PP 2012 now recent diagnosis of Bipolar

[lgreen]

Hi ladies and Cupcake 201 for starting this thread it has been exactly what I needed to hear and read that I am not alone. I had PP back in 2012 I have been fit and well off all meds for 7 years. Then out of the blue early during lockdown I had serious hyper mania episode and was told I was prodromal (stage before Psychosis) crisis team diagnosed me as Bipolar and now feel left totally out on a limb as CMH can't get in touch with me before August. How do I get more information on the level of bipolar I am?

[Cupcake201]

Hi Igreen, I find the Bipolar UK charity really helpful too as I spoke to someone who told me what to expect with my recent diagnosis and recommend I read bipolar disorder the ultimate guide which I have just started reading and it is really useful and helpful, also APP peer support have been amazing too xx

[lgreen in reply to Cupcake201]

Thanks cupcake, how did you get a specific diagnosis of level of bipolar? Was that through CMH and do you mind me asking are you on lithium? Everyone seems to be on that and I am not ans I am still on quite heavy sleeping tablets which I'm told should be short term but I'm scared to change and medication until I am actually under someone in CMH.

[Cupcake201 in reply to lgreen]

Hi got a diagnosis through a psychiatrist, no I am on Olanzapine an antipsychotic and I am now on the correct dose so I now feel like the normal me 😀, I am also under the my local mental health team.

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hello Igreen,

how are you coping with your new diagnosis?

I was diagnosed in 2018 by Professor Ian Jones via Cardiff University.

Since then I have been contributing to Research "True Colours" with Worcester University . This tracking system has helped me a lot to identify my cycling Bipolar. I can follow a pattern in the given graphics. In addition I have created questions that help me to follow routine and enhance quality of life. Therefore diary keeping is very useful. At the beginning I downloaded mood charts, but there are also some good apps available "mood tracker".

In addition the research team is also very responsive and now asked whether I could contribute to additional research questions as they want to identify whether COVID 19 affects my well being, because of my chronical condition.

In order to keep well I have tuned into my body more than usual and find therapeutic avenues are appropriate tools that cover my needs.

I received Reiki for 30 hours and now study for Reiki 1and2, either for intensifying self help Reiki and Chakra balancing and maybe eventually combine that with my recently acquired level 3 art therapy course in order to help and support.

New times demand light and positivism within oneself and hope for others when struggling.

Take good care, we are here to listen...doing Garden therapy now...my tomatoes need some love

x