Managing Bipolar Disorder

Posted by mayoo @moustaphagueye, Apr 14, 2023

Hi, I recently knew that I was bipolar. I'm 22 I graduated from college last year and everything was doing just fine unitil I got depressed again last week. Somehow I've knowned for a long time that something about me was different because I get depressed a lot and sometimes over stupid things. One moment I'm the happiest in the world and the next one I'm the saddest. I am a strong person so I've always found ways to deal with those things on my own. My family doesn't even know that I'm bipolar, actually no one knows around me. I have a lot of problems sociolizing so I don't want people looking at me weirdly, at least not more than they already do. I don't have any friend and as africans, our society doesn't really acknowledge this kind of conditions that's why I'm asking answers behind a screen because I'm confused. I have a lot of projects but I have difficuties to keep going because of my mood swings and stress level. There are days when the tiniest thing can make me feel deeply sad and even suicidal and sometimes I loose interest in everything even the things I like the most or being angry at everyone without any good reason. I don't want to hurt myself or the people around me but at this rate I thing my heart is just going to explode because the pressure is sometime too high to handle. And I have other problems like some addictions that I developped just trying to chase away the sadness that my depression was causing me.
I need answers about this condition

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@gingerw

@moustaphagueye Take a big deep breath, and release it slowly. Recognizing you need help beyond what you can do alone, is a big step. And remember, it's okay to ask for help. That's something that is so difficult for many of us. I count myself in that group.

Please let me know your next steps to be evaluated, and what your professional team advises you, okay?
Ginger

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Okay, I will let you know.
Thanks again.

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@colleenyoung

@moustaphagueye, welcome. There are many different types of depression. See this Mayo Clinic article that includes bipolar:
- Understanding Depression https://careinfo.mayoclinic.org/mh-depression
- Understanding Bipolar https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/understanding-bipolar-disorder/

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar or is this something you're researching to learn more about?

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I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar2. I have had a life time of misdiagnosis. I have just started medication and hopefully I can start feeling better at some point. I would like to experience some semblance of relief from constant depression and anxiety

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From my own experience as I have quite a similar condition, I know, that those feelings are not necessarily a bipolar disorder as a diagnosis. There are lots of border conditions, that do not require a medical intrusion, like antidepressants or so. I did go to a therapist, who directed me to the specialist, and we worked the hits of my mental state throughout a few sessions. So, my advice is not to run into some meds, that can make you feel even worse or have some harsh side effects, but try to talk it through with someone qualified for that. I can suggest here the online platform, which helped me a lot to connect with the " right" therapist

I wish you best of the luck on that path. Find yourself healthy and happy!

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Yes Bipolar is like that inexplicable at times changing from one mood to the next with out warning or provocation and back again, again and again it is a never ending circle of moods. But you do have times of wellness were you feel normal just before the highs and on the way to sad Town. As you are african you could talk to family about why it is taboo to have mental illness in your society I saw how mentally ill treated in africa there is being chained to a tree in a prayer area or there are places were you can get diagnosed and treated with meds I know which one I would choose. See the chains of mental illness in west Africa documentary

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First CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎈🍾 On graduating from college. Are you sure your bipolar? This reads more like depression. What kind of addiction do you have, perhaps stemming from your need to fill your sadness.

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@proactive1

First CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎈🍾 On graduating from college. Are you sure your bipolar? This reads more like depression. What kind of addiction do you have, perhaps stemming from your need to fill your sadness.

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Hi @proactive1
Actually you're right. I had it all wrong. I just took a few tests online and the results were that I might be bipolar but that's not the case. I'm just a very sensible person and my feelings can affect me a lot. As you say I just need to get away from strong emotions and I will be fine. I easily get depressed but I'm not bipolar. And to all these people who are questioning themselves, don't just stay at home and try to figure out things on your own. Try to find help and answers as I did. They are people willing to help with open arms. And a professional opinion is always better than assumptions. So talk about your problem with people who can help you and don't be afraid because you are not alone. No matter if you're bipolar or just depress or dealing with any kind of struggle, know that they will always be someone to lend a helping hand. You just need to ask and accept help from others. Admitting you have a problem is a huge step to solving it someone told me.
I thank all the people who helped me get out of those cloudy days. Thank you @gingerw for advising me to get professional help.

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@moustaphagueye

Hi @proactive1
Actually you're right. I had it all wrong. I just took a few tests online and the results were that I might be bipolar but that's not the case. I'm just a very sensible person and my feelings can affect me a lot. As you say I just need to get away from strong emotions and I will be fine. I easily get depressed but I'm not bipolar. And to all these people who are questioning themselves, don't just stay at home and try to figure out things on your own. Try to find help and answers as I did. They are people willing to help with open arms. And a professional opinion is always better than assumptions. So talk about your problem with people who can help you and don't be afraid because you are not alone. No matter if you're bipolar or just depress or dealing with any kind of struggle, know that they will always be someone to lend a helping hand. You just need to ask and accept help from others. Admitting you have a problem is a huge step to solving it someone told me.
I thank all the people who helped me get out of those cloudy days. Thank you @gingerw for advising me to get professional help.

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Great! U will always have good days and bad ones the bad planted are so you can continue to grow in life and learn…

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@moustaphagueye

Hi @proactive1
Actually you're right. I had it all wrong. I just took a few tests online and the results were that I might be bipolar but that's not the case. I'm just a very sensible person and my feelings can affect me a lot. As you say I just need to get away from strong emotions and I will be fine. I easily get depressed but I'm not bipolar. And to all these people who are questioning themselves, don't just stay at home and try to figure out things on your own. Try to find help and answers as I did. They are people willing to help with open arms. And a professional opinion is always better than assumptions. So talk about your problem with people who can help you and don't be afraid because you are not alone. No matter if you're bipolar or just depress or dealing with any kind of struggle, know that they will always be someone to lend a helping hand. You just need to ask and accept help from others. Admitting you have a problem is a huge step to solving it someone told me.
I thank all the people who helped me get out of those cloudy days. Thank you @gingerw for advising me to get professional help.

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@moustaphagueye As you said, there will always be cloudy days [I like that phrase, by the way!], and sunny days, also! A long time ago there was a saying that you cannot see the value of sunny days without the cloudy days that come along. I do not think it is right to label ourselves as one thing, and expect to stay the same, because we are human and we vary in our moods and outlooks. One day we have no reaction to something, but that same action on another day may make us sad, or tearful, based on what is happening around it. What we learn to do, is to be gentle on ourselves, forgive ourselves, and understand that it is okay to be who we are on a given day. Be brave to address what is bothering you, and seek help. It can be so rewarding.
Ginger

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@gingerw

@moustaphagueye Take a big deep breath, and release it slowly. Recognizing you need help beyond what you can do alone, is a big step. And remember, it's okay to ask for help. That's something that is so difficult for many of us. I count myself in that group.

Please let me know your next steps to be evaluated, and what your professional team advises you, okay?
Ginger

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Is there really a cure for bipolar disorder out there other than antidepressants.My nephew has it and now living in the streets of Vancouver when the doctors didn't support him with a practical treatment.Its heartbreaking for his family

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@suhailfanous

Is there really a cure for bipolar disorder out there other than antidepressants.My nephew has it and now living in the streets of Vancouver when the doctors didn't support him with a practical treatment.Its heartbreaking for his family

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@suhailfanous It is indeed heartbreaking to watch a friend or family member with mental illness. I am not sure what you mean by practical treatment.

Like any other mental health, and physical health for the matter, condition, each person is different. That is, what works for one person may or may not be the correct route for someone else. It is generally understood there is no "cure" for bipolar disorder, but there is treatment available. This treatment can include medications and therapies. And importantly, actually, most importantly, the person suffering has to be ready/willing/able to address the issue and actively participate in the treatment.
Ginger

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