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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar - fears about the future

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Expert: - 8/26/2010


Question
I was recently diagnosed with bipolar 2 and am sooo frightened for the future as I have an aunt, uncle, cousin with BP1 that have never been stable for long, divorced, in and out of hospitals, not able to hold jobs....So is that what I have to look forward to? My psychiatrist says that 90% of his patients with BP2 function very well and hold jobs, stay married, etc., but I don't know if he's just telling me that to make me feel better or if it's the truth. When or does it ever become something you don't think about every day? I've never been hosptialized, but fear I will have to be. I am married to a wonderful hubby and have 2 great kids and a great part time job and I fear I will lose it all. Please help!

Answer
Anyone recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder goes through a period where they worry that they've just been given the news that their life as they knew it just ended. From my personal experience, it doesn't have to be the proverbial "death sentence", and it won't - if you don't let it.  I was barely starting college when I was diagnosed, and I came close to allowing that diagnosis to completely unravel my whole life.  Of course, the therapist I was seeing at the time had told me I should "aim low" - not the best thing for a bipolar to hear - but rather than take her advice, I simply stopped seeing her.  It's taken some time, but I finished law school and took my bar exam; my point is that other than the added time, there's nothing that bipolar disorder has taken away from me as far as my life, my aspirations, and my future.

I will say that it is key to find the right doctor who will work with you on the right medications to manage your symptoms. Don't focus too much on how your relatives own experiences with the condition; we may inherit this illness but we don't inherit the outcome it has in our life.  I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions for me.

Bipolar Disorder

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Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

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