The Bipolar Support Thread

[BippityBoppity87]

Hi everyone Just thought I'd start a shiny new thread for anyone who is suffering from bipolar disorder.

Hope everyone is ok!

My back is absolutely killing me it's at the top where the shoulder blades are. I don't know if it's the cold weather. Currently sitting with two pillows propped up on the sofa. Definitely getting old I think!

How is everyone else this evening?

I'm well. I've just took the Christmas tree down so now it just has to be put back in the attic, me and ds will do that tomorrow.

I'm terrible with money, never have any spare. I always have shopping in, I shop online to save going to the supermarket.

I got a text from DWP saying they have received my renewal but will most likely have to have a consultation with a health professional so that gives me something new to worry about.

I'm not going to get down about my PIP, worrying constantly does no good!

I'm getting my youngest ds school clothes ready, he doesn't go back till Tuesday, it will be a shock to the system. I was out at 7.15 this morning and it's so dark. I keep forgetting to take my vitamin d.

Hope you are all well today!

I'm feeling a bit better. Lack of sleep was a trigger for me. Felt like I was I was on another planet. Although I've been up since half 4 this morning again and I'm absolutely bloody freezing. Already had a shower and put the heating on and I'm still cold.

I had a letter from DWP saying they’re ready to make a decision about my PIP claim (why write only to say that?!), then a day or so later another DLA payment landed in my account so I guess they’re still thinking it over?

Glad we mostly all seem to have survived this far into 2019, I overdid the partying a little as usual but back on track now.

I have a therapy session tomorrow. Haven't seen her in about 3 weeks, so this shall be fun! I don't know whether to tell her about my moods, as I'm embarrassed about it. But I will ask about pip, I've broken 3 kettles in the space of a month, amongst other stupid things I've done. I need help. I can't manage time. The amount of times I've had to get a taxi that I can't afford to do because my time management is shocking. I am convinced I have ADHD.

How is everyone today?

Had my therapy session today, asked about pip. Not sure if I'm going to bother applying as I can hold down a job (just) but she said it might be worth doing, but I don't know. Spoke about my diagnoses. Said it's either type 1 or 2, but my psychiatrist will tell me in my next meeting. I told her about what happened the other day, but she just made a note of it and that was really it.

She just said that my meds might need altered whatever that means.

I would apply for PIP if I was you. I get low rate DLA (not yet had to reapply for PIP) & I also have a part time job.

Isn’t all bipolar type 1 or 2? As in, there are only two types.

Apply for pip, you do sound like you need a lot of help.

There’s also this concept of the ‘spectrum’ to include mood problems that don’t quite fit the types 1 or 2.

In uk my psychiatrists have always used the icd diagnoses of ‘bipolar affective disorder- last episode whatever’

www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/demystifying-psychiatry/201105/bipolar-spectrum-disorder-problematic-concept

I always thought it was a spectrum as well. Like autism is. My psychiatrist just says the bipolar spectrum. But I'll be seeing him in a couple of weeks and ask which one he thinks I have as I would like to know. I know some think it's better to treat the main symptoms than focus on the diagnoses, but I don't like that. Makes me feel like I'm stuck in limbo.

Can I ask for my medical record? And what has actually been written about me? I would like a copy of that too for future reference.

That’s interesting, I shall have to look into it more, I’ve always been told there are only two types.

I’m type 1, a very obvious type 1.

You can ask for your medical records, not sure if you have to pay for them, you had to a couple of years ago.

Will that include everything that the crisis team, therapist and psychiatrist have said? My therapist just said I'm either type 1 or 2. More towards 2 as I haven't been way up there manic.

Although I'm sure some people on this thread would beg to differ!

I honestly have no idea if that info would be on, your MH workers should be able to tell you.

Hope you and everyone else is ok today.

I don’t know if I’m ok. I feel like I’m not bipolar and there’s been a mistake in my diagnosis. I’ve not taken my meds today. I always feel exasperated at people who just stop taking their medication yet here I am

Also in terms of diagnosis my psychiatrist always said it didn’t matter - treatment would be the same, whether it was 1, 2 or cyclothymia (sp?). Ive had mania but can’t be classified as such because I was drinking at the time x

What’s making you feel your diagnosis is wrong carol?
Might it be a better idea to take your meds whilst you think and talk things through with your psychiatrist or cpn?

I often think that about myself and I think I'm fine. Or I just had a bit of a wobble. But when I speak to other people about it (as I lack insight when I don't know I'm unwell) when my mood is levellled, people will tell me I was not fine. Or I was very hyper.

I think I just go into denial sometimes, as I thought it was quite hard to diagnose? I got diagnosed within 6 months, which I thought is fairly quick?

I’m feeling so incredibly shit, just had to crawl upstairs to the bathroom, literally crawled. I have very little energy to move all of a sudden, my limbs are too heavy. Even typing is a chore.

Oh no @FissionChips what's wrong? Have you got a bug? Or just feeling generally crap?

No bug. Mood has plummeted. Trying to work up to sitting on the step outside for air.

Ah ok. I had really bad anxiety when I was depressed. Couldn't leave the house on my own. When I finally did, I went to the park and this dog went nuts running about everywhere. I almost had a full blown panic attack and I said to my DP I need to go home RIGHT NOW. It was awful, usually I don't react like that. But I suppose that's what depression and anxiety does to you. Hope you're ok