I just wanted to start a little thread for those who might be Bipolar, like myself. You can list any techniques you've learned and all. Not enough people know about this particular illness and we need to let them know it's NOT necessarily a horrible thing.

Hugs ((((( Amber )))), I'm not Bipolar but know a few friends that are. I lived with a gal for 4 years that tried suicide several times, it was a tough road. It takes alot of therapy from a counselor and meds of course but living a happy life is still possible if you believe and stick with docs orders. My prayers go out to you and that horrible illness, stay strong!

I am not trying to be critical but how do they determine if you have this disorder?

hey..i'm bipolar..i don't do anything about it..
i just deal

lol, thx Brian......I was diagnosed as a young child....over 15 years ago. I've been hospitalized so many times I've lost count (even I think that's sad).

i can't remember exactly how they diagnosed me......and i wasn't around when they diagnosed my mom.

i dont have it.. and im sure i will never understand it
but my dad, brother and sister have it.

Hospitalize for Bi-Polar how come?

usually it's because you're a danger to others or yourself. me personally, i usually have to adjust my meds and crap....it's annoying.

the worst for me is the rages i have........i hate it when i get like that. only happens when i'm off meds for a LONG time tho.

yeah my lil sister used to get in like 3-4 hour
rages she's a lot better now though. but just last week
she smoked weed while on her meds and she became very sick.

Stais....try to talk her out of doing that again....if she continues it, it may worsen her depressive episodes.

yes i told her that. she's 16 though
and in that "i'm a badass stage" and
doesn't listen to anyone. And like my
friends are like why don't your parents do
something about her and my parents have
tryed everything.

if she ends up having to be admitted to the hospital's behavioral health ward and the drug test (yes they WILL do it) pops positive...the doctor could send her to rehab..almost happened to me two years ago.

My sister-in-law was diagnosed bi-polar over a year ago, during a three week hospitalisation. She is on a variety of meds.....and she smokes pot regularly, too. She says it helps her stay mellow, but I think it pretty much leaves her virtually comatose when combined with her meds. She has gained a great deal of weight, possibly from the Seroquel. I think the weed may be partially responsible for the weight gain, as well. You can try talking to them, but if they have their minds made-up, you might as well ram your head repeatedly into a brick wall.

lily, is she lithium that you know of?

on lithium i meant

No....Seroquel, (they have recently tapered her off,though), Abilify,Clonipan, and some new one that starts with a T.....Trame-something, maybe.

i was asking because lithium can actually mess your thyroid up...but the weight gain could be caused by anyting else

Yes, lithium is such a harsh drug. I knew a guy with bi-polar who took it, too, but was always tired and groggy.