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ASilentObserver profile picture
Sharing Our Stories & Building Understanding ✨✨
by ASilentObserver
Last post
June 24th
...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. 
ASilentObserver profile picture
Myth vs. Fact: Bipolar Disorder
by ASilentObserver
Last post
June 10th
...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
Advocating for Yourself and Others: Breaking the Stigma
by ASilentObserver
Last post
March 24th
...See more Welcome back to another discussion!  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. Stigma surrounding bipolar disorder can create significant barriers to reaching out to get help, finding support, and living a fulfilling life. We must empower ourselves and each other to challenge these harmful misconceptions and stereotypical beliefs. Today's discussion is focused on discussing strategies for advocating for ourselves, supporting others, and breaking down the stigma associated with bipolar disorder. If you are struggling with Bipolar, here is how you can advocate for yourself: * The more you understand about bipolar disorder, the better equipped you will be to communicate your needs and challenge misconceptions. So, try to learn more about the condition, treatment options, how you can get more support, and coping strategies. The more you know, the better you will be able to navigate this challenge.  * Please focus on communicating your needs. Take your small steps and express your needs clearly and assertively. The better you can able to share your needs, the better you will able to figure out the best ways to get the support.  * Focus on setting boundaries. Protect your emotional well-being by setting healthy boundaries with people who are unsupportive or perpetuate stigma. Please know it is okay to limit contact with those who don't respect your experiences. * If comfortable, sharing your personal experiences can help to humanize bipolar disorder and challenge stereotypes.  Now let's discuss: * What strategies have you found effective in advocating for yourself? * How do you challenge stigma when you encounter it? * What are some ways we can support each other in advocating for our needs and rights? Please share what you can. Let's work together to create an understanding and supportive community for those who are affected by bipolar disorder. 
ForgetMeNot77 profile picture
How do I forgive myself
by ForgetMeNot77
Last post
11 minutes ago
...See more During mania, I experienced psychosis and paranoia. I've done things which I deeply regret. I believed in something which was not true, I made allegations, which impacted my family. How do I move on? How do I forgive myself? How do I live ? How do I function when I feel so much shame?
Blackleafe profile picture
Bipolar 2
by Blackleafe
Last post
18 minutes ago
...See more Why is the depressive episode the hardest most challenging to get over the other side . It's overwhelming and exhausting
Howegeorgia profile picture
Lost role
by Howegeorgia
Last post
7 hours ago
...See more Hey I was a forum supporter for this subcommittee but I was put on a break and lost it ,how can I get it back please?
courageousSugar6358 profile picture
Spirits haunting me?
by courageousSugar6358
Last post
11 hours ago
...See more I've been hearing voices, seeing faces everywhere, and feeling unexplainable things throughout my body. ive also been unable to eat or sleep much in months. I'm not sure if I'm being haunted by spirits or what. but I'm losing my mind. please no harsh comments, I have nobody else to talk to, I could use a friend...
GuitarGuy326 profile picture
Schizoaffective Bipolar
by GuitarGuy326
Last post
16 hours ago
...See more I have struggled with being Schizoaffective for 10 years now. My wife and I were pregnant but sadly we lost the baby halfway through. This triggered a full blown relapse and I’m having a very hard time getting back on my feet. I am getting professional help and I take all my meds but it’s so much more intense. The psychosis episodes are a lot to handle and the hallucinations and self harm very tiring. I’m just scared that I’m too much a burden on my wife and she can’t reasonably take care of me because it’s too hard for her to handle. I feel like I’m doing everything right but nothing is working.
Hawtestsauce profile picture
Signs? things to look out for?
by Hawtestsauce
Last post
1 day ago
...See more I have a predisposition to Schizophrenia and as of lately I have felt like things are changing in me. I feel very unreal or like maybe I am actually dead and this is all fake. I keep seeing things out of the corners of my eyes that aren’t there, moving. I hear voices in my ears, I think they might be my thoughts but sometimes I can’t tell. sometimes I think it might be people trying to communicate with me. I can’t tell if I am way overthinking things or if I may actually need to get some help. what should I be looking for or watching out for? what are other people’s experiences?
Gtac69Kassim profile picture
Je me sens très seul
by Gtac69Kassim
Last post
2 days ago
...See more Bonjour je suis français, Je me sens hyper seul dans ma bipolarité; Quelqu'un voudrait bien échanger avec moi ?
Befree2825 profile picture
Today
by Befree2825
Last post
2 days ago
...See more Have a normal and Great day😊
cyanDrum2401 profile picture
Support
by cyanDrum2401
Last post
3 days ago
...See more Are you getting the encouragement you need for support from others in your life ? Sometimes it's hard (or always) to do it on our own. Even having one person that could help can make all the difference.
braveKite2204 profile picture
Feeling alone
by braveKite2204
Last post
Tuesday
...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. 
GalaxyDreamer28 profile picture
Bipolar: Feeling Out of Touch with Reality
by GalaxyDreamer28
Last post
July 4th
...See more I’ve noticed that I’ve held onto false beliefs about myself for years, and I’ve been having my emotions rule my life, instead of staying grounded in reality. Does anyone have any tips on how to not let my emotions rule me and to keep reality in check instead of believing in delusions?
hardworkingBalloon755 profile picture
Head pressure with Schizophrenia
by hardworkingBalloon755
Last post
July 4th
...See more DAE get massive head pressure from schizophrenia almost like you have an evil entity attached to your brain or you have your brain in a vice? I am schizophrenic and I cannot get rid of my overwhelming head pressure no matter how hard I try. It feels like cancer of negativity occupies my entire mind and I feel it physically!

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!


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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.


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