Your Diagnosis Story
Hey Everyone!
So I am still trying to get and "official" diagnosis of Bipolar, even though it has been evident to myself, my family, my friends and my counsellor for years now that this is the illness that I struggle with.
My family doctor refuses to diagnosis me as he doesn't "feel comfortable" with giving a Bipolar diagnosis, and therefore refuses to prescribe me any medications to help me with this. I have been seeing a counsellor for some time now, which is great when I need to talk, but she can't really do anything for me other than talk about what is going on. I have been on a waitlist to see a Moods Disorder psychiatrist for two months, and still no word as to when I will be able to meet him/her.
I go to see my family doctor again today to request medications (of any kind really) today as I just had a very tough weekend and feel as I am getting worse. Wish me luck!
What is your diagnosis story? Were you able to get the help you needed?
@Quinzel241\
Hey there, I wouldn't be too hard on your family doctor because they honestly don't have the right training to diagnose certain things like that, let alone prescribe the medication. It just isn't their field. I'd seek out a psychiatrist because they specialize in diagnosing disorders and prescribing medication. Every health provider does different things. Therapists are for, well, therapy. They will listen to you and verbally help you let out any emotions you are feeling and discuss what is going on. Sort of like a shoulder to lean on that can help you come up with coping skills and whatnot. Family doctors are more for physical health, such as injury or physical illness. Psychiatrist actually specialize in mental/mood disorders and have wide knowledge on different medications. I personally didn't get diagnosed with anything until I was admited to a psychiatric hospital about a year ago.
@TaintedHaze
Hey :) I know I shouldn't be hard on him, it's just frustrating because my symptoms are veryuncontrollable. I am currently on a wait list to see a psychiatrist, have been for 2 months and it's apparently a 6 month wait list.
@Quinzel241
Yeah.. I'm very sorry that it's going to take that long, but it's better than never! They can be very busy, but hopefully it will be worth the wait. Just remember that if your moods do swing way too out of control that you can always admit yourself to the hospital and they can put you on a watch until you are stable enough. And chances are if it gets that out of hand and you go to the hospital it may move you up the list. I also have bipolar. They put me on lithium, and yes, it made my mood swings dampen, but honestly I hated it. I felt nothing. Just a constant dullness. If I was really happy, I only felt it slightly. If I was really sad, I just felt hollow, empty. I felt disconected from the world. I just got off Lithium about a month ago and the first week was hell, but after that I feel amazing without it. I missed being able to feel. Currently I'm on an antidepressent, but thats because my mania isn't out of control, I just get super weird and goofy for a period of time. Its my depression that gets me.
It really depends on what type of Bipolar you have too. If you are manic more often (bipolar 1) then I think something like Lithium would help take down the manic episodes, especially if it is severly impacting your life, but honestly I really missed the highs. Plus it tends to make you feel nausious and you have to get blood work very often to make sure the levels are right. Plus it made me gain a little weight.
If your highs are tolerable but you have intense lows (bipolar 2) then I would go more the antidepresent route. (DONT DO THIS IF YOU HAVE FREQUENT OR EXTREME MANIA. Antidepressents can make them even more frequent and intense. I only do antidepressents because my mania is not over bearing and more times than not, pleasent.)
some natural remedies in the mean time that don't have as many side effects are
Adding more Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, things such as fish. It really helps balance your mood. If you don't like fish then fish oil tablets are a good alternative, and it's just overall good for your hair, nails, and skin :D
Meditating. I know a lot of people say that and it seems stupid.But it really helps! Just sitting in a quiet room for just 5 minutes can make a world of difference. I know for me its really difficult to just think of nothing, so look at something. Focus on it. Count the folds in your clothes. Just focus on something in the real world. Listen to music that doesn't have any words in it (or very few) lay down. Close your eyes, imagine a place, a smell, how it sounds. There are some really nice guided imagery things online.
Here is a really cool 3d audio! Use headphones. Its really neat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IXm6SuUigI
getting regular exercise and a well balanced diet is really helpful. Remember this is a mental disorder, and your brain is a part of your body that needs nutrients. Plus a good amount of sleep. Simply getting too much or too little sleep can throw your whole mood off. Especially with a lack of calories and exercise. Engage in things you enjoy but hold your boundries. If you go out shopping or want to have fun, set a limit. Only bring a certain amount of money. Really when it comes to bipolar the best thing you can do is find some sort of balance and regulation. Don't make promisses when you're manic, don't do anything you'll regret in the morning. A lot of the time when people get depressed after a manic episode it is because you've used up all your energy. Recognize when you're manic. More times than not I notice when I am, but i suppose not everyone does, so make sure you tell your friends and family to tell you if you're acting different. Become self aware. And when you are manic try to put your energy into something productive. And when you are depressed, realize that this is more due to a lack of energy, and rest is usually the best thing
@TaintedHaze
WoW thank you so much for this, it really means a lot to be that you took the time to respond, let alone offer so many options! <3
@Quinzel241
Hi there. I too am waiting on a diagnosis. I've been seeing my family doctor and psychiatrists for 4 years now. I'm on all the medication someone with bipolar would be on (anti depressants,mood stabilizers, anti psychotics)
My family all refer to my illness as bipolar because it is quite literally the only thing that makes sense. But doctors are afraid to put a label in it because of my age 22. It's infuriating but at least I'm on all the medication. Hope you get some proper help soon.
@Brighter
After seeing my family doctor yesterday (who said he refuses to prescribe psychiatric medication) I went to psych emerg because I was just so frustrated. The doctor there said my symptoms are so "typical" of bipolar Disorder she doesn't understand how I haven't been diagnosed earlier. She started me on some meds and got me an appointment with a moods disorder outpatient clinic next week! It was such a relief! I'm 22 as well actually!
@Quinzel241
It's ridiculous. Hopefully your meds work. It can be a bit trial and error with them unfortunately
