Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 10/2/2006

Question
I have been surfing the web in hopes to finding some answers to my illness.  It is weird writing "illness".  I have been treated with Zyprexa for about two and a half years now, all the while telling myself and others that I am on medication for insomnia, which was only half of the truth.  About two weeks ago, I admitted to myself and my family that this thing has a name, although shameful it is, I think I really do have this illness.  I've been reading up alot about it recently and it pinpoints exactly what I've been going through for my entire life, probably since I was 7.  
I don't know what books to read or where to begin, I would like to talk to someone, but I'm unsure who that person would be, unsure about my medication  and afraid to take any more medication.  I don't have access to a support group and I only know of two people who have this, which makes it difficult to talk to even my mom, who has it, she is always oblivious to what people are saying to her, she is on so much medication that she is groggy and out of it most of the time.  That makes for a poor support.  She only listens, struggling with it herself, she doesn't know what to say.  
Help!

Answer
Hi Lin:

First, I want to say being bipolar is not shameful.  It is an illness--just like heart disease or diabetes.  Don't feel that admiting you have this is somehow something to be ashamed of.

The first thing you should do, if yu haven't already is look in your phone book under Mental Health.  It will list places where you can find someone to discuss things with--including the possibility of different medication.  The people at these places are trained to help individuals cope with bipolar disorder and you should find talking with them easy.

Next, I'd like you to do a search for "bipolar support groups".  There should be many--both online and broken down by state.  Having someone to talk to who is going through the same thing will help you accept this diagnosis much easier--and provide you with needed emotional support.

You did not mention your age.  If you are still in school, try the school guidance counselor.(S)he may have a list of resources you can use.

The most important thing to remember is that you are still you--the diagnosis doesn't change the person you have always been.  You have a disorder--you aren't the disorder.  

Do those searches and see what you can find.  If nothing else, call your local hospital or talk with your family doctor--either place may have a list of local help groups for you.

                               Joyce A. Anthony