in music, with a focus on piano. I attended a Bible College during the Vietnam era, so I had a 4d deferment and lottery #21. I'd be a whole different person today if I'd been drafted. Did you get your degree after your service? My music training was the foundation of much of my ministry, and I still play at home and at church.

It sounds like your bipolar is under control. A psychiatrist handed me several labels years ago, one of them being depressive bipolar, but I've not been aware of any feelings approaching mania. Labels can give direction for treatment, but we can't let them define us. I have depression, but I am not depression. Just having it is enough.

I'm a survivor now, as well. Reaching that awareness takes longer for some than for others. Being trapped in a web of a mental illness can surely slow that process down. Are there specific things that have been helpful to you in managing life? I look forward to hearing more from you.

Jim

I rarely suffer from depression. I had a different childhood up bring. My dad is from Cincinnati and met my mom after War World II on base. She was working as a secretary. They dated a year and married. I never felt so much love my first time to visit Italy. You would think everyone was bipolar. I have three sister's and a lot of nieces and nephews also great nieces and nephews. I thank you for your service to our country. The Vietnam War was so sad for us men and women. No welcome home parade, but I grew up quickly and enjoyed all the countries I visited. I really love to learn about new cultures and have made friends with natives. I'm happy for you. You sound talented and to live away from the city is always a blessing. I thank you for sharing and there will be more my friend. Tom

Yes. I'm open and honest individual. I believe in the truth and it will set you free. Later. Tom

Medicine is required, but our life experience plays a big part of who we are as bipolar people. I don't dwell on bi-polar I accept and move on. Medication can be tricky and it some times in the past has taken my personality away. There is a difference on what you take medicine is just a pill that can completely alter the ability even to cry when you need to. So much more to say. I'm not new with this sickness and definitely in touch with my person. Tom

I too am bipolar. last 'summer' I went thru 6 months of DBT studying. I will start it again in a few months. It really helps reset your mind when you need it. I had to go to a different therapist that was actually trained in it. Sounds like your on top of activities!!! good job. !! !! I have to keep myself art busy in the winter. I HAVE to have 1-2 projects going at a time. Summer is easier for me as I can get outside in gardens and horses. But, when the mind wanders into 'bad' territory, I go back to the DBT information and work thru what ever it is that is on my mind. hope this helps.