1. < Mental Health

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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amimiof4 | @amimiof4 | May 6, 2023
In reply to @gingerw "@suhailfanous It is indeed heartbreaking to watch a friend or family member with mental illness. I..." + (show)
@gingerw

@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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How do you receive treatment without insurance? I have bipolar 1 and I have permanent neuropathy. I’ve been denied all help from social security. I have my credits. They say I have enough knowledge to work part time. How is that fair? I’m a burden to my family in every way right now. If not for them I would be homeless. I apologize as I am just so upset with the system and I’m venting. Prayers to all of you struggling as well.

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2 replies
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 6, 2023
In reply to @amimiof4 "How do you receive treatment without insurance? I have bipolar 1 and I have permanent neuropathy...." + (show)
@amimiof4

How do you receive treatment without insurance? I have bipolar 1 and I have permanent neuropathy. I’ve been denied all help from social security. I have my credits. They say I have enough knowledge to work part time. How is that fair? I’m a burden to my family in every way right now. If not for them I would be homeless. I apologize as I am just so upset with the system and I’m venting. Prayers to all of you struggling as well.

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@amimiof4 I'm sorry to hear you are not getting help you feel you deserve. Can you appeal the decision at all? I am not familiar with what help you would get from social security, would it be benefits and medical coverage? Perhaps a professional who is well-versed on disabilities can assist you in getting a decision in your favor?
Ginger

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1 reply
amimiof4 | @amimiof4 | May 6, 2023
In reply to @gingerw "@amimiof4 I'm sorry to hear you are not getting help you feel you deserve. Can you..." + (show)
@gingerw

@amimiof4 I'm sorry to hear you are not getting help you feel you deserve. Can you appeal the decision at all? I am not familiar with what help you would get from social security, would it be benefits and medical coverage? Perhaps a professional who is well-versed on disabilities can assist you in getting a decision in your favor?
Ginger

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Hi Ginger. I do have an attorney. It seems as if they have sent me to a third party, given the non reply email I received. And a PDF file with an incorrect address for me saying they sent an appeal off. It’s all been complicated. I’m physically challenged with the neuropathy. And have battled mental health issues my entire life. Most of my work history has been physical and not dealing with to many people. I greatly appreciate your response to me. It does help just by someone listening.

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 6, 2023
In reply to @amimiof4 "Hi Ginger. I do have an attorney. It seems as if they have sent me to..." + (show)
@amimiof4

Hi Ginger. I do have an attorney. It seems as if they have sent me to a third party, given the non reply email I received. And a PDF file with an incorrect address for me saying they sent an appeal off. It’s all been complicated. I’m physically challenged with the neuropathy. And have battled mental health issues my entire life. Most of my work history has been physical and not dealing with to many people. I greatly appreciate your response to me. It does help just by someone listening.

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@amimiof4 Well, dang it! Not even getting the correct address?! I hope you contacted them about that, and the fact it looks like they shuffled you off to a third party. Ask them why and if they do not feel they can handle your case, you'll find someone else. Go to your county bar association and ask for a referral to an attorney who handles appeals for social security benefits denials. Usually they have a website and you can search their database for specialties.

I sincerely hope you are able to find someone to assist you in this situation. I know from my own experience that it doesn't make you feel any better, when it seems you are "left by the wayside".
Ginger

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amimiof4 | @amimiof4 | May 7, 2023

Yes Ginger. They were contacted before the denial. I have been doing my own medical research. I’m very disappointed with them. I quit working February 2022. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I filed for SSDI in November 2021. Took that long for them to tell me I’m capable of working part time due to my knowledge. I wonder if they would hire a bipolar who has regular mood swings and isn’t capable of standing nor sitting long. I use a walker. Thanks again Ginger.

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hubert | @kuma | May 8, 2023
In reply to @gingerw "@moustaphagueye As you said, there will always be cloudy days [I like that phrase, by the..." + (show)
@gingerw

@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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Hi Ginger

Life takes us on an amazing adventure. We simply have to let it happen.

Namaste

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osusieq | @osusieq | May 8, 2023
In reply to @amimiof4 "How do you receive treatment without insurance? I have bipolar 1 and I have permanent neuropathy...." + (show)
@amimiof4

How do you receive treatment without insurance? I have bipolar 1 and I have permanent neuropathy. I’ve been denied all help from social security. I have my credits. They say I have enough knowledge to work part time. How is that fair? I’m a burden to my family in every way right now. If not for them I would be homeless. I apologize as I am just so upset with the system and I’m venting. Prayers to all of you struggling as well.

Jump to this post

Apply again for social security benefits. Get a lawyer if you don't think you can handle it by yourself. Attorneys are payed after you are approved and your benefits are retroactive to the first time you applied. Don't feel embarrassed, or hesitant to do this. Most benefits are denied the first time you apply. I have bipolar disorder and was approved with that diagnosis. Good luck and God bless.

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1 reply
amimiof4 | @amimiof4 | May 8, 2023
In reply to @osusieq "Apply again for social security benefits. Get a lawyer if you don't think you can handle..." + (show)
@osusieq

Apply again for social security benefits. Get a lawyer if you don't think you can handle it by yourself. Attorneys are payed after you are approved and your benefits are retroactive to the first time you applied. Don't feel embarrassed, or hesitant to do this. Most benefits are denied the first time you apply. I have bipolar disorder and was approved with that diagnosis. Good luck and God bless.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I do have a lawyer. It seems they sent me to a third party since I was denied. I have medical records stating bipolar 1. They didn’t even mention my neuropathy. They just said they believe I can work part time. Thank you for your response. God Bless you also.

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donaldcoomer28 | @donaldcoomer28 | Sep 15, 2023

My Suggestions for Effective Bipolar Disorder Treatment

The effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder often involves a combination of mood-stabilizing medications, psychotherapy (such as CBT or DBT), and lifestyle adjustments. Medication choices may vary depending on the specific type and severity of the disorder. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan and to maintain consistent medical supervision.....

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