1. < Mental Health

Bipolar disorder, GAD, depression, arthritis and now emphysema

Posted by Mamaw @mamaw, Dec 20, 2017

Mental health, chronic pain from arthritis and now the emphysema has me looking at life differently. I'm an aunt, mom and grandma. Sometimes it can be a real struggle to put on the content with life face. Believe me though I don't think I would have it any different. Looking forward to meeting others.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Dec 20, 2017

Hi, @mamaw, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

You may be interested in reading some of this Mayo Clinic information on the conditions you mentioned:
-http://mayocl.in/2BGRheD, about bipolar disorder
-http://mayocl.in/2lfwKsP, about depression
-http://mayocl.in/2gIAPBa, about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

You may also want to check out our Lung Health group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-conditions/

Also, I'd like to introduce you to some members who have talked about some of the conditions you mentioned -- bipolar, generalized anxiety disorder or depression -- like @amberpep, @peach414144, @wendyw, @coloradogirl, @hoffman, @jimhd and @parus. Hoping you can all meet up here on this thread.

If you feel comfortable, will you tell us more about any symptoms you are experiencing currently from your GAD, bipolar or depression?

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 21, 2017

Hello @mamaw and welcome to Mayo Connect

We are so glad that you started this discussion and shared your thoughts! We have many Members who have discussed depression and the mask that many wear when they are trying to put forth their "happy, contented face" for the rest of the world. We know the struggle that is.

We look forward to supporting and encouraging you.

Teresa

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peach414144 | @peach414144 | Dec 21, 2017

hello @mamaw i am @peach414144 and yes i am bipolar. i found that if i accept the diagnosis and work with it it all seems to come together enough to work with it. that is with all it's ups and downs. hope i can help the both of us. there is one thing i find is important. we have been living with this for all of our lives so now we get to improve upon it. i am not an m.d. but just one of us, a human being. with good wishes and welcome to the pack.

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charlie75 | @charlie75 | Jan 1, 2018

Hi Mamma,
I have read your initial sharing with our group. I can identify with your diagnosis.....I most recently joined this group, and I have suffered with Bi-Polar 1, Alcoholism (Self-Medicated for 22 years) and subsequently Sleep Apnea, COPD, CAD, and Kidney Disease. My Bi-Polar first manifested when I was 17 years old. I didn't understand why my personality changed and it became difficult to interact with others. I began drinking and stopped maturing. In order to get along (function) with others, I would study people and then act as they did. I wasn't diagnosed with Bi-Polar until age 30. I tried antidepressants and lithium. Lithium made me a neutral person - didn't feel anything. Antidepressant made me manic. I couldn't drink with these meds. so I decidd that nothing was wrong with me. Ten years later, I became a member of AA, quit drinking, and believed that my problems had been solved. I continued to suffer from depression and mania. I finally asked for help when I was 68. I've been on several medications and had some relief. Of course, I've been hospitalized a few times, but most recently in a psych ward due to being weaned off of my Cymbalta. I was treated in the hospital, and started on two meds and I have responded in a very positive way. The treatment received in the hospital was so very good. I finally accepted the fact that I am Bi-Polar
and the acceptance has really freed me from negative feelings. I just wanted to share my story with you. There is hope for us. I hope you find a Doctor that really helps you.

Charlie75

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2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 2, 2018
In reply to @charlie75 "Hi Mamma, I have read your initial sharing with our group. I can identify with your..." + (show)
@charlie75

Hi Mamma,
I have read your initial sharing with our group. I can identify with your diagnosis.....I most recently joined this group, and I have suffered with Bi-Polar 1, Alcoholism (Self-Medicated for 22 years) and subsequently Sleep Apnea, COPD, CAD, and Kidney Disease. My Bi-Polar first manifested when I was 17 years old. I didn't understand why my personality changed and it became difficult to interact with others. I began drinking and stopped maturing. In order to get along (function) with others, I would study people and then act as they did. I wasn't diagnosed with Bi-Polar until age 30. I tried antidepressants and lithium. Lithium made me a neutral person - didn't feel anything. Antidepressant made me manic. I couldn't drink with these meds. so I decidd that nothing was wrong with me. Ten years later, I became a member of AA, quit drinking, and believed that my problems had been solved. I continued to suffer from depression and mania. I finally asked for help when I was 68. I've been on several medications and had some relief. Of course, I've been hospitalized a few times, but most recently in a psych ward due to being weaned off of my Cymbalta. I was treated in the hospital, and started on two meds and I have responded in a very positive way. The treatment received in the hospital was so very good. I finally accepted the fact that I am Bi-Polar
and the acceptance has really freed me from negative feelings. I just wanted to share my story with you. There is hope for us. I hope you find a Doctor that really helps you.

Charlie75

Jump to this post

Hello @charlie75

Your post is so descriptive of so many who have been diagnosed Bipolar. Your story will be encouraging to others who read it. At Mayo Connect, we all learn from each other's experiences.

Teresa

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charlie75 | @charlie75 | Jan 2, 2018
In reply to @charlie75 "Hi Mamma, I have read your initial sharing with our group. I can identify with your..." + (show)
@charlie75

Hi Mamma,
I have read your initial sharing with our group. I can identify with your diagnosis.....I most recently joined this group, and I have suffered with Bi-Polar 1, Alcoholism (Self-Medicated for 22 years) and subsequently Sleep Apnea, COPD, CAD, and Kidney Disease. My Bi-Polar first manifested when I was 17 years old. I didn't understand why my personality changed and it became difficult to interact with others. I began drinking and stopped maturing. In order to get along (function) with others, I would study people and then act as they did. I wasn't diagnosed with Bi-Polar until age 30. I tried antidepressants and lithium. Lithium made me a neutral person - didn't feel anything. Antidepressant made me manic. I couldn't drink with these meds. so I decidd that nothing was wrong with me. Ten years later, I became a member of AA, quit drinking, and believed that my problems had been solved. I continued to suffer from depression and mania. I finally asked for help when I was 68. I've been on several medications and had some relief. Of course, I've been hospitalized a few times, but most recently in a psych ward due to being weaned off of my Cymbalta. I was treated in the hospital, and started on two meds and I have responded in a very positive way. The treatment received in the hospital was so very good. I finally accepted the fact that I am Bi-Polar
and the acceptance has really freed me from negative feelings. I just wanted to share my story with you. There is hope for us. I hope you find a Doctor that really helps you.

Charlie75

Jump to this post

Hi Teresa,

Thank you very much for the kind words and support.

Charlie75

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georgette12 | @georgette12 | Jan 4, 2018

welcome to the group! I know I speak for us all when I say you will receive lots of comfort and encouragement here!

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charlie75 | @charlie75 | Jan 4, 2018

Hi georgette12,

Thank you for the supporting reply. I appreciate your taking the time to read my statement.

Charlie75

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Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Oct 17, 2018

Hello, @mamaw - how are you? How is your mental health, pain and your emphysema?

@georgette12 - wondering about how you've been?

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