Bi-Polar Disorder...Can anyone shed some light?

I was diagnosed with being bipolar or manic depression (which ever name you prefer but they are the same) back in the 90's. My sister was diagnosed in the 70's and was one of the first groups to be put on lithium. Lithium is the usual medication for this that people are put on. There are other anti-depressents as well that can help like Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, but most do need to be with the lithium as well otherwise it can cause problems. Yes it can affect my daily life. It has effected my credit rating for one. Many bipolars have a hard time with over spending, with bouncing checks, going over limits on credit cards, etc. For me when I'm depressed I don't care about the consequences and when I'm in a manic phase I figure I'll do it and find the money later. It seldom works out. There are times when I'm so depressed all I want to do is stay in bed. When I'm in a manic phase I might not sleep and I'll do major spur of the moment things, like paint the house all at once for example. I could write a book really on how it effects my daily life. I'm not even sure where to begin. I have found I really cannot hold a job. I have way too many absences and even when I can get one I don't hang on to it long. I bounce from one to another. Now please realize I'm not on medication. I don't have a job right now and no insurance so medication and doctors are pretty much out. With medication it can help. Problem comes in many find with medication they feel better and then go "Well I don't need it" so they stop. I know this has happened with me and others. It's a very common problem with bipolars. I hope this helps. It is actually a fairly common disorder. I don't know if you have found this in your reading but Patty Duke is bipolar, so is Maurice Benard who plays Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. There are many more then you might realize who have it.

Hang on to your loved ones. What I have learned is that in many cases, bi-polar people don't even remember things they've done during a hypomanic phase. I'm married to a bi-polar man and he'd be WAY out of control if he didn't have a monitor. ME! Your credit rating will improve if you stay on your meds (you may need something good for the manic part...Effexor is for the depressive part) Having a loved one monitor you and using a mood chart that you both can fill in will give you insight as to your cycling. We use this bi-polar mood chart, it works well for us: http://healthyplace.com/communities/bipolar/mood_chart.asp It works out well in that I take care of him bipolar-wise and he takes care of me physical disability-wise.

is there someone with you right now, who is taking good care of you? you need someone who can help you out. this is a difficult situation that you are in right now and love ones around you will do great for you.

Hey, a great resource is http://www.healthboards.com it is a health forum and they have their own section about bi-polar. While I know what it is I don't suffer from it, but you can post on there because there are people just like you that are going through it. They could surely answer your questions about daily life, medicine, and any other issues and concerns. Have a nice day. Pablo