Just a hi really!

I felt odd wandering about here without introducing myself!

I'm a mum of two teenage boys who I ADORE and are my anchor.

I was officially diagnosed as BP2 12 months ago, but have really not accepted this until about a week ago when it all fell out of bed with my husband and I told him.

I've told no one else, I want to get my head around it.

Have been diagnosed with depression for an almighty long time & eventually ended up here.

Am just feeling so relieved that people GET IT!!

Welcome! It's great to get a diagnosis and makes you more aware of your symptoms! They don't seem quite as bad.
Be aware that some people don't believe in mental illness and won't cut you any slack or have sympathy, so don't let it bother you if it happens. I usually don't even bring it up with anyone other than immediate family and some close friends. Although I've found it's not an excuse to act like a jerk.
You probably have more depression than mania though. Some people will probably just tell you to cheer up and it's not that simple. Hope you get on some good meds and continue to live a good fairly stable life!

Hi and Welcome! I'm new too

I was diagnosed with bipolar last year and I have found that not a lot of people understand you. You get sympathy when in depressed state but when you're manic people seem to just get pissed off with you and the understanding and sympathy flies out the window and you're left there feeling rather lonely (at least in my experience) .. I mainly think a big part is realising what triggers you and talking to the ones closest to you so they can get a better understanding and can help you rather than get mad or irritated.

How have you been coping since telling your husband?
Honestly being open with at least one person (like your husband for example) will help a lot... personally my partner (who is also the only one for me who knows about it) is an amazing support for me but like most he has a difficult time wrapping his head round the manic periods not thinking that that is why I can fly off the handles sometimes, but he tries and that is all I can ask because he wants to understand.

Wishing you all the best!