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Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support taglist - add or remove yourself here!
by MistyMagic
Last post
September 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
What is Bipolar?
by Raspberrycheesecake
Last post
January 5th
...See more What is Bipolar? An Internship Honours Project by RaspberryCheesecake. Bipolar Bipolar is known as manic depression. It is a very severe mental health illness. It is characterised by mood swings. These mood swings include manic highs and depressive lows. Both male and female of any ethnic or social background can suffer from bipolar. There is no age range it targets and develops within. The symptoms can start to occur at any time and can then reoccur when emotional pressures at their highest with the individual. Bipolar can be triggered by: Work stress, Study stress, Family stress, Emotional pressures, Childbirth – in women, Menopause – in women. Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar, but having enough guidance and support, and receiving an early diagnosis, along with accepting the illness can still live a happy life. There are ways you can manage bipolar, and these are: Medication, Health care, Therapy, Self-management. Types of Bipolar There are six main types of Bipolar. These types of bipolar involve changes in the individuals: mood, activity levels and energy. These moods can range from extremely elated and energised behaviour, or very down and hopeless periods. The less severe manic periods are explained as hypomanic episodes. The first main type of bipolar is, Bipolar 1 Disorder. This type of bipolar is defined by manic episodes. These episodes tend to last around 7 days. Sometimes the manic symptoms are so severe, the individual needs to be in immediate hospital care. Depressive episode can also occur however, these typically lasts for 2 weeks. Having episodes that consist of mixed features (depression and manic symptoms) can be possible. If this type of bipolar is untreated, manic episodes can last between three to six months. Also, without treatment, depressive episodes can last longer – between 6 to 12 months. The second main type of bipolar is, Bipolar 2 Disorder. This type of bipolar is defined as a pattern of hypomanic and depressive episodes. However, this type of bipolar is not as severe as Bipolar 1 Disorder, because of the full-blown manic episodes that Bipolar 1 Disorder has. Majority of individuals with Bipolar 2 will likely to have more than one episode of severe depression and others could experience hypomania, which would be a 6 to 8 on the mood scale, rather than an extreme manic episode, which is 8 to 10 on the mood scale. The third type of bipolar is, Cyclothymic Disorder. This type of bipolar is also known as Cyclothymia. This type of bipolar is defined by numerous hypomanic symptoms occurring. There are numerous periods when the individual develops depressive symptoms. These can last for 2 years, and 1 year in children and adolescents. However, this type of bipolars symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirementsfor hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. The symptoms can last for a period of at least 2 years. Cyclothymia can develop into bipolar. The fourth type of bipolar is, Other Specified Bipolar. This is also known as, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. This is when the symptoms and bipolar do not clearly indicate one of the other bipolar disorders. The fifth type of bipolar is, Mixed State. These symptoms include stages of mania and depression at the same time. This can result in: agitation, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts, changes in appetite and psychosis. The next type of bipolar is, Rapid Cycling. This is when individuals mood swings change faster. This can result in more than four mood swings within, a 12-month period. Rapid Cycling affects around 1 in 10 people with bipolar. This type of bipolar can happen with Bipolar 1 and 2. The last type of Bipolar is Psychosis. This is sometimes severe mania or depression. On the mood scale, the mania comes out at around an 8 to 10 and depression comes out at around a 2 to 0 on the mood scale. This is accompanied by periods of psychosis. The symptoms of Psychosis can include: delusions and hallucinations. Signs and symptoms Individuals who have bipolar, has the following signs and symptoms, however, there are signs and symptoms for both depression and manic state of mind. These symptoms can variety from person-to-person. Depression: - Lack of energy, - Self-doubt, - Difficulty sleeping, - Waking up early, - Lack of appetite, - Suicidal thoughts, - Feeling pessimistic about everything, - Feelings of guilt and despair, - Feeling sad, hopeless or irritable majority of the time, - Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness, - Loss of interest in everyday activities, - Difficulty concentrating and remembering things, - Being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking. Mania: - Not eating, - Talking very quickly, - Feeling very happy, elated or overjoyed, - Feeling self-important, - Feeling full of energy, - Being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking, - Not feeling like sleeping, - Being easily irritated or agitated, - Being easily distracted, - Feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans, - Making decisions or saying things that are out of character, and that others see as being risky or harmful, - Doing things that often have disastrous consequences, for example, spending large sums of money on expensive and sometimes unaffordable items. What causes Bipolar? The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. There can be a number of factors that can work together to make an individual more likely to develop the condition. There are thought to be a mix of: physical, environmental and social factors. Chemical imbalance in the brain: It is said that bipolar disorder is resulted of chemical imbalances in the brain. The chemicals that are responsible for controlling the brains functions are called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters include the chemicals: dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. Experts believe that if there is an imbalance in the levels of one of the neurotransmitters, individuals may develop symptoms of bipolar disorder. An example of this is when mania occurs, this is created by the levels of noradrenaline being too high. The episodes of depression may be the result of the noradrenaline levels being too low. Genetics: Experts also believe that bipolar disorder is linked to genetics, because it is a condition that seems to run in families. The family member or members that have bipolar disorder have a high risk of developing bipolar disorder. However, there is no single gene that is fully responsible for bipolar disorder. It is a number of environmental factors and genetic facts that act as triggers. Triggers: If the individual is going through a stressful circumstance or situation, then this situation can trigger some of the symptoms for bipolar disorder. Examples of triggers could include: ~ Death of a loved one or family member, ~ The breakdown of a relationship, ~ Sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Bipolar Disorder Mood Scale The Bipolar UK mood scale is from a scale of 0 to 10. Individuals who are not affected by bipolar will experience mood swings between 4 and 6 on the mood scale. However, if you do have bipolar, your mood swings are much higher or lower. They can be between 6 to 10. With depression part of bipolar, your levels can go as low as 4 to 0. 0 is the suicidal depression. [https://writingfilmsbookslife.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/mood-scale.jpg] Hypomania (6 to 8 on the mood scale) Individuals experiencing hypomania can come across very self-confident and euphoric, however, they may react with sudden anger, irritability or impatience. They may become more challenging and talkative, along with distracted. The individual may become more reckless than usual. This might mean that there would be errors for judgement. Mania (8 to 10 on the mood scale) The individual that is going through this stage may be experncing mania without knowing that it is happening. They may become incoherent, or disjointed with their thinking, this can lead to them becoming easily distracted. Depression (4 to 0 on the mood scale) Most individuals with bipolar experiences severe depression. Usually this will follow a period of mania or hypomania. For individuals during the winter, it is more likely for them to show signs of depression. Facts/Trivias • Just 1% to 2% of the population experience a lifetime of bipolar. • On averageit takes 10.5 yearsto receive a correct diagnosis for bipolar in the UK. • Bipolar affects every aspect of your life and your relationship. Family and friends can all be put under stress. • Bipolar increases the risk of suicide by 20 times. • Bipolar has a huge impact on family and friends. Help and resources Bipolar UK [https://www.bipolaruk.org/frequently-asked-questions]– Offers a wide range of information about bipolar, including medication and living with bipolar. NHS - Bipolar [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/]– Learn the basics about bipolar, including diagnosis, treatment and causes of bipolar. Mind.org.uk - Bipolar [https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/#.Wx5Jti-ZPR1] – Learn about the stigma against bipolar and real-life stories of people who live with bipolar. Kidshealth - Bipolar [https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bipolar.html] – Kid friendly site about Bipolar. (Teenshealth) Sources https://www.bipolaruk.org/frequently-asked-questions [https://www.bipolaruk.org/frequently-asked-questions] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms/ [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms/] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/causes/ [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/causes/] https://www.bipolaruk.org/faqs/mood-scale [https://www.bipolaruk.org/faqs/mood-scale] https://www.bipolaruk.org/faqs/bipolar-the-facts [https://www.bipolaruk.org/faqs/bipolar-the-facts] Questions for Forum Discussion Do you have any experience with bipolar, either from yourself or a loved one, if so, would you like to share you experience with us? But only if you are comfortable! What type of support have you received or are you receiving from the people around you? How do you deal with your bipolar? Would you mind sharing us any tips or ways on how youre handling it?
My bipolar disorder ruined my life
by BlueMoon1994
Last post
16 hours ago
...See more I'm at work so long story short, I have pushed everyone I cared about away including my family, I went my entire childhood without knowing I was bipolar, I was 19 when I got diagnosed. I have no close friends, I have a boyfriend who loves me and that's about it. Even he can't handle my mood swings anymore and I'm on psych meds. I feel angry about how my life turned out, go into random rages and cry randomly. My memory is also shot and I work a third shift job for slave wages which makes me depressed. I feel like there's no hope for me and that no one cares about me anymore. So my question is what should I do? I feel like my life is damaged beyond repair and I don't know how to cope anymore...
This is me, new here
by Amethystmystic
Last post
18 hours ago
...See more Hi everyone,  I'm new here and haven't been eager to return to therapy, but I'm dealing with another manic episode that's affecting my social interactions. I have BPD and micropsychosis, which means I hallucinate when I don't get proper sleep, eat well, or manage my stress. Ironically, I have generalized anxiety, so nearly everything triggers stress. Physical activity helps calm me, but I often lack the motivation to do it. I feel trapped in my own mind and wish I could be kinder to my husband. My communication skills are lacking, and every word feels like an attack. Writing things down helps, but it's still complicated.  Thanks for understanding.
Weather
by Berwin12
Last post
1 day ago
...See more Does anyone else struggle with depression with their bipolar this time of the year more than normal? I feel like this time of the year is when my depression kicks in full force and I already am starting to feel it and just wish I could hibernate like a bear during this time of the year. Needed somewhere to vent. Thanks to those who read this.
Could I be bipolar
by compassionateLime6565
Last post
3 days ago
...See more Hello all I am new here and for the last week and a half I have been experiencing intense internal anger and sudden mood swings. The mood swings can go from depressive to normal/happy quickly. I also have adhd autism anxiety and depression. I also have a family history of bipolar in my mom’s side of the family. I really don’t know why this is all happening or what is causing me to feel like this. All I could think is that it could be bipolar but I haven’t even been tested for something like this. Thanks for listening
question
by generousEyes493
Last post
3 days ago
...See more hiii, i have a question, is there anything you can do to stop hallucinations or to at least ground yourself during them? i keep on feeling spiders crawling on me and it’s really freaking me out, especially because i have like a fear of germs and insects aren’t sanitary, and i don’t know what to do thanks, lili
new to this group
by generousEyes493
Last post
Monday
...See more hiii, i’m lili, i’m 13, and i struggle with hallucinations and have for the past 9 years. my earliest memory of hallucinations were at 4, when i’d hear people whispering my name and touching me at 12, everything had rapidly gotten worse, and i’d see shadowy figures, hear conversations sometimes screaming, and feel spiders crawling on me now, i have all the same hallucinations and more, this morning, i was trying to grab a hairbrush for three minutes and then realised that it wasn’t even there, and i saw a man in my hallway for a minute straight i don’t have delusions idk if what i’m experiencing is psychosis or schizophrenia or what, but right now i’m really confused and this looks like the right place to be if you’re struggling with this sort of thing soo yeah
Bipolar
by sailormoon97
Last post
Sunday
...See more Something I'm trying to do is take responsibility and forgive myself for all the things I did surrounding my last manic/psychotic episode. Also get closure. I stopped taking my meds consistently because for some reason at night I had begun experiencing panic attacks after I took them. I didn't talk to my psychiatrist about it. I got terrible sleep and became manic. I was anxious and paranoid. Feeling like I was being monitored and my life was exposed. It seemed like some people knew details about my life that I never shared with them. I also had lots of strange experiences. What sucks is that I was pretty lucid, so everything felt real and til this day I'm unsure about what was simply mental illness and what could've been spiritual. Something I wondered about was if it was possible that I could have unbalanced psychic abilities. Maybe I was capable of seeing things most people couldn't. I eventually reached a breaking point and ended up at the hospital then at an inpatient center to get stable. I got back on my meds and talked to my psychiatrist. We tried out different meds to see what worked best. I've been stable for a few years, but I still think back to the episode and it boggles my mind. I have many questions about all the things I went through. I've been journaling and hope I'll be able to get closure soon. I hope this post makes sense. It's a bit all over the place.
I'm new here
by Popsicle99
Last post
Sunday
...See more I am discovering myself, taking the first step to heal and know me, I haven't been diagnosed because rn I can't afford a specialist, but I really want to learn more about ways to cope with what is happening to me (I relate to a lot of people with bipolar, although I am not self diagnosing)
Can Anyone Relate?
by Madkatt
Last post
October 31st
...See more I’ve had schizophrenia my whole life, and I hallucinate in all 5 senses. I struggle with realties and live in severe isolation, and haven’t slept at all in a week, which is normal for me. Is there anyone here that hallucinates in all 5 senses all the time? Anyone that feels they can relate and has your own ways to cope?
Bi polar
by Phoenixjade2
Last post
October 29th
...See more Does any one else suffer with bi polar disorder if so I would really like to ask you some questions. I recently found out that I am bi polar and I'm having a hard time coping with my manic episodes... so pls if any one will take time out of their day to talk that would be great ! Have a good day (:
Atheist
by Peachdrum414
Last post
October 28th
...See more Once I was on an app called whisper and someone said the way to cure schizophrenia was to stop believing in God. I actually think it works. No negative responses . I don’t judge nor do I force my thoughts on anyone else. To each your own. Just expressing what helped me with delusions.
Waves of bipolar II, I missed you?
by Chelliechelle
Last post
October 25th
...See more I never thought I would be writing in a thread the thoughts and feelings raddling around inside of me, but where does one go when no one around you knows your struggles and you've spent your life mastering the art of masking?  Three years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder II. It was following an episode of explosive anger that led me to destroy everything in front of me. That happened time and time again until I finally detailed the episodes, the lows, and the highs and the shopping... The first reaction was relief. Even after trialing medication after medication, seeing my weight on the scale go up and up as a result of them and struggling, I finally found one that was weight neutral and managed to keep me stable, until it stopped working.  Here I am a week after another few days in hypomania, fighting the paranoia, the restlessness, the mass of energy that I did pour into the gym.. it went well until It ended in another explosion into the crash and now, in a low I remembered and in a way, missed?  Which leads me to why I'm writing: one crazy part of me missed the depression. It was a cloud that surrounded me most of my life and the distorted thought patterns almost felt like my thoughts. I feel like I'm gaslighting myself because I don't know what I truly feel and what the illness is causing inside of me. This is the fight, really. With this comes guilt, shame, reclusiveness.. sitting at work, needing to be productive but really counting the hours until you can leave. Being overstimulated by every sound, people speaking too quickly.. I feel like I found and lost myself all at the same time.  Does any of this make sense?  

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.


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Bipolar Support: Struggling with bipolar? Discuss it here!

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