Recently Diagnosed with Bipolar

calflye

Hi, I recently found out that I'm Bipolar and have had mixed feelings about it. I'm relieved I have a diagnosis but at the same time, can't help but feel that my life is kind of over. I'm going uni in September and now it just all feels so much more stressful with the diagnosis and having to worry about my episodes.

I'm glad that I'm able to get the correct help and I know what I'm dealing with but I think my brain is just refusing to accept the fact I'm Bipolar. Plus, my CMHT are confusing me by setting appointments on my records then immediately cancelling them so I have to keep emailing them to ask what is going on. I know the sort of denial phase is normal but it's just a shock, even though me, as well as my mum, suspected it.

Also, out of curiosity, how long did it take for people with any mental health conditions to get their report sent to their GP from the psychiatrist? Just wondering how long I may be waiting for it.

I think all in all, I'm glad that I've got a diagnosis and it does fit me, it's not like I don't agree with it. And now I'm on medication. Also annoyed that I'm going to be on meds for life. That's something I'm struggling to come to terms with.

Holly_Scope

Hi @calflye and welcome to the community. 🙂

I can completely empathise. My brother has Bipolar disorder, it's no walk in the park. I can appreciate how you're feeling but would say that your life is just beginning! You've been diagnosed now which you mentioned was a relief, and you're beginning University later this year which gives you a bit of time to adjust and prepare.

I'm disappointed to read about your CMHT cancelled appointments. Hopefully you'll receive a It may be worth contacting your GP about the time taken for the referral, and any waiting lists there might be. Hopefully they'll be able to give you at least an idea of a timeframe.

I've added a link that might be useful below for Mind. There's an area called "local minds" which specialises in offering local face to face talking therapy. Dependant on your GP's feedback on timescales, it might be worth reaching out to them to understand if they can get the ball rolling if that's something you're interested in. There's also some other links on their website which might be helpful in the short term.

Useful contacts for bipolar disorder - Mind

It's a big adjustment for you so it's going to take some time to get your head around and to adjust, especially as it's all so new and you don't yet started with your support following diagnosis. Just be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. It sounds like you've got a great support network, with your Mum. You've got this! 💛

Best wishes,

Holly.

calflye

Thank you @Holly_Scope I'm definitely trying to have a positive outlook on the year. I think over the past few years, I've had a very negative thought process so I'm trying like positive affirmations I think it's called. Like I'm trying to tell myself that this year is my year to just knuckle down and do what I truly want to do.

With the CMHT, I had my assessment with them early this month (where I was diagnosed) but it seems after that, they're confusing everything for me. I have emailed the CMHT in order to get some clarification.

I didn't know Mind had a local talking therapy face-to-face service, definitely will give that a look.

Thank you so much for your kind words :)

Holly_Scope

Hi @calflye I know sometimes it's easier said than done but at least if you're trying, it's bound to have a better impact on your mental health. I love positive affirmations - they're great. I also find writing a list each day, ticking things off really helps me feel good and keeps me on track. I always feel more positive at the end of the day when I've achieved most of my list, but appreciate we're all different. What are you studying at University if you don't mind me asking?

I should have added in my earlier post (sorry) I also found you can self refer to the NHS service too so it might be a better option to do this. I've added the link below.

NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression - NHS

Best wishes,

Holly.

calflye

@Holly_Scope I'm studying Electronic Music Production at uni which is exciting. Studied it in college and did really well, something I've always wanted to do.

I did refer myself to Talking Therapies a few months ago but they referred me onwards to CMHT (as well as my GP) because they said their services weren't a good fit for me which is a shame.

Holly_Scope

Wow, that is exciting! I'm really pleased for you and sure you'll smash it from how you've got on at College! 🙂

That's a shame. Hopefully MIND can support in the interim, and CMHT provide you with a long term plan.

Holly.