Quality of Life with bipolar

[emy47]

I have been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and am learning (very slowly and stubbornly) how to deal with it. But I feel like I have to be so self regulated and consistant in order to keep my moods stable enough to stay out of a hospital is restricting my life. I feel like I can't do everything that I want to or used to and it is depressing because I have to give up a lifestyle that everyone else can manage just because of this stupid disorder! Has anyone else found this to be true and if so, how have you come to terms with it!? I kinda feel trapped forver by it.

[SoDark]

Bipolar is certainly tough. This is partly because of meds, but I have to get eight hours of sleep. This is not an option if I want to function properly. It is frustrating because I am a graduate student and homework sometimes warrents late nights or even all-nighters. As for mood swings, I have learned when I need an intervention or just need to ride it out. I use a lot of coping skills and try to stay up on CBT, DBT stuff. This could be a really interesting thread if everyone with bipolar puts their two cents in and we all walk away with new tactics. I recommend journaling or just trying to be aware of what affects your moods.

[cough cough]

I've been in complete denial about my Bipolar and just coming around to accepting it finally after some lengthy hospital admissions. I think my medication is working and has stabilised me, I don't have intrusive thoughts anymore about hurting myself, I still get depressed but I can hide that behind a smile and keep my emotions in check. I know I can't ever feel normal without medication...

[Ktulu]

I know how you feel. When I was diagnosed I was told all about how important it is to have a routine and get enough sleep and all that. I kinda ignored it and was back in hospital for two months, then continued to ignore it and spent another two months in. Then the penny dropped that if I want to have a career and a life that isn't interspersed with long hospital admissions I would have to at least see if their advice worked. My doctor says that I have "classic" bipolar with big swings up or down and then long periods of being well in between, but I need to manage those swings because they can be devestating when they happen.

So I have a routine, I take my meds at 10pm every night without fail, asleep by 11.30pm, earlier if I'm in work at 07.30. I don't drink and I manage my stress and anxiety and ask for help from family and friends if I need it. Yeah my life is a bit more boring than it was but I haven't been in hospital for 2 years, 1 month and 1 day. I was a bit bitter and resistant to it at first but I'm seeing the benefits now and they far outweigh the cons. I'm finishing my college course next Friday and its the first course I've been able to stick at since leaving school. This is my fourth attempt, every other ended up with me crashing out due to my moods. So for me its a small price to pay.