Forever

I'm getting to the stage now that I can accept my disorder, and realise that sometimes I am going to be really depressed, and a lot of the time life isn't going to be particularly great. But I can't come to terms with it being forever. How do you deal with the fact that forever I will most probably have to find new ways to deal with s*** and fight suicidal urges? I don't want to cope I want to live.

I think the reason doctors dont have a cure because the CAUSE is different for everyone. yes it CAN be chemical imbalance, it CAN be caused by stress, or worry. It CAN be caused by family issues, money issues, family issues (past or current), it can be lifestyle (an addiction). For me I started my own business, and let my social life go to hell. I didnt think it was that important , but now I am really feeling the effects of isolation. I want soo bad just to have some friends with a common interest, and only very recently I have found creative ways to make that happen. Its not a cure. I am prone to depression, but I think it will make it more manageable. Also remember that there is research being done daily to find ways to alleviate it. So just because there is nothing that works today, does not mean that there wont be help tomorrow. Find ways today to cope. I beleive there is a VERY strong link between isolation and depression. I looking for the "social butterfly" that is always depressed, and have not found that person yet.

Hey Matri00,

I can understand the benefit and necessity of accepting the disorder but I don't think that entails resignation or despair about the future. There are many people with Bipolar Disorder, one and two, that experience periods of profound mental and emotional suffering and recover. Bipolar Disorder most often persists over the course of someone's life but this does not mean the intensity and duration of the episodes will be uniform and consistent such that you have to endure the same rhythm of suffering until you die. There are many things that you can do to cope with the disorder: taking appropriate medication, managing your stress, staying active, maintaining a regular sleep/wake cycle, using social support or seeing a mental health care professional. By controlling these factors there's no telling how much you can improve.

It's possible to make the most of your life even with a serious mood disorder. Don't give up.

Take care and best wishes.

I think one way to live with BP rather than survive with it is to play to your strengths. What does the disorder have an impact on in your life that you are good at? Perhaps you are creative, perhaps you are good with ppl who have mental health problems or other things. If you build a life round things you feel good about doing and can do well I think you are more likely to be truly living than fighting against the disorder. I do understand this can be tough but I think it can help.

HUgs

Cracked

Cracked it SPOT ON! We have a horrible mood disorder. Nothing changes that right now...However we need to find ways to MANAGE it. What makes it worse? What makes it better? Im really big on solutions, as a business owner , thats my job all day long is to solve problems. What ive gathered is

Things NOT to do:
#1 Isolation ( includes too much internet or TV). I put this at the top of the list as I belive its #1
Go without sleep, or sleep too much
street drugs
Drink too much. Proven. Alcohol is a DEPRESSENT, and boy is it EVER
Too much stress or drama,
"Check out of life", NOT set ANY goals (even tiny weeny ones).
"Routine life". This one is debatable. Some people believe that routine is good, and I would say agree, but too much routine were NOTHING changes day after day for years? BAD!

Things TO do:
Get on meds and if one doesnt work, KEEP TRYING! (BIG ONE!)
Get into therapy, and keep going! (BIG ONE!!)
Take vitamins (some SWEAR by fish oil)..Vitamin B is all for mood!
Join depression/BP groups in your area if there are some. Meetup dot com is GREAT, they have groups for EVERY interest , even emotional disorders including depression,social anxiety, BP, borderline ect.
Stay on a regular sleep cycle
Make small steps towards a little goal , then set a "big picture goal", I know its hard but find SOMETHING that really "sparks you", AND meet people that have this interest.
Gather support around you, be HONEST with those closest to you whats going on.
Eliminate people that live in drama and stress.
Eliminate in your life those that are unkind and cruel.
Find people that are supportive, and kind.

I know these things are not possible for all of us, but its just general information ive complied and experienced. Maybe cracked could make a "sticky" called dos and donts and we can add our ideas for anyone new or having a tough time. This would be really great for anyone having a really tough time with depressive episode. Truth is people come here looking for answers on how to relieve their pain, this would be a way they can get some quick relief.

hi vegasguy - I will look into the stickie

Hugs

Cracked

In a way you asked exactly the same question that's been in my mind. I also find this bit hardest to swallow. So I will always go up and down? I will always have to have someone on call in case I want to do something stupid? I will always be in danger of *cue in every single symptom*?

I am not coping very well with this one just yet. On my up days, like today, I think "I can conquer this, and I'll get where I want to be anyway, maybe just slower". On the down days... I get stupid ideas. And I still don't know if tomorrow will be an up day or a down day. I sure as hell can't imagine living like that forever...