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ASilentObserver profile picture
Myth vs. Fact: Bipolar Disorder
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 September 2nd
...See more Hello everyone,  As we celebrate Bipolar Disorder Awareness Week! (March 24th - 30th) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/bipolar/General_2419/JoinUsforBipolarDisorderAwarenessWeekMarch24th30th_349292/], We invite you to join us here to share personal experiences, take our small steps to foster empathy, and offer encouragement and support to each other. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and so it is important to have a safe and inclusive space where one can able to share their experiences and emotions without any judgment. It is so common for bipolar disorder to be misunderstood.  Some myths and misconceptions can lead to stigma, confusion, and even stop people from seeking the support they need. So this discussion is dedicated to separating fact from those misconceptions. Here are a few common myths that I noticed: Myth 1: Bipolar disorder means extreme mood swings from happy to sad. While significant mood changes are a core feature of bipolar disorder, it is more complex than simple "ups and downs."  Mania can involve increased energy, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep.  The intensity and duration of these mood episodes vary from person to person. Myth 2: People with bipolar disorder are dangerous and violent. This is such a harmful and inaccurate stereotype.  The majority of people with bipolar disorder are not violent.  Similar to us, they can experience a range of emotions and behaviors.  Untreated mania or severe depression can sometimes increase the risk of impulsive behavior, but with proper treatment and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can live stable and fulfilling lives. Myth 3: Bipolar disorder is caused by a lack of willpower or a character flaw. It is a mental health condition with a strong biological basis.  As per research, it involves imbalances in brain chemistry, genetic factors, and environmental influences.  It is not a matter of personal weakness or a lack of moral character.  Now it is your turn. Please share:  * What are some other myths you have heard about bipolar disorder? * Have you encountered any misconceptions in your own life? * What helps you challenge these myths and promote understanding? We look forward to reading your experiences and supporting you. Let's work together to create an understanding and supportive community for those who are affected by bipolar disorder. 
ASilentObserver profile picture
Sharing Our Stories & Building Understanding ✨✨
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 September 1st
...See more Hello everyone,  As we celebrate the Bipolar Disorder Awareness Week! (March 24th - 30th) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/bipolar/General_2419/JoinUsforBipolarDisorderAwarenessWeekMarch24th30th_349292/], we invite you to join us here to share personal experiences, taking our small steps to foster empathy, and offering encouragement and support to each other. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and so it is important to have a safe and inclusive space where one can able to share their experiences and emotions without any judgment. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. People with bipolar disorder 1  experience periods of intense highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can disrupt daily life and lead to challenges in relationships, work, and school.   People with Bipolar 2 has their own challenges and struggles as well.   That is why sharing our stories and experiences can help to reduce the stigma and misconceptions associated with bipolar disorder. It can also help spread awareness, educate others about the condition, and support those affected. When we share our experiences, we create a sense of community and let others know that they are not alone. So how can you participate? We encourage you to share your personal experiences with bipolar disorder, whether you are living with the condition yourself or have a loved one who is affected. You can share your story here in this thread for support and discussion. If you are uncertain what to share, here are some questions that may help you share: * What is it like to live with bipolar disorder? * How has bipolar disorder affected your life? * What are some of the challenges you have faced? * What are some of the things that have helped you to cope with bipolar disorder? * What advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder? We look forward to reading your experiences and supporting you. Let's work together to create an understanding and supportive community for those who are affected by bipolar disorder. 
MistyMagic profile picture
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support taglist - add or remove yourself here!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 July 25th
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating taglist please do not edit it. To see the current list, go to: Bipolar Support Taglist [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/taglist?da226773818d8c404001cc760683e4de]. To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words "Please add me." To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button above and write �the exact words, "Please remove me." [Updated by @M4GIC on 10-02-22 for current taglist] Please use this New Taglist This post was last updated - 23 Sept 2023 by MistyMagic 206 people: @19jackrabbit69 @A4SPSRDS @Accentus @Acidkplatypus @acupofkai2 @alleywood13 @Amara34 @Ambitioustalker770 @Amld27 @Anna0319 @AnyaS @ApolloKafka @ArianMartian @AvidGamer293 @babysquirrel @Basiljwils @BearWithMe23 @bestBraveheart57 @Bre1237cupslistener @brokeninnc21 @BrokenTearss @BubbleGum928 @BugsYBunny @BunnyInTrouble @ByzantinePrussia @CaitieDid @CaliforniaViv @carefulAcres8381 @cassidychase @celticbard1018 @CharlieHorse1991 @CHarmingTime @cherishx0 @cherrytsubaki20 @Cheryllll @chyni @colorfulJoy4237 @colorfulRose3248 @Comeonreally @concavepearl97 @courageousLychee7497 @curtisw @cyanPlatypus6370 @Cybe @Cyhyreath @DannyB140 @decisiveBeechwood1142 @decisiveLychee3669 @Dimara @Divabrown @Doubledee25 @DragonessCocoa1 @dreamangel135 @DreamingofDakota @Drummermattrocks @DtoxfyBrainPurifyHeartRectfySoul @EcheverianDuchess @egret35 @elatedpeach152 @emju2401 @Endure777 @Ernaest @eternaldarkness22 @evedison358 @EvilRegalsReadToo @fairmindedIdea88161 @fancysummer52 @fearlessCurrent357 @feile @FlamingosWearLipstick @FleetingBardSong @forcefulCamp2310 @FriendlyWords623 @funnyOwl2072 @Gamerboy80 @gentleNight53 @Gerlesa @ghostEyes4970 @giraffe2011 @greenTiger1474 @guatemexicana @GupsyMoon @Haveaneed123 @hazerhea @Helloloves3 @hereforyouharzi @hillsideblues @hopesmiles8825 @Hotaru419 @humorouscarf805 @iamlayan @Iheartguineapigs @IloveCheance45 @Imafilthyhumanbeing @indigoRaspberries4203 @Isabellyjelly @Jacquemoos @jaedae @Janica88 @JeraTheWitch @Jewelmoon17 @jitterbugz7 @JulieHeartHeart @JusticiaPrimalDorogo @justmiles @kindheartedWords6803 @kixhd @Kynz15 @lalabrowni @Laylina0862 @learningtolovemyself1995 @LiineTheFox @limeWatermelon8742 @littleBunny7322 @Looj @lostinspace2002 @luumuno @MadHatter77 @mam1022984 @Mamamel @Marie747 @MarieLane727 @MarissaHope @marytodd11 @me0wcat @MemoryWriter11 @Micp5150 @MieraCurie @Mikababy10 @MindyBlossom @MistyMagic @Moistpillow @MostlyQuiet @mrskim @muskoka @mxmes @nongelic @NotFelixHere @notmyselftoday @NovaDiem @nzv4018 @octopus82 @Orangecat5093 @orangeLake8341 @OscarPerez85 @pandaprincess9 @passZebra3015 @PeachieCat @pepearso @persistentZebra1289 @pinkHickory69001 @placidChestnut8165 @placidMoth @plantmom17 @PrincessAir @princesstears @RaghadR0 @Raimio @rainyday768 @Rambino @Ravenalexis86 @repen13 @RicochetJaguar @RiverJumper2 @Roscoe55 @Roses12 @rrretsuko @Ruidosa @RyuLawliet @SadAFSeth @sailorsays @Selfsufficientfaith @sensibleAvocado4381 @ShadowTag @sisan @soaringgoose @sofiamartino18 @softlyy @softSoul2166 @Soulcomfort @stellarluna0816 @Stuckatcrossroads @SummerHope1904 @SunshineRainbows123 @supertiredbipolarlawyer @sweetPink22 @Talktome929 @Tatianaalize @Tawanda526 @tealDrum7170 @TheDude0156 @Thementalhealth @thequietmouse @tidyPunk49 @toughLion8324 @TranquilSarah @triddett1 @Turn2belle @Vir44 @whatshername79 @WhiteRhino333 @willoltz88 @xelimious @xinyii11 @Zerlyna @zerotwo22
cheerfulcutegirl85 profile picture
Dunno what to do
by cheerfulcutegirl85
Last post
 Saturday
...See more I have had schizophrenia for 18 years,.......... I like this guy,.... But from ***, he's clearly married and with child or children..... But I can't seem to forget about him and our chats at a chat site,..... He can't be contacted anymore,.... I just want to move on and find my own happiness,....! It has been too many years to count,.... I had some online boyfriends and 1 real life boyfriend..... I don't know what to do....... I know I definitely don't want to work,..... Maybe I can go to the mall coffee shop to meet someone,???? Any ideas on what I can do to forget about him???!
GalaxyDreamer28 profile picture
Starting New Medication
by GalaxyDreamer28
Last post
 September 11th
...See more Hello reader, I am diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2, and I’ve been struggling to find the right medication for me. My psychiatrist has switched me from Latuda to Zyprexa, and I’m so anxious. I was on the highest dose for Latuda, and that didn’t help me enough, so I’m just hoping that this new medication will be life changing for me. I’ve been in a depressive episode for a long time, and I’m just ready to be out of it. I’ve also started a new job too, so I’m hoping the transition to the new medication will go smoothly for me, and I won’t be in crisis during it. I’ve informed my partner, and I have him for support. I really don’t want to have to take Lithium, so I’m praying that Zyprexa works for me.
BipolarBumbleBee profile picture
Going off meds
by BipolarBumbleBee
Last post
 September 11th
...See more Hi. So I've been thinking of going off of my meds recently because I just don't like who they've made me become. I don't ever really feel happy, I don't enjoy things I use to and I feel like a whole part of me is missing. I used to be really creative. I would write and draw and decorate from my own imagination and now I can't access that part of myself. I know the meds are doing their job by stabilizing my moods and minimizing the symptoms, but I wanted to get my old self back. I've been on my current dosage of meds for a over year now and frankly I don't feel like playing the long game of trial and error anymore. I also want to say that no I'm not going to simply stop. I am going to talk to both my therapist and psychiatrist about it. I really would like to know what people's experiences have been going off their meds. Do you feel more like your oldself? Do you feel like the old you is just dead, gone and lost forever? Do you feel better or worse? Do you think it's best to just keep trying new cocktails of meds until something feels right?
Neodike profile picture
Bring Cars
by Neodike
Last post
 September 10th
...See more Hi I'm running a car business so i need cars for sale
jeslynhackler profile picture
New
by jeslynhackler
Last post
 September 6th
...See more Hello everyone. My name is Jes, and I am new here. I've been on 7cups before in the past - probably ten years ago maybe? Possibly five or six. LOL. Anyway I have bipolar 1 and have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I know this group isn't for bpd, so I'll stick with framing my posts around the bipolar diagnosis. Anyway, I just joined the group and wanted to introduce myself.
reliableKiwi3249 profile picture
Schizophrenia and employment
by reliableKiwi3249
Last post
 September 5th
...See more I have been pretty depressed lately cause of the job i left after 5 months of working. I couldn't do there anymore so i had to leave . How are you people doing in employment. Schizophrenia really takes away a lot of our abilities. Thank you . See you in chat
Anna0319 profile picture
Trauma Bond
by Anna0319
Last post
 September 4th
...See more Hi, there. I have Schizoaffective disorder and anxiety, and I've also been abused throughout the years. I feel like I've been trauma bonded to certain things such as 911 because my dad used to control me with it. I could use your help. Thank you.
Mendy2415 profile picture
Need advice…HELP
by Mendy2415
Last post
 September 3rd
...See more I’m dealing with something with my sister and it’s been giving me a lot of anxiety. I’m not really sure how to handle it, and I mostly just need someone to talk to about it. Basically, there’s this guy she used to talk to. They aren’t together, but she has become convinced that he’s stalking or monitoring her. At first, I didn’t really know what to think. But then she started connecting different things to him. For example, she believes that songs he puts on his YouTube Music playlist are actually messages meant for her. She’ll look at certain songs or things online and interpret them as him trying to communicate with her. It’s also become religious for her. She believes God is giving her signs or directly confirming that this guy is stalking her. Because of that, it’s really difficult to get her to consider that there could be another explanation, because to her it isn’t just a suspicion—she feels like God has confirmed it. Then there’s a woman she found on social media who sells a book. From what I can see, the account looks like a normal woman’s account, but my friend believes this woman is actually the guy pretending to be a woman so that he can get closer to her and keep tabs on her. What worries me is that all of these separate things seem to be becoming connected for her. Songs, social media accounts, things she notices online, and signs from God all seem to lead back to this same guy in her mind. She has also talked about contacting him because of what she believes is happening, and that made me even more worried. I don’t know if this is psychosis or something else, and I’m not trying to diagnose her. I just know this is very different and concerning to me, and it feels like it keeps getting bigger. My uncle is coming next weekend and is going to try to help her get professional help. Until then, I’ve been extremely anxious. I keep thinking about her and worrying about what might happen before he gets here. I think I mostly need someone to listen because I’ve been carrying a lot of fear about this.
ASilentObserver profile picture
Myth vs. Fact: Bipolar Disorder
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 September 2nd
...See more Hello everyone,  As we celebrate Bipolar Disorder Awareness Week! (March 24th - 30th) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/bipolar/General_2419/JoinUsforBipolarDisorderAwarenessWeekMarch24th30th_349292/], We invite you to join us here to share personal experiences, take our small steps to foster empathy, and offer encouragement and support to each other. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and so it is important to have a safe and inclusive space where one can able to share their experiences and emotions without any judgment. It is so common for bipolar disorder to be misunderstood.  Some myths and misconceptions can lead to stigma, confusion, and even stop people from seeking the support they need. So this discussion is dedicated to separating fact from those misconceptions. Here are a few common myths that I noticed: Myth 1: Bipolar disorder means extreme mood swings from happy to sad. While significant mood changes are a core feature of bipolar disorder, it is more complex than simple "ups and downs."  Mania can involve increased energy, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep.  The intensity and duration of these mood episodes vary from person to person. Myth 2: People with bipolar disorder are dangerous and violent. This is such a harmful and inaccurate stereotype.  The majority of people with bipolar disorder are not violent.  Similar to us, they can experience a range of emotions and behaviors.  Untreated mania or severe depression can sometimes increase the risk of impulsive behavior, but with proper treatment and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can live stable and fulfilling lives. Myth 3: Bipolar disorder is caused by a lack of willpower or a character flaw. It is a mental health condition with a strong biological basis.  As per research, it involves imbalances in brain chemistry, genetic factors, and environmental influences.  It is not a matter of personal weakness or a lack of moral character.  Now it is your turn. Please share:  * What are some other myths you have heard about bipolar disorder? * Have you encountered any misconceptions in your own life? * What helps you challenge these myths and promote understanding? We look forward to reading your experiences and supporting you. Let's work together to create an understanding and supportive community for those who are affected by bipolar disorder. 
ASilentObserver profile picture
Sharing Our Stories & Building Understanding ✨✨
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 September 1st
...See more Hello everyone,  As we celebrate the Bipolar Disorder Awareness Week! (March 24th - 30th) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/bipolar/General_2419/JoinUsforBipolarDisorderAwarenessWeekMarch24th30th_349292/], we invite you to join us here to share personal experiences, taking our small steps to foster empathy, and offering encouragement and support to each other. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and so it is important to have a safe and inclusive space where one can able to share their experiences and emotions without any judgment. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. People with bipolar disorder 1  experience periods of intense highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can disrupt daily life and lead to challenges in relationships, work, and school.   People with Bipolar 2 has their own challenges and struggles as well.   That is why sharing our stories and experiences can help to reduce the stigma and misconceptions associated with bipolar disorder. It can also help spread awareness, educate others about the condition, and support those affected. When we share our experiences, we create a sense of community and let others know that they are not alone. So how can you participate? We encourage you to share your personal experiences with bipolar disorder, whether you are living with the condition yourself or have a loved one who is affected. You can share your story here in this thread for support and discussion. If you are uncertain what to share, here are some questions that may help you share: * What is it like to live with bipolar disorder? * How has bipolar disorder affected your life? * What are some of the challenges you have faced? * What are some of the things that have helped you to cope with bipolar disorder? * What advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder? We look forward to reading your experiences and supporting you. Let's work together to create an understanding and supportive community for those who are affected by bipolar disorder. 
Jlaw16 profile picture
Schizophrenia
by Jlaw16
Last post
 August 30th
...See more My daughter was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. She's 16 and this came on rather quickly over the past few months. Currently on daily Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and while the manic/psychosis events are less frequent than a few weeks ago, it's still tough to trust the process that this medication seems to have with a 4-5 month full therapeutic effect. Has anyone ever taken Olanzapine? What should my expectations be as a parent?
shosho123 profile picture
I think i may have bipolar
by shosho123
Last post
 August 25th
...See more Idk how explain it

Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Psychosis Support

Welcome to Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Psychosis Support! This is a safe space for those struggling with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis to get support from others, to share their story and problems, and to connect to others who can relate or that just want to find out more.


What are the different forum topics for Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Psychosis Support?

Bipolar Support: Struggling with bipolar? Discuss it here!

Community Space: A place for introductions, icebreakers, games, community check-ins and discussions.

Psychosis Support: Struggling with psychosis? Discuss it here!

Schizophrenia Support: Struggling with schizophrenia? Discuss it here!

Share Your Story: Share your story here!


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, you can join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our tag list to be notified whenever there is a new discussion or update within the community!


Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Psychosis FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help! I still have a question! 

If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!

Community Resources

Trigger warning: some viewers may find resources triggering.

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Bipolar Support Ranting Space

You may also find the following YouTube videos useful:

A Schizophrenia Simulator 
Surviving Schizophrenia 
The voice in my head | Eleanor Longden