Newbie

[Loveagate]

Hi everyone, I’m new to the group. I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and it’s been a hard pill to swallow. I’m hoping to find support and resources from others on how they cope and live with this disorder.

I still haven’t fully accepted it and I feel like I’m struggling alone at times.

[EleanorRose]

Hey

I don’t personally have bipolar disorder (I predominantly have OCD but also generalised anxiety and depression) but just wanted to say hi.

Having any diagnosis is tough, especially to begin with and it can feel like a lonely place. Reach out to those around you - close family and friends. I kept my struggles a secret for YEARS - I’m still not shouting it from the rooftops but having people I can confide it has made it so much easier on difficult days.

Forums like this are also great for support. I found this forum last summer when I was having a particularly difficult time and it really helped me to be able to post and have someone reply almost at any time of the day or night.

I used to (and still occasionally) say to my therapist, that I didn’t think I had OCD. We’d talk about things and I’d think, “that’s not me”

The reality is, it is, and I do have OCD. BUT not every day is bad, I’m not ALWAYS like that. You are much more than your diagnosis, it is just a part of your life, not your whole life.

I hope you find the help and support you need

[Loveagate in reply to EleanorRose]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have had other diagnoses two years ago, major depressive disorder and anxiety. It was easier accepting those because I how I felt at the time. When I got the bipolar diagnosis, I was alarmed because I hadn’t been feeling well for a few months but couldn’t identify what the problem was.

Just like you when I heard about the symptoms and behaviors, like you, I was like that is totally not me...but when I took some time to research and slowly take the information in, I agree that this is me. I’m learning each day to trust that this is not my whole life and I’ve survived so many setbacks that this is just another stepping stone. I’m happy to have found this group and I am hoping to receive additional support. I have a strong support system and I’m learning to not hide my feelings as much and reach out as needed.