[NaturaLeigh]

Greetings,

While I've known from a very early age that my moods are far more extreme and volatile than most, I've only recently been diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. Depression and I go way back (my parents believe they saw signs in my behavior as a toddler), but hypomania is new aquaintance of mine. Not a welcome guest by any means, but at least there is now some explanation as to why the typical antidepressants were ineffective. I've been taking abilify for 2 weeks now with no real signs of change, but no major side effects, either. I'll likely be given an antidepressant next week as this round of depression has been particularly unrelenting, both the dr and I want to be very careful in choice. My last hypomanic episode led me to believe that I was dying and spent 2 days in the hospital trying to convince everyone that i wasn't crazy, but please could they return my soul to my body as quickly as possible. I have no desire to repeat this adventure.

Unlike (at least it seems so ) many folks with bipolar disorder, I know of no one in my family who has suffered from this or any major mental illness. In fact, many of my family members don't believe in "soft" mental illnesses like depression, anxiety or adhd and are baffled as to why I refuse to "snap out of it". I love them dearly, but I am so glad to find a community that can relate with my struggles and vice versa. Thanks to everyone who is so bravely open on these boards. Its wonderful to feel not alone.

[olga]

NL, welcome to Crazyboards. Sometimes it's a little quiet around here on the weekends, but I'm sure some of the other members will greet you.

Read over the rules when you get time, and check out the blogs and chat. The mods here are crazy but nice (sort of...), so go ahead and PM one of us if you have an issue.

I'm glad you found us.

olga

[eccentrik_drummer_chik]

Welcome! I like your avatar......

This post has been edited by eccentrik_drummer_chik: 13 March 2010 - 08:47 PM

[crtclms]

I agree with EDC. That is a way cool avatar.

Welcome to the boards. I was initially diagnosed as Bipolar II, but recently had it changed to Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified, if you are not up on the jargon yet).

You'll find a lot of interesting people to talk to here.

[ninjabunny]

NaturaLeigh, on 13 March 2010 - 12:14 AM, said:

Greetings,

While I've known from a very early age that my moods are far more extreme and volatile than most, I've only recently been diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. Depression and I go way back (my parents believe they saw signs in my behavior as a toddler), but hypomania is new aquaintance of mine. Not a welcome guest by any means, but at least there is now some explanation as to why the typical antidepressants were ineffective. I've been taking abilify for 2 weeks now with no real signs of change, but no major side effects, either. I'll likely be given an antidepressant next week as this round of depression has been particularly unrelenting, both the dr and I want to be very careful in choice. My last hypomanic episode led me to believe that I was dying and spent 2 days in the hospital trying to convince everyone that i wasn't crazy, but please could they return my soul to my body as quickly as possible. I have no desire to repeat this adventure.

Unlike (at least it seems so ) many folks with bipolar disorder, I know of no one in my family who has suffered from this or any major mental illness. In fact, many of my family members don't believe in "soft" mental illnesses like depression, anxiety or adhd and are baffled as to why I refuse to "snap out of it". I love them dearly, but I am so glad to find a community that can relate with my struggles and vice versa. Thanks to everyone who is so bravely open on these boards. Its wonderful to feel not alone.

Welcome!

You are definitely not alone. This is a safe place. It is tough - the family part - I've been there and am still there. I have a strong familial background in mood disorders, alcoholism, and anxiety, yet my parents not only never told us (me+ 4 sibs) but even after my diagnosis called my suicide attempts "crying for attention" and emotionality as "drama, attention-seeking behavior". It sucks, you can't force them to understand, that's why you have this place.

Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety - they are not in the least bit "soft" - with today's imaging techniques, we can see the brain activity in individuals with these disorders/diseases and how they differ from people who do not have them. They are very much brain-based and only considered "soft" or such because they manifest behaviorally and emotionally.

I wish you luck and the least-bumpy road as you navigate through this, celebrate the small wins, and know you have this community behind you.

ninjabunny

[NaturaLeigh]

Thanks to all! You know how to make a nutter feel welcome! I'm glad already to have some sympathetic minds.......