Bipolar II

[maillotpois]

My mom is bipolar also. She just told me this. I always knew there was something going on. It is tough for all involved.

[Catrin]

{{{Colorisnt}}} It did take courage to bring this up, and good for you in doing so. I am not bipolar, but do deal with depression and back when I was still on medication we found that SSRI meds create a "faux" bipolar problem as a side effect (bipolar is found in my family). That gave me a small taste of what it might feel like and it wasn't pleasant. Thankfully there are non-SSRI meds for depression but that is another topic.

Sadly mood disorders, and mental illness in general, are still taboo for many families to discuss, it is a hard topic. It sounds like you have been making some very positive steps and are working with some good people. Sending lots of hugs to you and a journal/log would be very helpful for you as you start to track what helps in this journey that you have begun.

[KnottedYet]

(((Colorisnt)))
Bipolar is in my family, too. Keep track of the meds, and speak up to your doc if you feel the meds aren't doing the right thing. Don't be shy! My aunt went through quite a few different ones before she found what worked, and the one that worked is great for her. Her husband helped advocate for her and was able to tell the docs what he saw with each med she tried.

[indysteel]

Colorisnt, how are you feeling today? Check in with us if and when you have a chance.

[colorisnt]

I'm feeling a little better after taking my meds this morning. Got a lot finished this morning and by that, I mean making sure that I am ready to go to work and feel well enough to do so. I am keeping a log, so that will help a bit. Did get some sleep and am looking MUCH better this morning because of it.

And as for group, I will have to find one that is not full of u-grads. I feel like that would be a bad idea seeing as I teach them and I would be petrified to come across one of my students. It would just be really awkward. If group sessions are affordable elsewhere, that is fine. But right now, it is looking like they will still be $30.00 a week, which I don't think I can spend right now.

I am trying to just see if I can work it out. It all makes me want to go back to England price-wise because I wouldn't be paying an arm and a leg for care.

[Crankin]

I understand not wanting to be in a group with your students. It's important to keep it all separate. If you are working with your university counseling center, maybe you could suggest a group for grad students. There might be an intern (we need our hours!) who would be interested in doing this.
Keep advocating for yourself.
There's mental illness in everyone's family. My family is still feeling the effects of a trauma that happened in 1918....

[Selkie]

My mother had Bipolar disorder, as well (the worst kind, where episodes result in psychosis). Starting in the early 60s, she went through every treatment/medication available, including old school ECT. The docs never really could get it under control until she was in her late 60s. Of course, back in the 60s-early 80s, mental illness was considered "shameful" so there was really no support for my dad or my siblings/myself. But I digress.
Colorisnt--thank God science has come a long way, as has society. You aren't alone. Everyone here has offered excellent advice. Sending you lots of good wishes.

[Ellie24]

Hey Colorisnt

Didn't quite manage to read all the posts, but not sure if anyone who answered actually had BP2, so thought I'd say hello.
I've been diagnosed for 3 years now, the 12 years prior to that they thought I had straight depression - but then I never went to a doctor during a hypomania, cos I thought I was fine. On Seroquel 200mg, bit drowsy in the mornings, but alright once I've biked to work (nothing like being rained on for waking me up).
After years of my mood crashing around all over the place, it is strange to have been (fairly) stable for 3 years, and I miss the energy sometimes, but overall, I think its better.
I did post grad study as well.
Hope you are doing ok at the moment, not sure where you are in the world, but I'm looking forward to the days getting longer and lighter and warmer, it always helps a bit.
Take care