undiagnosed bipolar

[HeadFullofWasps]

Hello everyone

I have repeated a consistent pattern of self-sabotage and pushing people away throughout my life. I was convinced that I was an irredeemably awful person. I can't remember why but I was reading through the comments of the bipolar 2 subreddit. So many people with stories that played out almost identically to my own.

I wanted to ask if there are any members who were diagnosed as adults/late in life with bipolar. Please if you can share your story and any advice you wish someone had offered you pre diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with autism and adhd, so if there is anyone who has experience/knowledge of what occurs when these three things occur together, please let me know. 

Thank you for your time.   

[TunedIn]

Hi @HeadFullofWasps and welcome to the forums 👋. 

I can hear you've grappled with a lot in your life, including feeling like an awful person and struggling with relationships - that sounds tough 🥀

I'm very glad that you have found this forum and that you've felt able to post and I do hope that you will feel the support of the community during this time 🌿. 

I did also just want to share this post from Sane that talks about some of what you're interesting in hearing more about from others - I hope it helps ⭐! 

TunedIn 🦋

[Lapis_Anteater]

Hey @HeadFullofWasps 

I was diagnosed with bipolar II (it has since been upgraded to bipolar I) at 19 and have autism and ADHD. I know a few people with the same combination, so it isn’t particularly unlikely. I’d say the biggest thing you can do for yourself is having a good sleep schedule. I also found medication to be necessary. It’s really important to find out what your triggers are. I get triggered by antidepressants and by stimulants, so I have had to rearrange my medication a few times.

It is also necessary to speak to a psychologist/psychiatrist if you can so you can bring up your concerns. Do you have a psych/GP you could talk to? The instability of bipolar can be really difficult so in general it’s important to create as much stability as you can. I doubt you’re an irredeemably awful person, but it can sure feel that way when you’re in the thick of the illness.