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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Missme on October 28, 2003, at 10:48:29
I have just been diagnosed w/ Bipolar and it would be so nice to know how others manage it? I have been reading a book titled, "Bipolar Demystified" and it has been fairly helpful. Sometimes it helps just to hear from others who have been there. Not to mention, I am really hoping that this is the easy part now.
Posted by ginger C on October 28, 2003, at 15:28:58
In reply to Bipolar, posted by Missme on October 28, 2003, at 10:48:29
Missme, I know that the most confusing time of an illness is just after you have been diagnosed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions most of them are glad you are interested enough to ask. Read any available material you can find on it. I found a book called "The Bipolar Survival Guide" and it has been really helpful to me in that it enables me to understand the difference between a minor bad mood and a depressive episode that is comming on. I still struggle with my illness every day but learning about it has seemed to put to rest the frightening aspects of dealing with it. There is also a way for your family members to learn about your illness so that they can support you in your struggle. There is an organization called NAMI National Alliance For The Mentally Ill and they provide a free course for family members who want to learn about their loved one's illness and learn to help them cope with it. The class is called Family to Family and if you are interested you can go to www.nami.org and they can put you in touch with a chapter near you. My husband and I both benefited from him taking the class. Just hang in there and if you need a shoulder to lean on just let me know.
Posted by karen_kay on October 28, 2003, at 19:13:12
In reply to Re: Bipolar, posted by ginger C on October 28, 2003, at 15:28:58
I completely agree with Ginger. The book she suggested is also one I highly suggest. It is very affordable. Another step in managing this illness is proper medication. Finding the correct "cocktail" is essentail! It takes time and patience. One more important thing to realize is that having Bipolar Disorder can also be a blessing (I know, it sounds odd!!!). The way I see it, I am able to be compassionate aobut various types of mental illnesses now in a way that I was not able to before I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I think that since I feel things at such a deep level and am affected by things deeply, I have a great appreciation for life. Everyone has such a special gift, it is finding that gift and learning to make it work for you that truly matters. For me, I think that gift is having Bipolar Disorder. Since becoming dx, I have decided to make documentaries on mental health care in the United States, to help teach compassion to others. Sorry if I kinda got on a tangent. You should pick up the book though! Take care!!! Karen
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2003, at 22:15:24
In reply to Bipolar, posted by Missme on October 28, 2003, at 10:48:29
> I have been reading a book titled, "Bipolar Demystified" and it has been fairly helpful...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by galkeepinon on October 28, 2003, at 23:28:59
In reply to Bipolar, posted by Missme on October 28, 2003, at 10:48:29
Hi, I'm glad to hear you found "Bipolar Demystified" helpful.
May I ask if you have started any medication now that you have just been diagnosed with Bipolar?
I was diagnosed with Bipolar and now am on Lamictal and Topamax. I was taking Lexapro for about 8 weeks, but am now on a different antidepressant that will help me with the dopamine neurotransmitters.
Overall, in my opinon, I have found Lamictal VERY helpful for bipolar.
Good luck to you,
Kristen> I have just been diagnosed w/ Bipolar and it would be so nice to know how others manage it? I have been reading a book titled, "Bipolar Demystified" and it has been fairly helpful. Sometimes it helps just to hear from others who have been there. Not to mention, I am really hoping that this is the easy part now.
This is the end of the thread.
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