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Posted , 5 users are following.

vxwilson
vxwilson

hi, today i was diagnosed with bipolar. its a bit overwhelming but i just wanted to as like minded people some advice about it as i have no family or any support around me. ive been pt onto epilim chrono medication, does anyone else take this type of medication? does anyone have any tips on how to cope with bipolar as im not sure how to deal with it as its all so new to me

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • karin65289
    karin65289 vxwilson

    Posted

    Hi, e

    Saying that your diagnosis was overwhelming is an understandment. It may take awhile to absorb that information. In the meantime do you have a counselor or therapist who ean help you navigate this diagnosis? If not, I strongly suggest getting a referral. I think it's extra important if you don't have family and extended support. I am on my own as well and am grateful to have a counselor.

    The medication you've been prescribed is volproate sodium (chrono in the UK) I am not familiar with this drug, but it is used for treating bipolar disorder. It appears to take a couple of weeks to reach max effiecency.  You should be able to read up on it online.  

    I can't write more tonight, just wanted to say hello again and send some encouragement. 

  • Lizzie46881
    Lizzie46881 vxwilson

    Posted

    Hi there

    I was on Epilim Chrono for years  (I'm bipolar II) and it played a major part in my recovery, eventually I was able to come off it and am now on an anti-dep (Citalopram) and an anti psychotic (Risperidone), a combination which has kept me stable for a long time (I was diagnosed in 1998).  So I'd say its a good med and so stick with it.  Only side effect I experienced was weight gain, but that seems common for lots of these psychotropic drugs.

    I feel for you not having a support network as I was lucky to have a single friend who 100% stuck with me and managed to keep my mum and family on side as well.  I echo what your other responder said, which is get some good counselling, I had Human Givens counselling for a few years and it really helped me to recover.  

    I haven't had an episode for years now and give thanks every day.  I wish you well

    xxxx

    • vxwilson
      vxwilson Lizzie46881

      Posted

      Hi lizzie sorry for the long response but thank you so much for your kind words I have my first meeting with a care coordinator tomorrow so hopefully she will keep me on the right track and help me handle it as it is hard, I do have friends but they don't understand and just tell me to "snap out of it!" Haha easier said than done! I wish you well and hope that you're staying strong! Thanks for the tips and advice! Xo

  • suem2802
    suem2802 vxwilson

    Posted

    Top tip keep taking the tablets, if they don't suit you and go back to the doctor and they may try something else, unsure on medication bipolar is a lot easier to deal with on medication than without and if you need any further advice you can email me any time thank you,
  • krista57711
    krista57711 vxwilson

    Posted

    I am bipolar too. I have had was sectioned twice in 2010, I have been on quetiapine since I was diagnosed. The best thing to do is keep on medication work closely with doctors seek therapy should if you feel your not coping so well.

    Also find friends through hobbies, groups.

    It's hard to take the news at first but more easy as time goes by and knowing the signs and what to look out for with bipolar is going to benefit in the long run too.

    All the very best.

    • vxwilson
      vxwilson krista57711

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the kind words and advice, I wish you the best of luck in the future with your bipolar and stay strong xo
  • karin65289
    karin65289 vxwilson

    Posted

    Hi again,

    How are you doing now? You certainly had a lot to digest last week - and I'm sure it's not over. How is your medication working, you know it can take a bit to kick in. Once the meds are working, life is likely to fall back into place. Know there are lots a good wishes for you. 

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