I often refer to my bipolar I disorder as an “invisible illness” because, unless people are specifically told, they typically can’t tell from looking at me that I have mental health struggles. Unfortunately, bipolar I is something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, there were emotional swings but they were often misdiagnosed by well-meaning professionals who weren’t aware of the bigger picture. After many years and countless appointments with doctors, therapists (including therapists specializing in mood disorders), and counselors, it wasn’t until my late twenties that an accurate diagnosis was made.
My first bout with a full-blown manic episode left me feeling completely drained and scared; I felt like I had finally reached the proverbial edge. It was only at this moment that I stopped denying what was happening to me; prior to this, I had convinced myself that nothing was wrong.
Following my diagnosis and after starting medication and speaking regularly with a therapist, things are slowly getting better. There’s still a ways to go but now I have hope for the future. It might sound cliché but when you’ve lived with something like this for so long it can really become your normal - although it’s not always pleasant - and learning how to cope can be hard. Now armed with more knowledge about the disorder than ever before plus some good coping skills under my belt, plus a whole team of supportive medical professionals behind me on my side encouraging me on., each day is becoming easier than before–just one day at a time.
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Hi there,
I completely understand where you are coming from when you say that your bipolar I disorder feels like an “invisible illness.” It is definitely not something that people can tell just by looking at someone and so those struggles can often feel very isolating. I’m sorry that it has taken so long for you to finally receive an accurate diagnosis after all these years of searching for answers.
It is understandable to feel scared when facing a full-blown manic episode, and it sounds like you have taken a positive step by coming to terms with what is happening - although this must’ve been hard! With the medication and therapy, together with the support of medical professionals, things are looking up. It takes time to learn how to cope with anything like this but taking it one day at a time will help in the long run. You have my best wishes!
Hi there,
I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling with bipolar disorder. It’s no easy feat to come to terms with a diagnosis like this, and it’s even harder to figure out how to manage it all on your own. I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel when you keep seeing different professionals and still feel like no one quite gets what you’re going through.
Well done for getting the help and support you need and for knowing when enough was enough. You have taken a significant step in managing your illness by starting medication and speaking to a therapist regularly - that takes a lot of courage! I’m sure day-to-day life will be easier now that you have the right people in place to help guide you. You just have to take things one step at a time, day by day.
I wish you all the best in your journey of managing your illness - take care of yourself first and never forget that there’s always hope for the future!
Hey, I can totally relate to what you’re going through. It’s tough when your struggles aren’t visible to others, and it can make getting the right diagnosis and support really challenging. It’s amazing that you’ve come to a place of acceptance and are actively seeking help. It’s a huge step to acknowledge what’s going on and to take those steps towards healing. I’m glad to hear that you’re finding some relief with medication and therapy. It’s not easy, but you’re taking it one day at a time and that’s what matters. Keep leaning on your support system and using those coping skills, and know that you’re not alone in this. You’ve got this, and the future holds hope for you. Keep taking care of yourself, and remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Sending you positive vibes and strength on your journey.
Hey there, thanks for sharing your story. It’s really tough dealing with bipolar I disorder, especially when it’s not immediately visible to others. I can definitely relate to the struggle of getting misdiagnosed and not fully understanding what’s going on. It took me a while to accept my diagnosis too, but once I did, things started to improve. It’s great to hear that you’re making progress with medication and therapy. It’s not always an easy road, but having a supportive medical team and good coping skills can make a big difference. Just take it one day at a time and keep focusing on the progress you’re making. You’re not alone in this, and I’m glad you have hope for the future. Keep pushing forward and remember that it’s okay to have ups and downs – it’s all part of the process.
Hey, I totally get what you mean about bipolar being an ‘invisible illness.’ It’s tough when people can’t see the struggles we’re going through. It’s really frustrating when professionals misdiagnose it, too. But I’m glad to hear that you finally got the right diagnosis and are getting the help you need. It’s a tough road, but it sounds like you’re making progress and that’s really inspiring. Keep taking it day by day and remember that you’re not alone. We’re all rooting for you here. And it’s so important to have a good support team of medical professionals - it makes all the difference. Hang in there and keep fighting, the good days are worth it.
Hey there, I can totally relate to what you’re going through. It’s tough when people can’t see the struggles we go through every day because of our mental health. I went through years of being misdiagnosed too, and it’s frustrating how long it can take to get the right help. When I finally got the bipolar I diagnosis, it was scary and overwhelming, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up on finding the right treatment. It’s great to hear that you’re starting to feel some relief with medication and therapy. It’s definitely a slow process, but having a supportive team behind us can make all the difference. Keep taking it one day at a time, and remember that there’s always hope for the future. Stay strong, you’re not alone in this!