Finding strength and support
I have been diagnosed with bipolar since 2018. I had initially been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and was put on an antidepressant at the time. I would have limited success feeling ‘better’ for a month or 2 and then I would slide back down the depressive slope go back to the Dr and be put on either a higher dose or a new tablet completely.
I went on this journey for at least a year. At the time I was also seeing A psychologist, during one session after about a year she suggested that I could have bipolar. I went home and discussed potential possibilities of family members with bipolar disorder.
Having established there was potential family history (we just suspected there was family history e.g. an undiagnosed grandparent and cousin.) the next step was getting a referral for a psychiatrist - I remember clearly being told “oh I don't think you are bipolar, but I will refer you any way”. When I met my psychiatrist I told my story to her, I was asked lots of questions probing into family history, my history and symptoms. It was a 45-minute appointment, and I distinctly remember 2 things one, having seen a brief look at her notes it said family history bad with a big circle around it.
The second thing was when I was told I had bipolar 2. The psychiatrist got the DSM 5 out and pointed to the definition of bipolar and she explained why she felt I was bipolar 2 the symptoms I had etc. I was immediately put on lithium and Seroquel My 2nd appointment had mum and dad in it where we further discussed my symptoms, history etc. It was good that mum and dad were involved they could fill in the gaps I left out.
Not long after diagnosis I had my first hospital admission which was the first of many over the years- I look at them as medical tune ups where I get things sorted out medication reviewed or simply an admission because I am unwell. As a bipolar 2 I swing towards depressive episodes which I why I end up in hospital. I have hypomania but not often. I am currently on a streak of being well and stable having not being in hospital since January.
Fiona has come a long way in her mental health journey. Over the past six years, she’s been a dedicated member of Bipolar Life groups, finding strength and support along the way. Recently, she has taken on the role of facilitator, offering her compassion and helping others navigate their own paths.
