How do you deal with being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder?

I myself am bi polar. Its a hard road to go on, but its doable and you can live fairly symptom free with the right support and medications. When telling your family and friends well, I would sit your family down (those who are most important to you) and then tell them you are bi polar. I think for them it will help them to know there are reasons for your past behaviors, and give them hope that things can change. When you do tell them let them know you are working with a octor to treat yoru mental illness and that you are doing what you need to do to get better and manage your symptoms. As to telling your friends, I don't really tell mine, unless i have to stay the night at their place and take my meds there. I have lived with it so long I suppose that I don't really think about it. (I was diagnosed at age 10) and when I am manic or something of the sort I do let my friends know that I apologize I am a bit out of it right now. most are very understnaind. In fact most were suprised to know I was bi polar. They just thought I was unique! As for how I cope with things, well when I am depressed I talk with a therapist, write poetry, and try to do something little each day. its hard to get out of bed some days but when I do get out, and either play on the computer, take a shower, or do my hair and makeup it helps. Just little things knowing I got out and was able to do it helps ease some of the depression. When I am manic I do things like crochete, bead, write, anything that is a steady consistant movement. It helps me not to feel like I am going to jump out of my skin or like I have to move move move. It also makes me feel like I have acomplished something, and keeps me from going out and spending all my money. This is one coping skill that has saved me more then then I care to admit! I would like to add, that there is nothing to be ashamed of when living with bi polar. If you learn to watch your symptoms, and find a good dr that will listen to you and help you build a support network of friends and family, you can lead a normal life. One thing tho I caution most about. When you are taking your meds and you feel better, you have to keep taking them to stay that way. If you go off them you will just end up back to where you were if not worse. Finding the right meds can be hard, but if you have a good support network you can get through it. One other thing that you can help your family realize as well that this is not another excuse is to have your therapist sit down with you when you tell them. This way they know your serious and are not trying to come up with an excuse as well. I hope this helps and if you would like to talk with me one on one just give m an im and I will shoot you my messenger names you can im me that way!

I am also bipolar!! And I can tell you that because i have the correct meds and dosage I have been doing very well the past 8 years! For many years, i was treated for depression because i would become withdrawn very quiet- wey unlike my true self. Then "mania" reared its ugly head and what a ride!! Felt like there was an engine running inside all the time and i could not turn it off!! I lost 20 lbs., droppinh to 104 and looked awful. Slept maybe 4hours then i was up and running again!! Finally, my hubby drove me to my dr. and he admitted me to the psych. floor!!! What an experience!! Had acomplete change of meds , the ones i am on now: Depakote ER, Anafranil, treats OCD, Pexeva treats depression and Effexor XR. I take everything at nighttimeexcept the Effexor. Thats a morning one as it has an energy boot in it. I have found and I don't know if you have tried this, i keep a journal. Sometimes i skipped a day or two, have to remind myself to make the the time. I have been in counseling before and now my copay is too much. I have had the same problem spending money, money on credit cards. am on SS Disability; lst 2 jobs i had my 'mania' resurfaced.. I would really enjoy 'talking' with you persay so let me know if you would like to PM here and/ or share email addresses!! Cannot wait to hear back from you! love my cats