I was diagnosed with Bipolar/ manic depressive about 10 years ago. I never took at seriously even though I had a few mania episodes. I would quit taking my medicine. Last month I was in the hospital for Depression. Now I am taking this seriously because I want to learn more about it and share. I got off of drugs and alcohol in 1984. I learned that drinking and drugging is related to having this.

Hello Carolyn,

Welcome to the board. You have come to the right place to learn about your disorder, to find support, ways of coping, and to vent if you need to! We are a mixed group of people who have BP and those who love someone with BP who want to know more so we can support them better. I fall into the latter group, having a 25-year old son who has rapid cycling BP1.

I think the most valuable thing you can do for yourself is to gain as much knowledge as you can about BP, various treatments and the medications that are used to treat BP. It is important to have as much knowledge as possible so you can work in partnership with your pdoc and therapist. it is important to learn about the various medications so that you can participate in the choices that are available for treatment. When you know what the common side effects are, you are more able to notify your pdoc when something isn't working and can even make a suggestion as to what might work better. Sometimes doctors fall into a rut when prescribing meds so it helps to keep on top of this so you can make suggestions if need be.

Please post with your comments and questions. Also read through other threads to find the ones that interest you. There is a lot of good information on this board. Just a tip: if you have a question about something, you will get more input if you post a specific question -- when the title is too general, it seems to attract fewer responses.

I am glad you are now paying attention to your diagnosis and are actively working to learn to manage your disorder. And, again, welcome.

:wave: Tsohl

Hi Carolyn -

I'm glad that you found this board. It will be of much help in learning more about this disorder. Er, my message is a bit short but I just wanted to say welcome and that many of us are here with you.

Are you on any current medication?

Regards,
Paige