Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
Community /

Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support Forum

Info
10,541 Friends
Filter by Topic
Bipolar Support Community Space Psychosis Support Schizophrenia Support Share Your Story
Community calendar
Group chat
Ask questions, get support and make friends
Find a group chat
My communities
Talk to an expert therapist
Welcome   It takes strength to seek out assistance with managing life's many...
Talk to Elaine Now
New subscribers
Create a New Thread
Gif Photo Link
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
DireWolf62 profile picture
When the force is unstoppable
by DireWolf62
Last post
 August 16th
...See more Good afternoon, I am a member by the name of DireWolf, I am also a "Listener" here at 7 Cups who operates under the name Wolf. I maintain two distinct entities so I can separate my needs from my duties and obligations. Briefly; I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Type II disorder with attendant generalised Anxiety disorder back in 2000 and I have been fighting it ever since. Many mistakes, many losses, many disasters, some victories along the way. It's been a long hard road that's for sure. I have an issue that I have, to this point, been reluctant to bring up with my mental health care team. Namely a particular type of trigger that precipitates an extraordinarily strong reaction within me. Sound, sudden, sharp and unexpected sound - the sudden piercing play scream of a young child, a car horn suddenly going off at close proximity, an unexpected firework detonation in the vicinity, so on and so forth. When this happens, right out of left field I am hit by an avalanche of red-black fog and rage, pure, unadulterated fury. People are fond of saying, "when you feel it coming on", or "when you feel it rise up", or "when it happens" followed by all sorts of cognitive behavioural actions. The problem is I don't have any time at all to do anything about it. It is instantaneous, absolute, overwhelming and unstoppable. Does anyone else experience this? Is it a sign, that you are aware of, of Bi-Polar or an indication of something more underlying the Bi-Polar and anxiety? Thank you, in advance, for considering this message.
braveKite2204 profile picture
Feeling alone
by braveKite2204
Last post
 July 7th
...See more It’s July 4th, and I’m spending it alone as a 22 year old. In October of last year, I suffered from a very public manic episode. I’m in school to get my doctorate, and am very involved on campus - so, when it happened everyone knew and was talking about me in the worst ways imaginable. They even tried to get me kicked out of school. In result of my manic episode, a lot of my close friends left my life, saying I was too much for them to handle - including my best friend who I had supported through every traumatic event in her life, even the ones that were triggering to me. Every day since then has been a struggle, and I feel humiliated. Some times are better than others, but I am really struggling this week. I feel so alone, especially on the 4th of July - when everyone is out celebrating and having fun and I am alone in my apartment. I decided to get out and go on a long walk, even in the heat - but, I am really struggling with my mental health. 
contreras2026 profile picture
Feeling Normal
by contreras2026
Last post
 June 23rd
...See more For the first time in a long time, I have felt normal. This has not been an easy route, and I am still going through it. I am making amends, fixing problems, and dealing with consequences of my bipolar episode. About 7 months ago, I had a mental health crisis, and it caused a great deal of trouble. I started medication, I started therapy, I did classes, and I also did a lot of individual exercises. I found new work, I started new projects, I met my obligations and responsibilities. I had support from my family, friends and wife. Today, I feel normal. The bipolar is under control. I am stable. I am thriving. The lesson is to keep maintaining and managing my healing and growth, and also working towards to even better than I am today. I am aware and my job is to hold myself to a high standard that keeps me there.
contreras2026 profile picture
Managing and Maintaining
by contreras2026
Last post
 June 9th
...See more One of the most important stages of healing and growing is to manage yourself. I have learned to manage my time, my medication and my work. I have also learned how to manage relationships by clearly communicating and controlling how I speak. I am celebrating my awareness and growth. Part of living with bipolar and other similar DSM disorders is to manage and maintain yourself when life is becoming good again. I wish everyone the best on their journey. I have learned so much and I am always willing to share more. It is a process and eventually step-by-step, you do reach a new level. The most important is to recognize it, and keep it up. My goal is to continue on this path and not allow myself to falter. Even if I do falter, I now know what to do to get back on the right track.
contreras2026 profile picture
Accepting Change
by contreras2026
Last post
 June 3rd
...See more There are literally things I cannot change. The road ahead feels very challenging. I have worked on accepting that I need to change. And I have done very well at changing so far. I want to remain consistent. I do not want to go back. This is a process. Step by step. Daily work. It's all part of it.
practicalNectarine4897 profile picture
Anyone, help
by practicalNectarine4897
Last post
 May 1st
...See more I am bipolar I, ptsd, major depression, social anxiety and insomnia. I am medicated and see a therapist but am still spiraling. I just want to connect and talk with someone who has gone through anything similar, hear their story, how they got out and what helped them and maybe get some support while I try to do the same. My apologies if this is an inappropriate post but I am dying here and this is where my last ditch ask for help sent me. If I need to go somewhere else, please tell me where and please be kind. I really need help and I am trying everything right now. Thank you
PawsomePaws profile picture
Im struggling
by PawsomePaws
Last post
 April 6th
...See more for over a week i have been really low and had sh urges i need a break.Everyday is like a rollercoaster
Ananya32 profile picture
Bipolar Disorder
by Ananya32
Last post
 March 22nd
...See more Would anyone like to share the hardest part about having Bipolar Disorder?
greenCar4860 profile picture
Does this sound like I could have bipolar disorder as well as my autism?
by greenCar4860
Last post
 February 19th
...See more I was diagnosed with mild Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Could I be bipolar 2 as well? My phycyatrist refused to diagnose me with it because my depression doesn't last more than 2 weeks. My depression lasts 5 days most of the time my depression is triggered by something. Then the next day I think I am hypomanic again when I am hypomanic I have increase sex drive talk quickly like pressured speech and walk quickly and spend a lot of money. I also stay up late till 1 AM most of the time and get very little sleep but wake up energized. Usually with Bipolar people get less sleep and I fit this pattern. I have an impulsive control problem while most autistic people don’t have this problem. Like for my impulse control problem I crave sex more then usual and have sex with random guys out of impulse. I don’t stim but I have most symtoms of autism like not being able to read people’s intentions or body language. Does this sound like I could be bipolar 2 also
Spidergoat profile picture
Bipolar makes me “miserable” and “exhausting”
by Spidergoat
Last post
 February 5th
...See more I’m 48F. I’ve been with my husband for 15 years, and I wasn’t diagnosed bipolar until an acute mixed episode in April of 2024. I never resisted the diagnosis, treatment or meds. I’ve been doing intensive DBT for a year now. I have a lot to learn but I’ve made significant progress in that time. He already has so much contempt for me. He’s so angry at me. I feel like I’m losing him. No progress is enough.
turquoiseTiger6959 profile picture
Looking for Bipolar Friends
by turquoiseTiger6959
Last post
 January 24th
...See more I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 earlier this year and have been struggling. Currently experiencing a depressive episode. If anyone wants to chat, share experiences, or just have someone to talk to who understands what it's like, pls join this thread. 
Han5olo profile picture
Poems
by Han5olo
Last post
 January 24th
...See more Two paths diverge before my soul, One bright, one dark, one takes its toll. Which path to take, I cannot choose, For both my heart and mind refuse. The manic path, it beckons me, With promises of ecstasy. But know I well its treacherous ways, That lead to pain and lonely days. The depressive path, it weighs me down, With sorrow and a heavy frown. But know I well its hidden grace, That leads to depths and inner space. So which to take, I cannot say, But trust my heart to guide my way. For know I well that both must be, To weave the tapestry of me. For bipolar disorder cannot break, The spirit that's within me, wide awake.

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