Okay. I'm Bipolar, What's Next

[Mine564]

Hey Everyone!

I'm new here. I'm 29 years old and just experienced my first Manic episode and have been diagnosed Bipolar. it is a long process and i know i have only just begun.

But NOW WHAT?? How do i tell the ones i Love?? Or Worse... WORK!!!

where do i go to talk about it. or get copping skills and help or people to talk about it with. And When i do get out the house to try this group or class, i show up and its more of a trigger than help. i guess I mean where do i find my "Kind" of crazy?? (Sorry i use humor when I'm nervous)

IDK Tell me your story, remind me I'm not alone. Its okay to Check out sometimes, to reevaluate life for purpose. I'm just Scared.

[Mine564]

P.S. I Suck searching online. i always fuck up the "Key Words"

[Hidden]

By saying group or class were you referring to group therapy?

[Mine564 in reply to Hidden]

Yes. Outpatient Group Therapy

[Hidden in reply to Mine564]

Group therapy isn't for everyone it can be triggering, you should try one on one

[c-l-g in reply to Hidden]

As a therapist, I found a well facilitated group can be more effective than one on one; especially for those that need to realize, that they have much to offer in a group setting, as well as get the benefit of those with similar struggles that are further in this journey and can share what has worked for them.

[Hidden in reply to c-l-g]

Don't look at it as a therapist try putting yourself in our shoes. Group therapy can be triggering for some well facilitated or not.

[c-l-g in reply to Hidden]

I understand and agree totally with you! It is a very valid statement.

I no longer practice due to Major Depressive Disorder and incapacitating (at times) generalized anxiety disorder which is directly related to various physical limitations.

Soooo, I guess you could say I've looked at life from both sides now...

Kept by His Grace, c-l-g

[Hidden in reply to c-l-g]

Im sorry, it's really not fair how mental illnesses can just mess everything up in our livesv

[c-l-g in reply to Hidden]

Please...you have no need whatsoever to apologize...

itz allll good...

[Mine564 in reply to c-l-g]

Haha yeah they offered me a job while I was there (24/7 mental health urgent care). I told them i was honored but wanted to gix myself beford i could help anyone else right now. I was freaking out inside, but as all mental health we are all fighting a war inside no one can see. I want to try another group but my small city can not afford to accommodate all types of mental illnesses groups so it's usually a lot of substances abuse looking for a bed or referral for a rehab. Having previously dated an addict it was not the setting for me. (One of the guys even looked like my ex. I had to walk by twice just to make sure it wasn't him.)

[gogogirl in reply to Mine564]

So- are you in the field of counseling since they offered you a job? That's cool.

[Hidden]

I am still trying to find my brand of crazy. It’s normal to be scared in your situation. If you weren’t scared then I would be worried.

[Marshall64]

Someone recommended a book on this forum called "Working in the Dark - Keeping your job while working with depression". I got it used for $5 on Amazon. I'm sure that it applies to bipolar. It addresses if you should tell people at work and legal rights. I just started reading it.

It is good you still have your humor. Craziness is relative. Some have it more than others. I seem to attract the cream of that crop (says something about me).

[Mine564 in reply to Marshall64]

Haha I know right. I always say "Well Crazy knows Crazy." Lol

[Mine564 in reply to Mine564]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check that out today!

[nottslass]

Think long and hard about who you tell. Some people hear 'Bipolar' and react to 'Schizophrenia'. Good luck. xxx

[c-l-g in reply to nottslass]

Cannot believe in this day and age of information, more people do not know one disorder is totally different than the other...

[Mine564 in reply to nottslass]

OMG Yes. looking up the law and my rights was the first thing i did. I didn't want to lose my job or any hope of advancing in my company. It's not like I knew I had this before I stared working here. Thank you

[LeeAllenAnderson]

Hang in there . I know it's hard. Feels like you are dying sometimes. I have very bad depression and anxiety. You not alone. You have a good place here with friends who you can talk to. Please feel free to contact me if you just need to talk.

[c-l-g in reply to LeeAllenAnderson]

Niiice!

[Mine564 in reply to LeeAllenAnderson]

Thank you, I will totally take you up on that offer

[gogogirl]

Well, I don't know what happened to you of course- but why do you have to tell work? Unless you need special reasonable accomodations- it is certainly more than fine to keep your personal life private. You might want to contact NAMI, and how about your support group of family/friends? You could also contact a therapist if you need one.

[Mine564]

Only because recently I've missed a lot of work due to doctors appointments, new medication (had a bad reaction causing some new phobias)

[gogogirl]

Well- unless someone asks or threatens to fire you- in my opinion at least this should be private. Plus- can you make appointments either before or after work? Also- do you have a union ?

[Mine564 in reply to gogogirl]

No. and they just let me go on Monday (my Doctors office took forever to fax over my note for my days off.) Im actually Relieved.

[gogogirl]

You got laid off?

[Mine564 in reply to gogogirl]

Yeah but I'm kinda relieved i don't have to face all the rumors or chatter. It was a great job, but it just wasn't for me right now. The stress wasn't good for my anxiety. I think I'm gunna get an easy hourly job manning a store or something easy for the time being but still be able to eat and pay rent

[gogogirl in reply to Mine564]

What kind of work were you doing if I may ask? As you know the hourly job does not pay the rent. I wish you the best. Sorry this happened.