Lithium and Bipolar 2

[Squidney]

I was first diagnosed with Bipolar 2. Prescribed Lithium about 10 years ago. Got off of that drug, after also being diagnosed with ADHD (which I have always known that I had as well as Anxiety and Autism). Is any of this common? I have currently been diagnosed with what I call my personal cornucopia of mental illnesses. Hope you all are quite well and taking care of yourselves. Have a great rest of your week.

[AltoSax72]

Hi. I've got Bipolar and ADD and clinical anxiety. I have been on all kinds of meds for the past 30 years. I'm on Ritalin for my ADD and so far has slotted in OK with my BP meds. It's quite a ride !

[Zuku42]

Hello Squidney!

Thank you for sharing your situation with us. I'm no expert, but I do believe that it's not uncommon at all for people with ADHD to have comorbidities. I have been struggling with issues of anxiety and depression for most of my life. I've been coming to know my own cornucopia of mental issues, and it is exhausting.

Sadly, I feel like the doctors have never really seen me. I guess part of that is me, I don't know how they could see things that I hide and explain away. I also don't know how they could have missed some of what I'm dealing with. Either way, since I've started down the path of recognizing my ADD last September and asking for help, I've been getting clearer ideas of who I am. The frustrating part, aside from just the daily trials and tribulations, is that the picture keeps getting more complicated as it gets clearer. Like a blurry picture of a complicated machine that is just a few simple blobs when it's out of focus, but reveals a creation of baffling complexity as the picture comes into focus. The cornucopia grows, and it daunts me.

I feel very lucky to have discovered this community because it's been a great help! If nothing else, it is helpful to know that I'm not alone, and I daresay that neither are you, Squidney. Currently, I must away and attend to things. I hope you have a great day!!