help me

[grimlip]

So I was talking to my physciatrist and she told me she thinks I have a 75% chance of being bipolar because of my familys history with it.

Now my exboyfriend, who I get along with, has it. I've seen some things it has done to him and I'm afraid to have it. Although what happened with my family was much worse because of bipolar. I don't know.

I guess I just need someone to tell me that even I have it I can be ok.

[Sapphire]

With the right treatment people with bipolar can live normal and happy lives. It's a long term illness but it is manageable.

[Bobby]

In esscense, Bi-polar can kill you emotionally. But like some other illnesses, you can live with treatment, and live a generally happy life. And don't feel bad about yourself for having it, it's nothing you can control.

[byee]

In esscense, Bi-polar can kill you emotionally. But like some other illnesses, you can live with treatment, and live a generally happy life. And don't feel bad about yourself for having it, it's nothing you can control.

No, no, no, no! Bi-Polar disease cannot 'kill you' emotionally, that's a very frightening (and misleading) statement. Out of all the 'serious' psychiatric problems, Bi-polar (manic-depressive illness) is the 'easiest' to control and treat. That's because the meds are very effective at subduing the symptoms, the vast majority of people with BPD who are stabilized on their meds have virtually NO symptoms whatsoever.


BPD does run in families, it's a genetic illness, so if a close family member has it the likelihood of you having it are increased. But, having a family member with it does not necessarily mean you will automatically get it, nor does it mean that your problems are necessariily caused by BPD. A careful diagnosis and assessment (perhaps with psychological testing) is required to tell what exactly is causing your problems. And BPD is not contagious, if your boyfriend has it, it's either just a weird coincidence, or a misdiagnosis.

[Sapphire]

Out of all the 'serious' psychiatric problems, Bi-polar (manic-depressive illness) is the 'easiest' to control and treat. That's because the meds are very effective at subduing the symptoms, the vast majority of people with BPD who are stabilized on their meds have virtually NO symptoms whatsoever.

I'd have to disagree with you there. It is not as easy to control or treat as you make out. It can take ages to find the right medication for individuals if they are open to that line of treatment. With the right medication and psychotherapy people can still have relapses.

[byee]

I'd have to disagree with you there. It is not as easy to control or treat as you make out. It can take ages to find the right medication for individuals if they are open to that line of treatment. With the right medication and psychotherapy people can still have relapses.


I'm not saying it's necessarily easy, but it is alot easier to treat BPD (and the results much better than alot of other psychiatric conditions) as the meds are specific to the problem, they're designed to biologcally target the cause of the illness. Relapses tend to occur with people who do not stay on their meds or otherwise are treatment resisitant. Likewise, finding the right meds is largely determined by the competence and experience of the doctor

Success in treatment=patient compliance+Doctor competence/experience+a pinch of luck.

[whiterecyclables94]

It will be fine i know people who are bi polar and they are dealing with it. My godfather for example is bi polar. He has his "good days" and his "bad days" and on his bad days he usually just stays inside. He is living his life just like everyother person so there is no need to be worried! Scientists today have medication to help you cope with your syndrome (i think thats the right word) Im not saying that it will be easy but its definetly something that you can deal with. Just like the saying whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger eventually you will be a wiser person from your experiences.