Recently diagnosed with Bipolar II(had a wrong diagnosis), will it ever get better?
Posted , 5 users are following.
Dear kind people who went through hell because of mental illness,
I am a 19 year old, who has been treated from severe depression for 2 years unsuccessfuly,
one attemp of suicide, and two hospitalizations. Luckily last time I was
hospitalized there was a bipolar specialist who quickly realized that my diagnosis was
wrong(I have bipolar II) the entire time and I got proper meds for mine.
I take Seroquel, Eftil(I don't know what it's called in the US, but it's used usually for epileptic
episodes), Pregabalin(Lyrica), and I'm tapering off of Clonzaepam which I used to take for
anxiety.
I don't have manic episodes, I have slight hypomania, but very rarely. Most of the time my episodes
are depressive and I feel like I don't wanna live. I feel sadness and cry most of the time.
These meds so far got me a bit more balanced, and the psychological pains are not nearly
as bad.
I wanted to ask if anyone with bipolar II has got their life together?
My college is starting in roughly 10 days, and I hope that days with structure(having to
wake up and go to college, study and so on) will help me get out of my own thoughts.
I have distanced myself from almost all friends, or some have abandoned me because I'm not
doing good. (You're just spoiled, you have everything, you have no reason to be sad etc.)
I wanna hear if anyone is functioning normally, and how did you get to that stage?
Because the more I stay in my depressive episode, the more suicidal I get, and most
of the time I don't see an exit other than suicide.
Any tips to get better? Is it even possible?
2 likes, 5 replies
Patient andrejj10
Posted
Hi andrejj10
We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologies for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.
If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The Samaritans offer a safe space where you can talk openly about what you are going through. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.
Their contact details are on our patient information leaflet here: https://patient.info/health/dealing-with-suicidal-thoughts, which also offers lots of other advice on how you can access the help you may need.
If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to the team at the Samaritans (or the other people detailed in our leaflet) who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.
Kindest regards
Patient
ally08356 andrejj10
Posted
Hello.
I was diagnosed late in life, but suffered before my diagnosis with bipolarll. Does it get better? mostly yes. I finished a degree, I work full time and have a supportive partner. The antidepressants and lamotrogine (its an anti epileptic medication) I take help. A routine is a great idea, getting stressed really can muck things up!! Regular exercise, even 30 minutes walking a day is good, along with meditation. I see a psychiatrist every 3 months and a psychologist once a month or so, but more if I feel like I need a bit of extra support. Money is tight but thats what I have to do to keep on an even keel.
When a depressive cycle hits its so tough. I have had 2 really bad episodes in the last 6 years or so. It's like walking through knee high sludge and everything is black.
But it goes away. I might think of suicide, but I know it isn't an option. If you take anything from this, remember that. No matter how awful it seems, you matter, you make a difference and you are worth it. You have a place in this world so hang onto it.
Good kàrma vibes and hugs
Ally
bruce47310 andrejj10
Posted
Hi Andreji,
I have been recently diagnosed as bipolar. I am taking olanzapine 2.5mg and also Epilim 100mg daily.
Three years ago I was "sectioned" into the psychiatric unit at the local hospitaland was there for around a month.
Now I am tapering off the Olanzapine bit by bit, the Epilim is not scrambling my brain like the Olanzapine did, and I have my mind and my life back.
Eating healthy food helps,et routines help, exercise heps, a sower and clean clothes daily (no matter how bad you feel) helps, calming sootihng music (ie classical or 60bpm) helps, meditation and mindfulness both help.
Alcohol does not help.
There is light at the end of the tunnel: I am living proof of that.
Those are my words of encouragement for you today, hope they help you.
bruce47310
Posted
Sorry that should have read "Epilim 1000mg daily"
terra07405 andrejj10
Posted
Hi you are not alone! I'm 60 years old and it took years to get the right diagnosis. 4years ago I was so depressed because I thought things would never get better,besides having bipolar disorder I have fibromyalgia which causes severe pain and chronic dizziness so I took a lot of pills because I wanted to diet.I was in the hospital for two months it was then that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Its taken a long time to get my meds just right now I'm glad I lived. My doctors understand how it's affecting me. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, I had to change my expectations and now I'm content with my life. I find I can do a lot if I pace myself and it makes a big difference. Hang in there things can improve.