Newly Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder: Seeking Advice and Encouragement

honestly I'd say get some bipolar friends. we gotta stick together through this, it's tough but its manageable. I am on vraylar too and it helps a TON!! good luck and if you need anything message us <3

Make a safety plan and stick with it! For me, I'm really struggling with mania right now so if I get an impulse, my safety plan says to distract myself with art or music and let someone know in my support system. It has really helped me, especially with SI. I got mine in IOP, but I'm sure they have them for free online. Also, IOP, intensive outpatient program, has been helpful. It's group therapy but the therapist chooses a topic to learn about and talk about for the day. Most places even have evening programs for people who work.

Bipolar 2 has lesser ups and more downs. Type 1 has both manic and depressive. If they get really bad psychosis is possible. I see your have other stuff going on so you probably know what to expect with meds and have good doctors. If not, good relationship with them and med compliance is very important. Other than that, make sure you have a support group, I mean in your life, family, friends. I would say get educated on the disorder and make sure your loved ones are also educated. Good luck to you

Watch for ups and downs