Bipolar Survey: Diagnosis and Advice

I was diagnosed with Unspecified Bipolar Disorder at 21… about a month ago. A piece of advice would be to make sure you take your meds as prescribed…. it’s HUGE.

Just now, 20

I was 25 when I was diagnosed with it, I know my body and she didn't believe me when I told her something felt off

I was 18 in my senior year 2009 I'm 32yrs now I would say you are special and unique don't let a doctor label you as a illness because you are a greater person who may make mistakes but it's apart of the journey and just enjoy the good things in life. Take life one step at a time may have good days some bad and in between but life is precious and you are valued you matter.

Suspect I been it since early 20's but I was 35 when officially diagnosed

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 when I was 19 after being misdiagnosed with major depression at 16. My diagnosis was changed to Bipolar 1 in my 20s. Alot of good advice has already been given. The only thing I can think to add is using the Wellness Recovery Action Plan(WRAP). It is a tool to record information about your symptoms, triggers, a crisis plan, and plans for when hospitalization may be necessary. You can have a plan in place indicating your preferences regarding hospitals, doctors, who can and can't contact you, your medication regimen and any other things you want in place if your incapacitated or need assistance at that time. This can be shared with your docs and family or other trusted people in your life. There's an app available for the WRAP. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

at sixteen i was diagnosed with bipolar ii but as i grew older (i'm 20 now) i found out that i was misdiagnosed and that i instead have bipolar i. some advice i would give to someone who has been recently diagnosed is to write down and track your moods whenever you feel like you're able and to be completely transparent about how you're feeling. stay consistent with your medication, even if you find out that you need an adjustment. also, keep a consistent sleep schedule as i have found out that the less sleep you get the more likely you'll experience mania/hypomania. lastly, if you experience psychotic symptoms i would make someone close to you aware of this to help make sure that you don't do something that could potentially have a negative effect on your life. communication is key and sometimes when you're unmedicated it's difficult to keep a clear head, hence why medication is so important. also, be careful with social media while manic. lol.

12 after they originally thought I had MDD, so happy I found a doctor willing to diagnose and treat it

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 at 12, im now 27. The best advice I can give is to let yourself feel without beating yourself up. Your feelings are valid. A chemical imbalance in your brain just makes you feel deeper.

44 maybe not completely sure been diagnosed with bipolar 1 because of my mania (manic episode for about a month) but all my symptoms are adhd soooo..........

Do people find diazapam helpful for anxiety

21 or 22? i think? was when i was diagnosed and i have bipolar 1. i turn 23 in september.

I was 36, type 2 but I border on type 1. I have had symptoms from early childhood however. My biggest advice is to manage stress and try to reduce working too much if at all possible. This was the biggest help to me. Also to not feel guilty for how you are feeling on top of feeling sad. I know that’s easier said than done, but it has helped me a lot to be kind to myself.

Oh great post! I was 18 when first diagnosed and my number one tip for folks who have low functioning, Bipolar Disorder 1 with comorbidities is to STAY ON YOUR MEDICATION. You’re prescribed it for a good reason, so just take it. Also, get PLENTY of sleep at appropriate times, and eat moderately but healthily. It ALL matters. 💜

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 at around 30 after being misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder at 24. Because of the misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment/medication for BPD that never quite fit the Bipolar 2 diagnosis was actually a relief for me as I was able to get the right treatment and medication. My best advice would be to embrace the diagnosis for what it is, an opportunity for the right treatment. As other people said, it doesn't define you. My other piece of advice would be to take the time and make the effort for proper treatment (not just medication). I spent a month as an inpatient in a private mental health facility and then did three months of outpatient therapy (group and solo) three days a week, then when I transitioned back to work I went to therapy two nights a week for six months. It honestly changed my life. Oh, and bonus advice, I don't know where you're located and what treatment is like where you are, but if you have the means and it makes a difference to treatment, get private health insurance! In Australia the difference between the public and private mental health systems is stark and I wouldn't wish the public system on anyone.

I was diagnosed at 18, I have bipolar 2, and do not think that this diagnosis makes you a monster because it doesn't!

Diagnosed at 15. I have bipolar 1. Don’t break treatment, breaking good habits is hard to recover from. It’s hard to be perfect but good habits really make an impact

Best advice I'd give to a freshly diagnosed person is "you are NOT bipolar, you HAVE bipolar disorder". It makes me feel a lot better to not let it define me.

I was tentatively diagnosed (it had a different name as I was a child) when I was about 8 years old. I was officially diagnosed last year (I'm 31)

I was officially diagnosed with bipolar 2 when I was 22, towards the end of 2021. My best advice would be to try to not let it control you and to be open about it with those you trust so you have people who can help you. Looking back on it, my teenage years were a mess due to the excessive highs I experienced. I struggle more with the extreme lows now because the highs aren't as frequent for me anymore. I would also recommend therapy if it's available to you because the drastic shifts from severe lows to sudden highs or vice versa is very difficult sometimes. I hope this helps anyone! ❤

I have bipolar disorder. I'm 54 now and have had it since 20. The main piece of advise is to ride it out. The highs go as you get older. My main thing now is the lows. They're not fun but not as destructive as the highs. Keep pushing yourself and keep busy. Find meaningful things in your life. This thing is not fun but it is possible to still live

I was diagnosed at age 25 I'm 37 now. I have bipolar 1 and I would say therapy has helped me a lot

I was diagnosed at 19 (almost a year ago) and I have Bipolar 1 disorder. One piece of advice I would give is to have a system. Set up a schedule where you wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day, eat nutritious meals, and get plenty of sunlight, this will help regulate your mood. Therapy and meds are HUGE!!!