I Am Newly Diagnosed With Bipolar
You are not alone. We are here to help!
How are you feeling? Are you numb? Does it feel catastrophic? Do you feel somewhat relieved? Receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be a mixed experience and is different for everyone. At a bare minimum, you finally have some answers about what is going on inside. Now that you know what is going on, you can learn what has worked for others and how they have reclaimed their lives.
You are not alone. Let’s do this together!
Living with bipolar disorder isn’t easy, but there are resources available that can help you manage and cope with symptoms, prevent and rebound from mood episodes, and help you achieve your wellness goals. At The International Bipolar Foundation we are here to help and to provide you with information for you to learn more about living with bipolar disorder.
If you don’t receive treatment for bipolar disorder, it can worsen over time. With a good treatment plan, you can lead a stable, happy, and healthy life!
Common strategies that can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression.
- Remember having bipolar is NOT your fault, and you are not broken or defective.
- Learn about bipolar disorder. Read blogs, websites, books. Listen to podcasts.
- Pay attention to your “red flags” or warning signs that a mood episode is coming on. Look for patterns and triggers. Call your healthcare providers and involve family and friends if you are recognizing symptoms. Addressing symptoms early can prevent episodes from getting worse.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Be patient with prescribed medications – finding the right ones can involve trial and error.
- Be patient with yourself-becoming well and staying well takes time but you can do it!
- Take one step at a time, ie make an appointment with a doctor, call a friend, establish a good sleep routine, etc.
- Make use of your existing support network of family, friends, ministers, etc. They can be invaluable!
- Connect to others by joining a support group where you can share your challenges and experiences.
- Try managing stress with therapy, exercise, yoga or meditation.
- Be involved with your treatment. Collaborate with your doctors and therapists.
- Learn to accept help.
- Have an emergency action plan.
- Get adequate sleep and have good sleep habits.
Webinars For The Newly Diagnosed
Webinars are online presentations that are about an hour long. We have a live webinar almost every week with experts on different areas of bipolar disorder. Each webinar is recorded and posted to our website. The webinars go in depth on specific topics and are designed to help you learn more about different treatment options, developing research trends, or everyday tips for managing symptoms. A wide variety of topics are covered, here are some examples that are especially useful for those newly diagnosed:
Genetics Counseling for Psychiatric Illness
The Essential Diet: Eating For Mental Health
Owning Bipolar
The Bipolar Survival Guide 3rd Edition: Tips For Families On Coping
Free Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder Book
The Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder book is written for both people living with bipolar disorder and their caregivers. In Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder, you’ll find clinical information from psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, therapists, social workers, and others. You will also find stories from real people who share how they survive and thrive with bipolar disorder. We hope that you will share your story with us someday. Together, we can build a world of hope.
Blog Articles For Those Newly Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
We have about 40 active bloggers who write monthly posts on different topics related to bipolar disorder. By reading the blogs you can see that you are not alone and learn things that have helped other people in similar situations. You may find you can relate to some of the experiences, symptoms, and treatment plans our bloggers share.
5 Things I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me When I Was Diagnosed
Accepting My Bipolar Diagnosis
Self-Stigma
Know Your Triggers
YouTube Question & Answer Series
We have a series of youtube videos where experts in the field answer common questions about bipolar disorder. Some are from a medical perspective and others are from caregivers or people who have bipolar disorder.
Connect With Us On Social Media
We are active on several social media platforms, check us out at these links:
Faces Of Hope And Recovery
Personal stories of people who successfully live with bipolar disorder and share what has worked for them, learn more here!
Treatment & Support Resources
We can help you find a support group in your area or other resources like treatment centers, psychiatrists, and therapists. View our resource page or email us at info@ibpf.org for help finding a referral. US consumers can also use this treatment locator.