I'm new with Bipolar

[MummyJoJo33]

I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and really struggling. I have 2 young children and I feel that I should be excited for Xmas but I'm dreading it. I get uncontrollable anxiety about everything and not coping well. Is anyone else feeling like this at the moment?

[Photogeek]

Hi there Jojo and welcome here. I don't have bipolar myself , Clinical Depression. It is always hard when we are first diagnosed, some people might feel frightened, I remember, I felt a bit frightened but at the same time it explained why I was anxious and didn't look forward to stuff like other people.

Xmas can be hard at the best of times, and with children you feel you have to put on an act of being all happy and wrapping presents and putting up trees etc. I can identify with you as I dint have children but I still feel I have to fame a certain amount of looking forward to Xmas, so your not alone with this feeling. I'm sure a lot of peop,e with Depression dread these occasions as we are kind of forced to appear happy. If IRS any comfort to you I have improved since I was first diagnosed, I'm much better now, so I don't want to paint an awful picture for you.

With Depression we have to have support and have strategys to help us, The basic ones are enough sleep, eat well and excercise. Also do some things that you enjoy. Read or listen to music or bake as I do. I realise with children you might.not have much time for you. Is your partner supportive?

Try to just take each day as it comes and do what you can, medication. Certain,y helps but there is no magic bullet. I'm glad you posted here as most people here are very kind and supportive, that helps , as it makes us feel less isolated. Also unless you have suffered from Depression it's hard for people to relate or understand and they might mean well, I know my own sister often says to me " What have you got to be Depressed about"? It's maddening when she keeps saying this as to be honest we can be Depeessed for no particular reason.

I was going to bed and saw your Post and didn't want to leave you without some kind of a reply. Other people here will be online maybe tomorrow and they will give you their twopence halfpen's worth.

Hope to talk to you again.

Hannah

[Satsuma]

Welcome MummyJoJo33 I have a condition which belongs to the bi polar family called Cyclothymia .. I rapid cycle. Yes I am struggling this time of year as too are many people. I also have GAD which has me up the wall. You are not alone.

[chloe40]

Hello there MummyJoJo33

Welcome to Action on Depression, we're very pleased to have you join us.

Chloe

[Hidden]

I can suffer the same, although I try and control my condition with Relaxation Techniques. You have the most delightful gift of all for Christmases that keeps on giving, your Children !!.

We are always around here. A very Merry Christmas to you and family

Keep a hold

BOB

[erin35paw]

Does anyone have experience taking lamitcal?

[roxynotgood]

hi hunni yes I feel the same I've been told im not bipolar but have really bed depression and feel useless. Put on a brave face over the stress I deal with every day ur not on ur own love x

[Reposting1]

I do hope those children pull you through Christmas . It's such an important time for them , I asked my wife this evening what she could remember getting for Christmas as a child and neither of us could but she went through them happily I hate Christmas , but, I shut up and cover it up.. Christmas is for children....... Make the best of their joy

[Allynmoo]

Hi jo jo. I hope you have reached this side of Christmas relatively unscathed! I totally get where you are coming from. Pretending is so hard and draining and for me the accompanying guilt for not liking all things Christmas debilitates me even more. I've four grown up children and one late in life youngster! so plenty of Christmases under my belt. What works for me is accepting how I will feel, whilst giving it my best shot. Your best, whatever it maybe is a great achievement. I know being honest to those around is just not an option for everyone. I've been a master of disguise for decades only now in my 50s have i started to be more honest. I'm lucky enough to get more understanding and acceptance. It's such a relief and took a monumental leap of faith.

Hang on in there and sending you a big hug

Ally