Newly Diagnosed to Bi-Polar - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

nicolerenae · 01-31-2008, 09:26 AM

I'm new to posting...my life has changed so much in just 2 months since being diagnosed with bi-polar! I went from being a very successful supervisor to being hospitalized due to mania and psychosis, almost missing my only sister's wedding, and now down to working a part-time position and barely making it. I'm on Zyprexa and Lithium. I feel as though I could sleep my life away. It's the only satisfaction I seem to get. During my waking hours I'm full of sadness and try so hard to get out of feeling that way. What are some fun activities I can do with my family to help me get out of this "funk"? I've tried walking. It's been so dreary outside, too. I just need someone to talk to.

steamrollhehe · 01-31-2008, 02:11 PM

Hi Nicolerenae,

Welcome to the Boards! I think you will find this a warm, advice-filled, friendly place. I love it.

I'm sorry you feel that way, I have too and it is not so fun, I know. Have you tried playing a family game? Preferably a fun, silly game that gets you all to laugh. We like Charades, but that might just be us. I have also found that getting out helps me, it doesn't really matter where, even to the grocery store will work.

I hope you feel better,
--steamroll

seaturtle · 01-31-2008, 11:47 PM

Hello,

Welcome, you've got good company here. I am sorry that happened to you; lots of us here know what it's like to have your entire life just fall apart because of this illness.

As far as I know, medication can do a lot to lift that depression. Maybe ask your pdoc about starting an antidepressant like Wellbutrin? This has helped me, as has Lamictal, a mood stabilizer and antidepressant in one.

These months are the hardest, too. I find that getting regular, moderate exercise is a must for me, as is keeping in contact with other people, much as I may feel I want to be alone. Having someone to talk to helps a bunch, and keeping busy with something, even cleaning, whatever. These and my cats are the things that keep me going at times when it's just tough.

Are you in therapy, and can you go a support group? I am in both, and at the moment, find the group support most valuable.

Please keep posting here. I'm sure others will answer you and be here for you. And hang in there.

Seaturtle

sassy8 · 02-01-2008, 10:39 AM

Hi nico It's hard to find out you have such a life changing illness. Be proactive and take your medications. My family and I like to go to lawn sales. We like to go to amusement parks. Get on rides that are fun but not too, scary. We also go to have our pictures taken where we dress up as gangsters or some weird charcters. Mostly places where we can just forget our problems and just laugh. Take care. Look forward to reading your post Sassy

CarenR · 02-01-2008, 02:08 PM

I am so sorry you have to experienced this.. I had a simialer thing happen to me.. one day I started hallucinating and then I find myself in a hospital very drugged with Zyprexa... by the way I still take zyprexa every night for year and one half and I havent had one hallucination since I started on this medicine.