Something that drives me crazy is watching a tv program or movie and a character has bipolar disorder and the person is evil or the symptoms are just wrong. All it does is perpetuates the myths.
I call it my anxious exhaustion. There are days where I can enjoy the mania, motivation, creative ideas and optimism, but there are times when I know the drop is coming and know the next day I’ll call all those great ideas (which really were great ideas) a bunch of BS. Thanks for your videos. Very legitimate.
Chad McCoy Thanks for joining the conversation Chad and talking a little bit about what you experience. You are definitely in the right place! I hope you have an awesome new year and stop back by anytime :-)
I was diagnosed at 60. I had been suffering since I was a kid with ADHD. In my twenties, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I never felt right even with the meds. Now that I know what it is, I am getting medication for both. Thank God! What a difference it has made.
That's incredible, I was misdiagnosed MDD at 19. I remember describing that it felt like I dropped off a cliff emotionally... with no coinciding event to warrant it! As I sit here in hypomania, typing away, there's a part of me that is glad its a lot easier to get help nowadays.
Omg your story is litterally how mine went. I was diagnosed with ADD and ADHD and major depressive disorder and panic attacks and generalized anxiety but I was diagnosed with unknown mood disorder when I was a early teenager too so it's like my doctor didn't want to diagnose me bipolar but now almost 30 I've been diagnosed with bipolar and on antipsychotics and it has helped me so much!!!!
Wow I wasn’t accurately diagnosed unti 38 they thought I was depressed had dysthymia when they told me it was bipolar disorder I was in the hospital I always knew something wasn’t right and finally I was told by my history I had it since my teens it has taken years of trial and error with the right combination of meds and I was pretty stable until a horrible loss of my husband that triggered a an episode which I’m fighting with now
I'm so glad you addressed the euphoric mania myth. I'm always full of irritable rage when I'm hypomanic/manic and those who aren't around me regularly assume that I feel great when I'm like that.. Which couldn't be further from the truth.
I won't lie, I first learned about bipolar when I was a teenager and I saw some dateline special or something like that suggesting britney spears had bipolar. I remember from the way they described it I was like "wow that sounds crazy, I'll never go crazy like that". Then ironically years later I turned out to have it!
Nicolette James I did the exact same thing when I heard about Britney Spears. I never thought I would have this kind of empathy or respect for what she’s been through. It’s strange how life works out like that. I’m glad you found my channel :-) -Robert www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I can definitely relate! I wonder what Spears’ actual diagnosis is. I wish her, and everybody who struggled with mental illness all the best! I remember thinking it was, somehow, a choice to “go crazy” or not. How naive I was! Even though it’s hard to deal with people’s stereotypes, I wouldn’t trade back my bipolar diagnosis, because I am glad I don’t judge people anymore! I see that the brain is a part of the body, and you can’t take your health for granted…that’s for sure! I have learned to manage my disorder, and help others to do so. I’m glad he said that about a state of disorder not being permanent and unchangeable. People who are learning to manage bipolar disorder and thrive possess a lot of insight and strength! Keep spreading awareness. ❤
I was first diagnosed at 23, but I can trace my symptoms back to at least 7 years old. That was around the first time I had what I know now as a psychotic break. I had this overwhelming belief that I was not real, and that reality was just some projection that I was part of. Hard to explain, it was like life had no consequences for me and I was viewing everything happening around me as a passive observer from a dark tunnel and everything was flat and featureless. I totally withdrew from life, friends, school etc and this went on for months at least. Unfortunately I came from a dysfunctional family and my parents weren't particularly aware or concerned about this, so it went unnoticed and untreated. I remember just losing all hope for myself, because if I wasn't real, then nothing really mattered. Not a nice way to grow up, let me say... Anyway, I'm finding your videos really insightful and I have already sent them to a good friend, as you can explain BPD in ways that I struggle to. So thanks!
Sean Kennedy That’s really interesting… When I look back on my childhood, I can notice a lot of underlying symptoms that were there also! I was the exact same age when I was diagnosed. I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my life and it’s amazing the things I never knew were a symptom of my bipolar. Thank you so much again for sharing the videos with others. We’re all here to help each other out!
I was diagnosed at 12 with depression and at 13 bipolar type 2. I stopped taking meds when I was 15 secretly because I felt numbed by them. I definitely experienced some psychosis when I was 19/20 and had a suicide attempt but still refused medication because I was living with a bunch of hippies and just smoked weed all the time (Obviously that helped a lot lol). I also experienced sexual trauma when I was 13 (to no one's knowledge) so I sort of assumed maybe it was just PTSD (even though I have a family history of mood disorders). I was in denial and felt like (still do sometimes) it was all in my head and I was just trying to feel special. Countless relationships didn't help either. Now 27 and I'm finally trying to manage symptoms again. Starting a medicine with a doctor who treats others in my family. I'm seeing things more clearly now and reflecting on my life/experiences and I noticed something about my childhood. I was VERY strange and often times violent. I would chase my older brother with large knives and stab his door and write curse words in crayon all over it. I would cry when I heard certain songs. I was so silly all of the time I actually pushed friends away. I never had a sleepover I didn't end up crying at. What I'm trying to get at is I wish there was more research about signs of bipolar in children. I work with autistic children now.doing ABA therapy and it's funny how much of myself I see in an autism meltdown. I hope someday the research is there to help early prevention the way there is now for autism. Much love to this channel and to everyone sharing their experiences.
The hardest thing for me was understanding that it's a mental illness, not a moral issue. In my experience, bipolar people can say mean things. When you grow with someone like this it can really take a toll, and you never know what a bipolar loved one will say. It took me a long time to not take this personally, but also give myself the distance to avoid getting hurt. I used to call my sister a rabid kitten, meaning she's suffering and needs helps but I can get very hurt if I get too close. These videos are so helpful, learning what not to say or do to make things worse. And never, NEVER insult a bipolar person, confront them or retaliate. It's not your loved one, its an episode.
That's just like your opinion dude. And doesn't the same go for neurotypical people? Like I have heard so many people complain about alcahol hangovers and the ones you get from hard drugs are even worse. Like weed it the only one that has mild side effect which I consider to even be positive but am worried about because sometimes triggers me. (I dont know a lot about this yet... I don't have a diagnosis yet. Right now I have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD twice, but they always said I had too complex problems and my most recent psychiatrist suspects that I'm bipolar, but wants to have more convos before giving me an official diagnoses of anything).
I have a tested IQ of 130, but my lifelong bp1 prevented me from even finishing university. Massive mania then a life long of rapid cycling makes it really difficult to stay with academia. Playing a musical instrument has been my overwhelming coping device. So glad you mentioned hyper sexuality. In bp1 it is massive and very dangerous.
I'm so glad that after 40 years I finally found a psych doctor who had me level in about six months. I love being stable but it is constant work. For me the stability has come with a three forked plan, the right meds ( which took some time), cognitive work with a trained professional and hard physical exercise, specifically bicycle riding. Of course many other bits and pieces took work to winnow out and deal with but bicycling has been a powerful weapon against depression for me. Going aerobic releases feel good chemicals which can last for hours. Good stuff. It's difficult to look back and see all the destructive paths I took but doing that is just unproductive. I'm stable now and confident that as long as I continue to use my plan I'll remain level.
Kerry Aldrich YES!!!! You are so absolutely correct with everything you said and your approach. Meds, therapy, and physical movement are absolute key to my wellness also. I am a huge fan of cycling also and I actually bought a bike just a year ago for the first time in years. I look forward to riding very much. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share what has been successful for you. Welcome to my channel :-) -Robert
Anger and Rage are what I hold inside the most. I've been a METALHEAD for 22 year's, and I know that Heavy Metal Music found me, not the other way around. Listening to Metal Music allows me to relieve my Anger and Rage in a healthy way, plus, it made me wanna become a Guitarist, and I have been for over 18 year's. Music has always been my biggest out, I release all negative emotions while I Jam. Great Video man. Excellent list. You take care to man.
Adam H. That’s so cool! I have actually been to some pretty awesome metal concerts over the years and the energy was just unlike anything else. Music is so important to my overall health really. A very warm welcome to the channel my friend! I actually have a really good video that talks about managing anger and rage because that’s something I’ve struggled with a lot myself. Check that one out when you have time. There are some really good tips there. Rock on 🤘 man! -Rob
I love your videos...I am bi-polar 2...I hate it...I've been in depression for 3 months now...the racing thoughts...sleeping 3=4 hours a night...and the worst part is my family could care less to learn why I am like I am
sandra mcnamara I really understand. Over the years, I have had to create my own “Bipolar family” outside of some people in my own family. A very warm welcome to my channel :-)
I wanted to give some advice here. That has helped me a bit. Instead of saying I am bipolar say I have bipolar. You are not your mental illness you have a mental illness. This helped me when I finally got the right diagnoses to come to terms with it and it helps to fight it.
Also I am in the same boat as you no one I know accepts that I have bipolar and if they do they don't show it nor want to learn anything about it. I'm here for you!
Mommy Fit absolutely! Someone pointed this out to me after my first few videos. Check out the video where I talk about my life… It talks specifically about how I changed saying that. Thank you for this comment :-)
Mommy Fit i’ve had to create my own “Bipolar family” outside of some of my immediate family. I wish we didn’t have to do that, but some people don’t understand or don’t want to believe that “there might be something wrong with someone they love” (basically denial or lack of understanding). You are very welcome here :-)
I’ve been pi-polar since I was young and I’m 64 now, listening to these videos rings true in my head and I’m in denial about what’s being said. But pushing on I see how psychiatric care, therapy and meds have shaped and changed my life. I appreciate very much you making these educational videos. I work hard every day at staying leveled off and finding meaning in my life. It’s been a long time and a wild ride but I made it so far and I’m proud of myself. Thanks
Bridget Kennedy-Laforest Sorry to hear that you are struggling like that right now. I hope the video and this channel can provide some relief. You are very welcome here and stop back by anytime :-)
I'm so glad I found your channel, just recently at 61yo. So scared, I look back and now believe I always have been since my 20's. Stigma..... oh yes, very isolating. Besides I was dx. Borderline personality disorder 40 years ago. Hospitalized 14 times, 3 attempts over the years..... need I say more....
I was diagnosed with "mild bipolar" and ADHD in the middle of end of elementary. I was medicated but hated everything to do with meds back then and was more in denial. At 17 I got I to a heated argument at home. walked out with a bookbag left home for over 6 weeks and cut my self off everything cold Turkey knowing all the possible side effects or repercussions. I've been med free other than marijuana for 6 years. Last year I started working rotating shift work at a production plant. I was happy and loved the job at first. then anxiety started to flare up on more than one level . I wasnt sleeping right and struggled to constantly swing my body over. Was getting more irritable and edgy and depressed (worked long hours alone ) then got injured at work, tore my laybrum (connective tissue in your shoulder) got put on gabapentin for pain from the injury. Right there something just snapped in my head and I felt all the years of progress and controlling it got thrown out the window. Started lashing out at people and things ultra fast cycling when previously felt fast cycling, massively deep depression, social anxiety and sounds overlap overwhelm and clog my brain to the point I cant think or do anything and almost shut down. Working on getting re-diagnosed and properly medicated. Problem is while I'm waiting on seeing the specialist in a week I'm seeing different doctors and they keep changing adding or removing meds constantly feel mentally and emotionally disabled at times. Adavan seems to be a life savoir at the moment
Thank you for doing these videos. They are so informative, I have Bipolar 1 and was interested to hear you talk about the mixed episodes. I experience mania but a lot of mixed states, they are simply awful
Thank you for mentioning that you experience different kinds of mania. I received my bipolar type 1 diagnosis less than a month ago and I'm still in process of trying to figure out what being manic or hypomanic means in my case. In hindsight, I can see that I've had vert different episodes that fit the criteria of either mania or hypomania. In some episodes I've excelled at work and also produced some of the best poems I've ever written, while in other episodes my racing thoughts have been all over the place and I wasn't able to get anything done.
AdnanSayeed I think it is awesome that you are out there searching for answers and trying to learn about your diagnosis! I experience several different types of mania. Some I really like and some just destroy me. The more self-aware I’ve become, the more I can intercept things before they get to that point. It just takes time. Welcome to the channel and stop by anytime :-)
Fortunately, allot of these symptoms I experience have calmed down with sleep regularity. I have to take melatonin and 5-htp to fall asleep, but that's helped get my insomnia under control. But I've also had the days on end without sleeping and no stimulants to make it happen. Hope you get better, pulling for ya
Honestly I haven't found anything that has helped. But I'm not going to give up no way ! I'm just going to ride that wave back to shore ...I know it's going to get better.
It's awesome you say just ride the wave, my friend gave me a mantra to run through my mind, I'll speak it out loud to give better effect. Just let it go, go with the flow, ride the wave. I use all kinds of tools to try my best to calm down.
When you mentioned mixed states, I snapped my fingers. Because I have thought that I felt both hypomanic (can't stop talking, very agitated) and very depressed, saying very negative things and "not being myself" so to speak. It makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
THANKYOU FOR THIS DESCRIPTIVE SERIES.....GLAD TO MAKE PUBLIC HOW THIS ILLNESS MAKES ONE FEEL ASHAMED.... YET YOU MAKE ONE FEEL VINDICATED & SUCCESSFUL !!!!
i appreciate your videos so very much. I've denied that I'm bipolar for over 45 yrs. because of the stigma that is attached to it. I've finally accepted the truth and at the age of 62, I am finally getting treatment form a medical professional. It has been very liberating for me. We just can't seem to get the right medications for me as of yet. Under experimentation right now. Thank you so much for your videos. They are helping me tremendously.!
Teresa Snider i’m so glad you found my channel and thank you so much for that comment! I have spoken with many people who come from a generation where mental health is a family secret and never discussed or accepted. It’s never too late to start out on this journey and very warm welcome to my channel :-)
I'm 61 just dx. 40 years Borderline personality, A.D and Benzodiazepines especially the latter have destroyed my brain and life. Just started a med.... scared of everything, trauma in childhood has played a huge role. My late Dad, I'm sure was Bi Polar, OCD, Anxiety high, Anger, Rage, I'm cut from the same mold.....
Hi there! I love your videos. It took between 15-20 years to be diagnosed bipolar 1. I had severe depression, I could hardly move. At the beginning I was a new single mom of 4. I had many hospitalizations, ECT, and multiple tries to end my life. A few quite serious. They found out about 6 years back that my body metabolizes most medications rapidly. So medications help has been a difficult process. But I bounce around a lot between, manic, hypomanic and depression. Stable moods in between, but it doesn’t seem to last long. Along with bipolar 1I experience ultra rapid recycling and mixed moods. My kids hold all of my previous depression against me. They were young and I understand . I am now 70. I’ve been depressed and fearful since around 4. As a teenager on up I cut myself. They won’t except that I do have bipolar. I’ve sent them some of your very informational videos. I’ve given they pamphlet many times all different ones. My son is a paramedic he ignores it he lives states away. I have no family or friends supporting me. I have my two dogs that are life savors. I invited my three girls to a lecture on bipolar, one came. She says I’m sorry Mama. But they say oh you blame everything on having bipolar. They’re extremely sarcastic and nasty about it. Oh I suppose your bipolar made you do that too.Especially when I spend money and get angry and start texting. I text because they never answer their phones. Texting is dangerous when your manic. Saying thing you’d never say otherwise . So my question is do you have any other videos that could help or suggestions. They think I’m faking because it’s the in thing to be now. If only they realized. It’s not the in thing to be. Sorry for the long text I listen to your videos a lot. Just to feel it’s real and I’m not crazy. I feel like deleting this. This makes me feel very scared. Have a wonderful life. And keep up your fantastic work with videos that reach many people. With or without bipolar They mean a lot. Goodbye now Thank you
Excellent! Just started meds for 1st time a couple days ago. Watched three of your videos and you are right about everything. Thank You very much. Take Care
I absolutely love this. Keep up the amazing work my friend. I love how people come up with this silly myths about bipolar. Ive been told all these things, even by family and my closes friends.
Aisha Ann Sanderson Johnson Awe! Thank you so very much! It really is amazing some of the misconceptions people have about bipolar, or they don't even really know what it is LOL. I saw a documentary where someone was asking people on the street what bipolar disorder was and the answers were ridiculous. I think there was only one or two people that had a concept of what it really is. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. It's great to network with you on my channel👍☀️ -Robert
At least your family still wants you around. You're lucky. There's only 2 people who understand me and how to help me. My blood relatives wrote me off .I am basically a stranger to them and not included in any family functions. So,in my own way my friends became my family.
I have to say how much I appreciate that you do your videos for the most part in one take. Not only does it have a relaxing feeling, helping to set a possibly uneasy crashing mind at rest, but I realise that it must take a good amount of effort for you. Once again, thanks and best of luck :)
A very warm welcome to Polar Warriors! If you need to reach out to me, I'm here to help. There's a link below where you can message me directly and confidentially. PATREON: www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors Take extra good care of yourself this week. -Rob
I sent this to my siblings. They've seen a lot of shit with me but I know they haven't really understood. I know two of them think I'm making excuses for my actions. I use everything (including these videos from Polar Warriors) in hopes of having just a few days in a row of feeling neutral. I hope it will make them see me in a different light or a more clarified light. Thank you for all your help Robert. All your videos reach me on really deep levels.
People like you make it easier for all who suffer from bipolar disorder or who have a loved one who suffers from bipolar disorder. I don't know you, but from watching some of your videos I think you're probably a humble person. That being said, don't let your humility be so strong that you don't realize how important your videos are and how meaningful your efforts are, and the impact they have on your viewers. Keep up the good work.
I absolutely love you. Your so pleasant to listen to. I'm bipolor. This video made me realize I need to get appt. With an physicist to talk with and Change my meds up. Thank you soooooo much.
Thanks so much for putting yourself out there and giving much-needed information! I really can relate to a lot of what you're saying and it helps me even to know I'm not alone.
I am sharing some of your videos on my FB page. I want to raise public awareness. I feel that, if even one person learns something or benefits in any way, it's worth it. Again, thank you so much. Also, thanks for taking time to respond to my comment!
I’m being reviewed at 45 for Cyclothymia and now recognise that I started at about 8 yrs old with low moods and happy highs …. As it was all very gentle I’ve sun consciously learnt to cope very well and it’s only been in my middle 30’s and into my 40’s that it’s started to become a “problem”… I’ve had 3 massive breakdowns with depression all occurring in 5 year cycles…. I’m still little old me and I say now after 4 months since the last collapse that I HAVE bipolar and and NOT bipolar…. It’s just a things and when I’m a bit hyper People bounce to me like moths to a flame.. sadly it’s when I collapse that I loose people and things and forget my other halves needs even if I’m desperately trying to… Well im controlling things for now let’s all see what our futures bring..
I just discovered your channel! It’s so refreshing to see the myths being busted. I’ve dealt with the stigma since my diagnosis almost 5 years ago. I’m rapid cycling. Before medicine it was almost daily switching between moods. It I hated taking medication for years but I’m giving my doctor control. I’m on a medicine for a year, I stay stable for roughly 6 weeks before switching between mania or depression. The worst is like you said is mixed state. I was 27 when diagnosed. I’m in long term therapy which is helping so much. I’ve been told before that it was “all in my head” it’s so much more than that! Thank you so much!
Up down up down,it drives me mad, one day I am good the next day don't want to get out of bed . Talk to people like shit ,then the next time I see them I'm nice wtf , people think I'm mad half the time ❤️🙏🏻❤️, all what you say is me by far so true ,hopeless and then good !!
Clarebear1973 Cooper If you cycle really fast like that, you might be experiencing what is called rapid cycling. That is what I struggle with and it can be so hard to stay consistent with my work, school, relationships, everything. I have a video that talks about rapid cycling. Check that one out if you get a chance and a very warm welcome to my channel :-)
Ryan Choi i'm sorry you are having a rough day Ryan. I have many of those myself. In fact I'm not feeling the greatest as we speak. I'm just trying my best to wait for it to pass and take good care of myself. I hope you do the same my friend.😊☀️
Thank you so much Rob for your videos you should write books about this I been struggling with bipolar for twenty years I be learn more from your video than from twenty seven years dealing with doctors I've even recommend your video to my shrink you know more thanshe does you can are truly the voice of the bipolar community
Gday I’m Vicki and I live in Australia I have listened to a few videos of yours and I can say that I’ve enjoyed them i was diagnosed with bipolar two years ago but have had for twenty years or more. I still battle everyday.
One panic attack after another can't sleep for days ... These are so well written it shows your intelligence. Thanks. I think there may be something Behind the PTSD Bipolar link.
J. Murray Panic attacks are my worst nightmare. I really feel for you big time. Thank you so much for the kind words and a very warm welcome to my channel. I hope you will continue to stop back by 😊
I hate that people use the term "bi polar" to insult someone who has mood swings even if they don't have bi polar disorder. It's just rude. Lol. Great video friend!! Keep up the good work. 🤓
Also my mania is me just being really pissed off and angry for no reason whatsoever for days. Yeah I wish I got super creative or something but I just hate everyone 🤷♀️
Bipolar mania is quite the libido adjuster. I've been too active, sexually, since I was about 9. Now at 56 I have absolutely NO desire. I always just thought that other women were just prudes, I didn't know that I was the different one. And now? I don't even have random thoughts about sex. Regarding meds? In addition to Bipolar type 2 w psychotic features, I take a lot of pain medication for my back... together, I take 22 pills a day. And still... I sit here in my jammies on any day I have no appointments.
@Dorothy Worrall The libido thing that you are speaking of, is normal for women who go through menopause or have had a hysterectomy at a early age. I stopped having the desire about 55 or so and just never got it back. It also is effected by medication for depression and bipolar. You are ok and normal but if it is effecting your personal life, go see a OBGYN Dr. I am single for over 15 yrs and I am just not looking for that anymore. I'm through with my career, raised my family and now is my time to enjoy the things I love and our age, the men are searching for a nurse, maid and a cook, a momma! If they want more, that is readily available! So, I enjoy my freedom and my girlfriends. Just saying, don't let it get to you. Life can still be wonderful. 😊
Polar Warriors is the freshest info on the net on this issue. Spot on. I'm 52, and I confirm this is the most sadistic disease I've ever encountered. Perhaps today is the first day of the rest of my life. 😮
Welcome!!! We have a great community on this channel! We also have one on Patreon. Rob offers one on one support and has a weekly support group for patrons only on discord. There may also be in person support groups in your area! Peer support is an important part of treatment. Take gentle care! Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I can totally relate! I was diagnosed at 41. I was in denial for a long time because this is how I've always been, this was just me or so I thought. I also have a lot of family members with Bipolar so I really thought I just learned all of this. Thanks for sharing! Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member Rob: I really need your help to keep a good thing going here... PLEASE consider supporting Polar Warriors work on Patreon. Even just $1 a month makes a huge difference. Thank you so much
Thank you for mentioning the myth about children not being able to be diagnosed with Bipolar. One of my closest friends has a son who was diagnosed at 11 yrso. This took visits to more psychologists and psychiatrists than she can count; hundreds of calls to 911; the police coming to their home because of the child’s raging violent episodes over 70 times in a year, DCF getting involved, being placed in one residential facility after the other. The child is now 14 and is still unstable and unable to get help. I’ve never seen a mother fight harder to help their child. Only to continually run in to brick walls. The staff in most of these places are ill equipped to treat serious mental illness but psychiatric facilities have no openings for a child who only beats up his mom & destroys their home. He’s not considered dangerous enough, yet tries to jump out of a car traveling on the highway. I’ve been trying to help her to find help for her son over the past several years. There seems to be none. I’m wondering if Polar Warriors might have any suggestions about places or professionals that actually help children with mental illness. So far the places he’s been are like a cross between summer camp & a juvenile detention center. There is little therapy and one psychiatrist administers medications seeing the child for less than 15 min once every 3-4 mos. there’s no oversight from the staff as to the effectiveness of the medications. It’s truly heartbreaking. The doctor that finally diagnosed her son was a professor at Stanford and is doing clinical trials with ketamine only and only has outpatient services. What is there for a parent of a child with this Dx to do, when there is no help?
I truly believe I've been misdiagnosed. I don't think I have just Depression because I've spent the last hour watching a lot of your videos and I have never related to something to deeply.
moriartysvillain I’m so glad the videos are helping! I was diagnosed with general depression for many years before that changed. A lot of us only talk about the depression when we go see a doctor because it is the most noticeable or disruptive symptom in our lives. Being misdiagnosed is extremely common, so don’t worry about it too much. There is a video I have that talks about the 10 signs of bipolar disorder, and here is what I would suggest doing: Go through the video and write down all of the symptoms you experience, how often they happen, and how strong they get on a scale of 1 to 10. This information will be incredibly helpful to prevent a misdiagnosis and help a doctor see the patterns of what you go through. I know it can be hard enough for us to even describe how we feel, much less a doctor that just sees us for 30 minutes. I also started a series called “faces of bipolar disorder” which starts out talking about diagnosis. There’s a lot of good information there, so maybe consider checking those out if you have time :-)
Polar Warriors Thank you; I will definitely do that. And I have indeed watched the faces of bipolar and I can extremely relate to the Rapid Cycler one--which I believe you said yourself you were that one? If I'm not wrong, but yeah, depression is the only one my therapist seems to just wanna talk about when I've told her how I have these rapid thoughts and sometimes I can't stop thinking about....well....sexual thoughts and oh gosh, that's probably the worst I think because I'll feel really hyper and way too confident that if I think about it now, I get impulsive too....I don't know if that's just me or if that's a problem too, but it'll last an hour or even less and then I'm somehow back to just feeling "nothing" for a while again. Is this normal with you too?
Hi Jennifer, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. Take gentle care! 🙏 Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you for your excellent videos! I channeled my hypomania into writing two books. The first of which - One Green Bottle published my Modjaji Press in Cape Town (and available on Amazon) - is based on my experiences in Psychiatric Institutions. Like yourself I was also driven by wanting to help others with Bipolar disorder
Hi! Thank you for your kind words! I would love to hear your experiences of publishing your own book. My email is polarwarriors@gmail.com. I'm on holidays for a week. Take care 🤗🙏🌞 - Rob For additional content consider joining us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
If you are not reading what you are talking I would say that you current emotional state is very close to hypomania: the speach is so logical and systematic, there is no emm...or ooohh..., this little smile expressing enjoyment of the process and this sparkl in your eyes... I wish I could be in this state of mind for the rest of my life... anyway, you direct your energy to the right things, Warrior! Will watch all of your videos and sorry for my grammar )
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏 Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Lived with Bipolar 1 for 40 years. This is the best video we’ve found that explains to the general public what it is like . Thank you SO much. We’ll be sending a link to our loved ones. 🙏
I was 15 when i was first diagnosed with bipolar i recall going to Omaha for testing and going from doctor to doctor from med to med for the past 29yrs now and I'm still learning new things just stumbled upon your videos recently and really enjoy listening to what you have to say i share all the videos i watch of yours too my Facebook page
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. Take gentle care! 🙏 Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
You have no idea how much this channel means to me. Thank you so much for making these videos. You’ve always made me feel less alone and more comfortable with my “issues”.
I'm so glad that Rob's videos have made such a huge difference in your life and that you feel less alone now. If you aren't already a patron, please consider joining and supporting Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors. He posts exclusive content there and is available to reply to direct messages through that platform. Polar Warriors is supported entirely by viewer donations. If you aren't able to join no worries. We so appreciate you following his channel and commenting! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! I'll include the Patreon link so you can check things out. -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member) www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
You’ve hit the nail on the head in this post....my mother used to say it is a load of rubbish and a fashionable condition,....she told me this when I had my nervous breakdown and couldn’t get out of bed for 3 months.....I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 45 even though I’d been in and out of psychology and counselling for most of my adult life.....and a lot of my mania is hyper irritability, anger and distress....I was starting to get a real drinking problem!..........I wish I could have had my tablets when I was 20...... NO AMOUNT OF COUNSELLING CURES BIPOLAR......YOU HAVE TO GET MEDS!........my family and I would have had a different life!
Unfortunately, there is no cure but treatment is multi-faceted, a combo of medication and counselling but also peer support, self-care etc. Thank you for sharing! Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds Rob: I really need your help to keep a good thing going here... PLEASE consider supporting Polar Warriors work on Patreon. Even just $1 a month makes a huge difference. Thank you so much
I always think of my self as a horrible human being as I tell my sister "GO AWAY UGLY!" or "SHUT UP IDIOT!" and ask myself "was that too far , why did I say that!?" And then the next time I go into her room really happy and nice she mimics my bad side and says "Get outtttt! I don't like you!" And then says "That's how you make me feel!" And it really hits me and breaks the relationship with my sister (and my mum) One day she let me into her room and said to me "Uhhh , why is one minute you are so nasty and horrible and make me feel like nothing and then the next minute you are so happy and nice to me" so I said "Idk! But.. I am sorry!" And she says "What if you have bipolar" and my face turned red and it hit me so hard! I rushed to my phone and went on RUclips and found some bipolar videos I watched around 5 before I realised I must have it , I wanted to tell my mum but was scared , I will make sure to show her a bipolar video today and see how she reacts because she has said to me multiple times before to go to sleep. Right now I am only ten years old and yeah , crazy vocabulary but that's just how I am. I am a really smart person and have had more than atleast 5 people tell me I have great potential but I just can't seem to concentrate and I always dream of being a youtuber , vet or even a cop but then I think "But what if when I grow up , I won't be able to decide and have a horrible job!" And always doubt myself deeply , I can't help it , I am told I am too delicate and soft but trust me , I have my own ways and really dark demons. Take for example yesterday I had mixed emotions because a bully tripped over my chair and said "WOAH , WATCH OUT , YOU NEARLY TRIPPED ME OVER!" In a really harsh way and I felt like I was going to cry but also felt like I wanted to torture him , nobody really knows about this whole thing apart from my best friend , she has troubles too and I am very worried about her. She gets abused by her step-mother , her real mother had passed away and has to go to a stress club at school , she is always worried about me too because she knows I can't pull off a real smile. I am distracted in class by the weirdest things and get taken away in my mind and then I stop myself desperately and snap back into reality realising I have hardly done anything and force myself to work . I constantly worry about the future and what will happen , I feel like I am trapped inside a box that I can't escape and I have no freedom at all , I am very kind and feel very bad for people but also love to see people suffer , I hate getting new friends so I avoid talking and sit alone whenever I can when it's dinner time. If I wanted to be social I really could because i am good at it , I mean I can stare directly at people and take in every single word they say but I just don't like it , I would rather sit alone and sing and daydream at the same time about the most pyschotic , weird , disgusting things and randomly start crying about it! I have people in my class joke about depression and it makes me feel terrible. Is it normal that one day I woke up and felt like I was walking on clouds? You might be thinking that sounds peaceful and great but trust me it isn't.. It really felt like I was not alive , I was so confused.. I also think about the bad sides in life like.. If I got a kitten or puppy I would just think "But what about when it dies , then how sad will I be?". I need serious help and for someone to understand the pain I'm going through.. I always give up on my hopes and dreams and I hate it because it feels like I will get nowhere in life. I am a 10 year old girl that has a schedule of sleep that is past 11:00AM while everyone else goes to sleep at my age no later than 9:00AM.. I know this is long but I just had to share it to see if people can relate...
I've been watching your videos back to back and I love the way you describe Bipolar Disorder. You break it down so it's simple enough for everyone to understand what's going on whether you're the one with it or a family member who cares about it. Your videos are great, and I just wanted to thank you for making them.
You are so kind Samantha! Thanks for taking the time to say such kind things and interact with my channel. My goal is to help as many people as I possibly can and making this channel has been HUGE for my own therapy. A warm welcome to my channel and stop by anytime! =) -Rob Whittaker
You have helped me so much I have been watching your videos I just ended a 7yr relationship that was so up and down we just found out I was bipolar 3yrs ago and he felt I was lying or I just didn't wanna go anywhere I couldn't go to store I was I am very emotional a lot and scared of so much things
I am subscribed to your channel because from listening to you, I know you live in this storm that I call never-neverland and I have grown to trust you. I haven’t been able to watch all of your videos but wondered if you had done any on actually being bi-polar but not accepting diagnosis because you never had manic energy or fit any of those descriptions however, when I call “turn for the worse or left field” (usually starting in Dec-April or sometime within these months) I get extremely sensitive toward details and I find much more meaning in basic things that normal people do. Sort of hidden meanings but as I research them (which I will spend at least a week doing) I find meaning. My husband says I’m very paranoid and to a degree that’s true but I honestly have reason for most times. I completely withdraw st these times from friends, my phone, games or anything that makes me “scared” that maybe I can’t explain myself or I don’t want to use my brain to think about something else having a meaning that I don’t know. I can’t even pay bills online if there’s terms and agreement because it’s just too much and I never agree with the terms anyway. It’s exhausting and I tell myself there’s nothing to worry about and that it’s me but I eve it starts, I just can stop. After a few weeks or couple months, my head starts clearing out and I start feeling “normal” again but I have to take baby steps in planning, cleaning or whatever until I’m up to my normal speed of things. It’s gotten so bad that my husband has to give me a recommendation when he leaves for work like just wash two loads of laundry and exercise because that’s about all my brain can handle. Is this bi-polar?????
I was diagnosed two years ago after twenty five years of being diagnosed as depressive.I wish it had of been recognised earlier but maybe I wasn't ready to face it anyway.I'm bipolar 1 I take a combination of meds that control most but not all.I've had to change parts of my life..mindfulness helps getting enough sleep and the belief I can manage .
Just found your channel by accident and I really like it. There’s some really down to earth information given for people who are not educated to have an opportunity to understand the reality of what it is to be bipolar. I wanted to comment about hypo mania and full blown mania and how I feel when I’m headed into this state. When I was younger; I was the happy; energetic and funny person when I was swinging up. Being on this end felt amazing and I really liked this place; so did those people around me. As I grew older this changed and swinging up involves agitation; being argumentative and then bursts of anger. It’s actually physically and emotionally painful for me to be swinging up. My beast is living with mixed state and sometimes rapid cycling. This is a very hard combination for me to live with and extremely hard for those around me as well; especially if they’ve never seen the beast escape from its cell before. I’ve been working so hard for approximately 25 years to tame & control the beast and now it’s very hard for people who I have developed relationships with who have never seen this happen to understand that it was there all along and I didn’t suddenly become the negative energy they see. I’m sure everyone knows what it’s like to grow up with this since many people who are close with just leave and after recovery from the cycle there’s a whole new batch of friends that are going to do the same thing even if everything was being managed well for a long period of time and then suddenly reappears. After awhile you get used to it but this pain of the come & go cycle of close friends never truly leaves.
My manic state is mostly anger and temperament. When people see that behavior from me, they don’t really want to understand why I’m that way, but I guess I don’t blame them....
Stacy Moore ABSOLUTELY! It is just as big of a roller coaster for the people around us as it can be for us. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and stop back by anytime :-)
I am so thankful for Polar Warriors, because at the age of 65, I finally understand my deceased husband's and my son's Bipolar Disorder. What is described, is identical to experiences I had with both. I just wish I knew more when my husband was still alive.
Hi Sonja, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I'm glad that you still have your son and I hope what you're learning now is helpful with him. I'm glad you discovered Polar Warriors. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share with us. -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
Thank you so much for being so transparent and and sharing with us. My husband is bipolar and I’m trying to lean as much as I can to better support him however I feel like im going insane in the process. Can you suggest something to help me lean how to not take this so personally from him? I feel like I’m losing myself trying to understand him. Thank you for any support you can give!
Hi Polar Warrior !I've finally accepted the fact that I'll be taking meds for the rest of my life.Hard to accept a bi-polar 1 diagnosis at the age of 75.There are no easy answers...I wish you PEACE. Thank you for your Work. from Eve Green San Rafael Ca.
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏 Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I remember when I was little little I would have these crying spells and feeling panic only at 7 or 8. At 16 is when I started showing signs of mania. Wouldn’t sleep for days/nights. Would engage in super risky sexual behavior, but Thankfully , at 18, I was diagnosed with Bipolar. I’m 32 now, and I still struggle. But it is getting better. You HAVE to find the right dr and therapist, and stay on meds, I know it’s hard! It’s a life long struggle though I’ll tell you that. So #9 is the one that definitely rings a bell to me,
When I was 14-15 I told my mom I thought I might have bipolar disorder. I thought this because I had looked it up because my friend told me he was diagnosed with it. I was surprised, I honestly thought it was normal She said "no, if you were bipolar I would know. I worked with people who had it'" now let me add q little fun fact, she worked at the the state criminal mental hospital. Come to find out when I set my own appointments up sure enough I have it Thankfully she's better about it now though
I've had a very difficult life because of my situation. Not just bipolar but a lot of other things. I've been abused,used and thrown away like trash,I have experienced horrible things throughout my life. My relatives don't understand and don't want to either. There's only 2 people who understand me and those people became family instead. Not having it easy,I am not ashamed of any disability I have. I know that I was born this way. I am so afraid of so many things though and sleep is a difficult if I sleep at all. My doctor calls me special needs and I had to learn what special needs was,I had the wrong idea about it. I call what I have a sickness that you can't see until it happens. I hope that these videos will help me find a new way to live. I want to live, not just survive. I don't want to bust my ass trying to be perfect so people don't bother me,I don't want to wear a mask and invisible body armor. I,for a while was lucky enough to find a great neurologist to treat all of my conditions. So thanks for making these videos. Maybe it will help me more
Chris Brooks it feels really good to not be alone doesn’t it! I’m glad you found my channel Chris and stop by anytime.😊 -Robert www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
So glad to hear you're finding Rob's videos to be so helpful! Always great to hear positive feedback! :) If you'd like to support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. He posts exclusive content there, is reachable via private message and there is also a wonderful little support community in the community section. I'll include the link so you can check it out! :) I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! -Rachel (Polar Warriors Team Member) www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Chris Hall I have to do that all the time with videos LOL. Especially when I am manic. Not the easiest time to focus on something. If you ever have a hard time with a video, just come back again later so you can benefit from it 😊
It's one of the hardest parts of explaining the fact that bipolarity isn't tied to greatness for me, even though you have ideas of greatness. people think that one can do a lot with that " rush" but for me it only translates into destruction violence unnecessary impulses and a lot of alcohol consumption as well as unreal ideas
Really hard to wrap your brain around it....wow. dealing with that rage mania in my spouse. Its so intense. So intense that im having a hard time keeping myself from raging.
Thank you so much. It's nice to know you are not alone. And I'm able too help my love ones to understand more about it. I'm changing my whole style of living and I'm feeling better. God bless you.
I wish I had known what I have before I found out in my 60's. I feel like I have had a useless life. No family, no friends and wow... the depression and cycles were so painful, (physically and emotionally) and there was no help, even as a child. I've lived the life of a hermit. Been homeless, had terrific careers and walked away from them. Relationships really were and still are, beyond my coping abilities. It has been a blessing to be medicated even though it took going through a few doctors and lots of different meds to find one that diagnosed and treated me. But going without my meds one day and I sure know it! Don't stop taking your meds because you feel good! It's usually the meds that make you feel that way!
Grammy D Sorry about your difficult situations. In the 60s there was little help for mental health. The stigma was overwhelming and the help minimal. My GP wanted me to see a psychiatrist after my brothers Suicide . My mom said don’t tell your dad you’re seeing one of those . But the stigma unfortunately is still there. Especially way more now. You sound like a strong lady. There are bipolar groups. Have you ever thought of joining one. It would be very scary after isolating. But there would be people that would understand where you’re coming from. This may sound dumb. But when you go out smile at people. They say every stranger could possibly be a friend. I smile at people and often say hi! It makes me feel better about myself. I know my suggestions may seem simple . But with bipolar they can feel like a mountain. I wish you tons of luck. This illness can really shake you up. Please do what you need to do to cope. There’s a lot of resources around you just have to check them out . Bipolar warriors videos is a great start. Really am sorry to hear your situation
@@normahunley459 Norma, I'm good. 😊 I now have a great team that is a ton of support and I am doing very well. I do tend to isolate because I really do enjoy being alone. I grew up isolated except for school and the ride home from there was 30 miles to the Ranch. Raised as a only child, I had chores afterward and by dinner, I was exhausted. On weekend we had cows to milk and cattle to feed. Which I loved. I lived that way for 30 years. I was pretty much alone all my life and I really don't know anything else. I just now discovered that I actually enjoy it, being alone. I think I have been very blessed under the circumstances of this dreadful disease that haunts me. Actually, I don't relate well to people and I don't seem to see the flaws in others so I have found myself in not knowing people well enough to choose my friends well. I use to be very lonely but I have conquered that and have a good bunch of people who Care about my well being. They have helped me realize that I can not be responsible for things that I cannot help. I have a genetic illness that I was born with and I have learned to forgive myself for things that I can in no way, control. My meds work well and I am like I mentioned before, doing fabulously now. I am no longer fighting for my life anymore and have no deathwish. I am content. Thank you for caring and leaving this message for me. God bless you and the very best to you. 😊
I’m not bipolar my friend is. Unfortunately I can’t hang around her anymore. After an hour of her manic rambling I feel like my brain was in a pinball machine. Or in the spin cycle. I tried for 2 years, but it was too stressful. Her denial she is bipolar is frustrating. This is why I have watched over 100 videos on TED Talk, with psychiatrist and people like you with testimonials. This disease is amazing. I’ve seen some videos who are claiming that there is a defect in the hyppocampus. Someday they may be able to correct the defect through gene therapy or internal stimulation. Good luck
deborah Roderick I am extremely sensitive to medications also. It took so many years to find just a microdose of basic medications that help. The rest I have to do through lifestyle changes and self-awareness. It’s definitely not easy and that’s what makes us “polar warriors”. Mixed states are my worst nightmare. I really hope my videos are helpful and stop back by anytime :-)
I started experiencing my bipolar disorder at around 5th grade, which is when I started getting mania but the depression lasted all through my childhood. It progressively got worse as you said and I started abusing alcohol when I was 14 but it got much worse my freshman year of highschool. One time when I was manic I got the bright idea to jam a paperclip in an electrical socket and I was lucky that all i got out of it was a burn on my hand from where the clip heated up. By age 15 I was abusing pills and by 18 I was finally diagnosed. Things have been better since starting my medication but I am still haunted by the things ive done in my past. I jumped in front of a car going about 25 mph because I wanted to test if I was invincible. I played Russian roulette by myself but I luckily got bored after two trigger pulls. Ive only ever had unprotected sex and ive been between several partners. I've caused tons of property damage and countless amounts of damage to my own body. Ive had aggressive outbursts at people over meaningless things such as my brother telling me to help with laundry when I was busy dancing in the kitchen. I went on a mania fueled adventure with my bipolar dad on one fourth of July which culminated in us fighting for the hell of it in the street and firing a gun in a neighborhood and fleeing before the cops got there. One day in class I decided to throw my chair. Its amazing how I can see all this stuff I've done and still doubt my condition.
Thanks for your video, it feels comforting to find others sharing their experiences. I have been suffering from bipolar disorder for 40 years. I thought I had enough experience to be able to put a stop to mania getting too high, which usually leads to a relapse with psychotic episodes but 5 months ago it happened and I did not even notice it was happening to me and ended up in hospital. I thought I was finally in control but alas it now felt as though I was back to square one. So be wary dont get over confident and if family tell you need extra help from the psychiatrist pay attention to them as you can avoid lots of hardship if you can nip it in the bud.
Monique S that is a wonderful comment and there is so much wisdom in what you said! Thank you so much for becoming a part of my channel and I hope you will continue to stop back by :-)
21 years and counting. I am very blessed that those of my adult children and my teenage grandson are aware and supportive we have never hidden the diagnosis. I wish also that someone would touch on bipolar depression I I'm never manic . I have never experienced mania in any form. I am bipolar fast cycling type 2 depressive. My good days are typically what most people feel on a good day then it could be 5 days later or 15 minutes later I'm ready to "check out" apparently the bipolar depressive is most difficult to treat and I have actually been denied several treatments that I thought would help because they directed that these treatments (electric shock, ketamine) were best for mannix
Doomsy I really feel for you… Mixed states are some of the worst for me also. Seriously not a fun side of bipolar disorder. I’m so glad my channel is helping and stop by anytime :-)
I have a sibling, my brother whom I've been very close with for most of our adolescent lives. For the past handful of years, their mental health has demonstrated subtle signs (yet looking back now) albeit pretty consistent signs of decline. My mother and I figured it was depression but nothing more critical. In current times, this has exploded into what seems to be CLEAR intense bipolarism (if that's a word). He's at a place where the idea of having to be medicated and work tremendously just to live a life assumed to be as semi felt and confined to these circumstances is more than one can bare and there's perpetual scapegoating. With this being said, he's in the darkest place I've ever witnessed anyone being and is in shattering deep pain. He's taunted with hallucinations during these episodes and probably even when the episodes seemingly aren't the case..he fears the slightest rejection and obviously has major trust issues preventing him from wanting to interact with yet another case worker or akin and keep away the pain that's eating him up. I don't know how to help and I really really want to. He used me as a scapegoat in our last conservation held last night and I was growled the most hurtful, dare I say, evil statements I never thought were a part of his psyche. The conversation began with him stating, "you should leave" "it's too late, I'm toxic and evil". And then it was splatter all over the place and downwards spiral. Add to this his pain of wanting life to be no longer. I am really at wits end and would appreciate any immediate insight. Thank you so much for reading. I also needed to vent, apparently. He is also first time, homeless. Graduated from college a few yrs ago, moved back home with our mother and has demonstrated uncontrolled acts of domestic violence in the last yr or two.. MAINLY..destroying the home and property. He seems to demonstrate some degree of denial in all of this. He's been to jail a couple times (for the first time) due to these events & institutionalised a couple of times for acting out in public while homeless. Currently he is in a hotel that our mother is paying for and it's not good. From what he's mentioned, he hasn't taken care of grooming for months and also feels disgusting. Very very "MIXED" as mentioned in video & consistently so. Again, thanks for reading if you've gotten this far and any feedback is appreciated.
Sorry your family has to go through this merry-go-round. First of all you and your mother take time taking care of yourselves . If you’re not in a good place. It hard to take care of a loved one spiraling. Good luck it’s extremely difficult being in your place feeling helpless to help him
Something that drives me crazy is watching a tv program or movie and a character has bipolar disorder and the person is evil or the symptoms are just wrong. All it does is perpetuates the myths.
I call it my anxious exhaustion. There are days where I can enjoy the mania, motivation, creative ideas and optimism, but there are times when I know the drop is coming and know the next day I’ll call all those great ideas (which really were great ideas) a bunch of BS. Thanks for your videos. Very legitimate.
Chad McCoy Thanks for joining the conversation Chad and talking a little bit about what you experience. You are definitely in the right place! I hope you have an awesome new year and stop back by anytime :-)
Said perfectly
So true...
I was diagnosed at 60. I had been suffering since I was a kid with ADHD. In my twenties, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I never felt right even with the meds. Now that I know what it is, I am getting medication for both. Thank God! What a difference it has made.
That's incredible, I was misdiagnosed MDD at 19. I remember describing that it felt like I dropped off a cliff emotionally... with no coinciding event to warrant it! As I sit here in hypomania, typing away, there's a part of me that is glad its a lot easier to get help nowadays.
What meds are you taking now?
Omg your story is litterally how mine went.
I was diagnosed with ADD and ADHD and major depressive disorder and panic attacks and generalized anxiety but I was diagnosed with unknown mood disorder when I was a early teenager too so it's like my doctor didn't want to diagnose me bipolar but now almost 30 I've been diagnosed with bipolar and on antipsychotics and it has helped me so much!!!!
Wow I wasn’t accurately diagnosed unti 38 they thought I was depressed had dysthymia when they told me it was bipolar disorder I was in the hospital I always knew something wasn’t right and finally I was told by my history I had it since my teens it has taken years of trial and error with the right combination of meds and I was pretty stable until a horrible loss of my husband that triggered a an episode which I’m fighting with now
@@grangrampa832 i have bipolar2 as well.
I'm so glad you addressed the euphoric mania myth. I'm always full of irritable rage when I'm hypomanic/manic and those who aren't around me regularly assume that I feel great when I'm like that.. Which couldn't be further from the truth.
💯!
I won't lie, I first learned about bipolar when I was a teenager and I saw some dateline special or something like that suggesting britney spears had bipolar. I remember from the way they described it I was like "wow that sounds crazy, I'll never go crazy like that". Then ironically years later I turned out to have it!
Nicolette James I did the exact same thing when I heard about Britney Spears. I never thought I would have this kind of empathy or respect for what she’s been through. It’s strange how life works out like that. I’m glad you found my channel :-)
-Robert
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I can definitely relate! I wonder what Spears’ actual diagnosis is. I wish her, and everybody who struggled with mental illness all the best! I remember thinking it was, somehow, a choice to “go crazy” or not. How naive I was! Even though it’s hard to deal with people’s stereotypes, I wouldn’t trade back my bipolar diagnosis, because I am glad I don’t judge people anymore! I see that the brain is a part of the body, and you can’t take your health for granted…that’s for sure! I have learned to manage my disorder, and help others to do so. I’m glad he said that about a state of disorder not being permanent and unchangeable. People who are learning to manage bipolar disorder and thrive possess a lot of insight and strength! Keep spreading awareness. ❤
Isn't this just wonderful.
Thank you.
Always bipolar.
Happy, unhappy, flat or nothing.
Life goes on.
Jan Olaf Risnes : yeah, life goes on, let’s move on 👏👏
I was first diagnosed at 23, but I can trace my symptoms back to at least 7 years old. That was around the first time I had what I know now as a psychotic break. I had this overwhelming belief that I was not real, and that reality was just some projection that I was part of. Hard to explain, it was like life had no consequences for me and I was viewing everything happening around me as a passive observer from a dark tunnel and everything was flat and featureless. I totally withdrew from life, friends, school etc and this went on for months at least. Unfortunately I came from a dysfunctional family and my parents weren't particularly aware or concerned about this, so it went unnoticed and untreated. I remember just losing all hope for myself, because if I wasn't real, then nothing really mattered. Not a nice way to grow up, let me say...
Anyway, I'm finding your videos really insightful and I have already sent them to a good friend, as you can explain BPD in ways that I struggle to. So thanks!
Sean Kennedy That’s really interesting… When I look back on my childhood, I can notice a lot of underlying symptoms that were there also! I was the exact same age when I was diagnosed. I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my life and it’s amazing the things I never knew were a symptom of my bipolar. Thank you so much again for sharing the videos with others. We’re all here to help each other out!
I had this exact experience around 15-17.
I definitely had symptoms when i was that age.
Thank God; a genuine sufferer! Don't forget-we are real bad asses, getting through this wretched condition every day!
I was diagnosed at 12 with depression and at 13 bipolar type 2. I stopped taking meds when I was 15 secretly because I felt numbed by them. I definitely experienced some psychosis when I was 19/20 and had a suicide attempt but still refused medication because I was living with a bunch of hippies and just smoked weed all the time (Obviously that helped a lot lol). I also experienced sexual trauma when I was 13 (to no one's knowledge) so I sort of assumed maybe it was just PTSD (even though I have a family history of mood disorders). I was in denial and felt like (still do sometimes) it was all in my head and I was just trying to feel special. Countless relationships didn't help either. Now 27 and I'm finally trying to manage symptoms again. Starting a medicine with a doctor who treats others in my family. I'm seeing things more clearly now and reflecting on my life/experiences and I noticed something about my childhood. I was VERY strange and often times violent. I would chase my older brother with large knives and stab his door and write curse words in crayon all over it. I would cry when I heard certain songs. I was so silly all of the time I actually pushed friends away. I never had a sleepover I didn't end up crying at. What I'm trying to get at is I wish there was more research about signs of bipolar in children. I work with autistic children now.doing ABA therapy and it's funny how much of myself I see in an autism meltdown. I hope someday the research is there to help early prevention the way there is now for autism. Much love to this channel and to everyone sharing their experiences.
The hardest thing for me was understanding that it's a mental illness, not a moral issue. In my experience, bipolar people can say mean things. When you grow with someone like this it can really take a toll, and you never know what a bipolar loved one will say. It took me a long time to not take this personally, but also give myself the distance to avoid getting hurt. I used to call my sister a rabid kitten, meaning she's suffering and needs helps but I can get very hurt if I get too close. These videos are so helpful, learning what not to say or do to make things worse. And never, NEVER insult a bipolar person, confront them or retaliate. It's not your loved one, its an episode.
Honestly, we bipolars have NO BUSINESS using drugs and alcohol unless we want to suffer.
SAY IT LOUDER!!!!!!!
That's just like your opinion dude. And doesn't the same go for neurotypical people? Like I have heard so many people complain about alcahol hangovers and the ones you get from hard drugs are even worse. Like weed it the only one that has mild side effect which I consider to even be positive but am worried about because sometimes triggers me. (I dont know a lot about this yet... I don't have a diagnosis yet. Right now I have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD twice, but they always said I had too complex problems and my most recent psychiatrist suspects that I'm bipolar, but wants to have more convos before giving me an official diagnoses of anything).
It’s the same for everybody, not only bipolar people.
@@mhhmh3693 I guess since it alters your mental state it might be worse for people with mental health issues?
Shrooms and lsd may be beneficial for bipolar disorder but if you are type 1 they can send you into psychosis.
I have a tested IQ of 130, but my lifelong bp1 prevented me from even finishing university. Massive mania then a life long of rapid cycling makes it really difficult to stay with academia. Playing a musical instrument has been my overwhelming coping device. So glad you mentioned hyper sexuality. In bp1 it is massive and very dangerous.
I'm so glad that after 40 years I finally found a psych doctor who had me level in about six months. I love being stable but it is constant work. For me the stability has come with a three forked plan, the right meds ( which took some time), cognitive work with a trained professional and hard physical exercise, specifically bicycle riding. Of course many other bits and pieces took work to winnow out and deal with but bicycling has been a powerful weapon against depression for me. Going aerobic releases feel good chemicals which can last for hours. Good stuff.
It's difficult to look back and see all the destructive paths I took but doing that is just unproductive. I'm stable now and confident that as long as I continue to use my plan I'll remain level.
Kerry Aldrich YES!!!! You are so absolutely correct with everything you said and your approach. Meds, therapy, and physical movement are absolute key to my wellness also. I am a huge fan of cycling also and I actually bought a bike just a year ago for the first time in years. I look forward to riding very much. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share what has been successful for you. Welcome to my channel :-)
-Robert
exercise does make a difference in a manic phase. hard to get out of bed in a depressive phase :(
Anger and Rage are what I hold inside the most. I've been a METALHEAD for 22 year's, and I know that Heavy Metal Music found me, not the other way around. Listening to Metal Music allows me to relieve my Anger and Rage in a healthy way, plus, it made me wanna become a Guitarist, and I have been for over 18 year's. Music has always been my biggest out, I release all negative emotions while I Jam. Great Video man. Excellent list. You take care to man.
Adam H. That’s so cool! I have actually been to some pretty awesome metal concerts over the years and the energy was just unlike anything else. Music is so important to my overall health really. A very warm welcome to the channel my friend! I actually have a really good video that talks about managing anger and rage because that’s something I’ve struggled with a lot myself. Check that one out when you have time. There are some really good tips there. Rock on 🤘 man!
-Rob
@@PolarWarriors. Hey, thanks man, I appreciate it. I well definitely check out that video. Later man. Take care.
my psychiatrist told me to listen to metal when im angry. it’s interesting
Music is my biggest help too!!
I really appreciate your candor...it makes me better understand and not feel ashamed of myself
I love your videos...I am bi-polar 2...I hate it...I've been in depression for 3 months now...the racing thoughts...sleeping 3=4 hours a night...and the worst part is my family could care less to learn why I am like I am
sandra mcnamara I really understand. Over the years, I have had to create my own “Bipolar family” outside of some people in my own family. A very warm welcome to my channel :-)
I wanted to give some advice here. That has helped me a bit. Instead of saying I am bipolar say I have bipolar. You are not your mental illness you have a mental illness. This helped me when I finally got the right diagnoses to come to terms with it and it helps to fight it.
Also I am in the same boat as you no one I know accepts that I have bipolar and if they do they don't show it nor want to learn anything about it. I'm here for you!
Mommy Fit absolutely! Someone pointed this out to me after my first few videos. Check out the video where I talk about my life… It talks specifically about how I changed saying that. Thank you for this comment :-)
Mommy Fit i’ve had to create my own “Bipolar family” outside of some of my immediate family. I wish we didn’t have to do that, but some people don’t understand or don’t want to believe that “there might be something wrong with someone they love” (basically denial or lack of understanding). You are very welcome here :-)
I’ve been pi-polar since I was young and I’m 64 now, listening to these videos rings true in my head and I’m in denial about what’s being said. But pushing on I see how psychiatric care, therapy and meds have shaped and changed my life. I appreciate very much you making these educational videos. I work hard every day at staying leveled off and finding meaning in my life. It’s been a long time and a wild ride but I made it so far and I’m proud of myself. Thanks
That’s definitely something to be proud of! I’m with you on that. ❤️🩹
My Brain and head hurts all the time. The depression is so real. Yes I'm ill all the time. Thank you for this video.
Bridget Kennedy-Laforest Sorry to hear that you are struggling like that right now. I hope the video and this channel can provide some relief. You are very welcome here and stop back by anytime :-)
💚
i have depression since last october and yes it is real i've been taking meds praying much i'm always scared to go to bed!
I'm so glad I found your channel, just recently at 61yo. So scared, I look back and now believe I always have been since my 20's. Stigma..... oh yes, very isolating. Besides I was dx. Borderline personality disorder 40 years ago. Hospitalized 14 times, 3 attempts over the years..... need I say more....
I was diagnosed with "mild bipolar" and ADHD in the middle of end of elementary. I was medicated but hated everything to do with meds back then and was more in denial. At 17 I got I to a heated argument at home. walked out with a bookbag left home for over 6 weeks and cut my self off everything cold Turkey knowing all the possible side effects or repercussions. I've been med free other than marijuana for 6 years. Last year I started working rotating shift work at a production plant. I was happy and loved the job at first. then anxiety started to flare up on more than one level . I wasnt sleeping right and struggled to constantly swing my body over. Was getting more irritable and edgy and depressed (worked long hours alone ) then got injured at work, tore my laybrum (connective tissue in your shoulder) got put on gabapentin for pain from the injury. Right there something just snapped in my head and I felt all the years of progress and controlling it got thrown out the window. Started lashing out at people and things ultra fast cycling when previously felt fast cycling, massively deep depression, social anxiety and sounds overlap overwhelm and clog my brain to the point I cant think or do anything and almost shut down. Working on getting re-diagnosed and properly medicated. Problem is while I'm waiting on seeing the specialist in a week I'm seeing different doctors and they keep changing adding or removing meds constantly feel mentally and emotionally disabled at times. Adavan seems to be a life savoir at the moment
Thank you for doing these videos. They are so informative, I have Bipolar 1 and was interested to hear you talk about the mixed episodes. I experience mania but a lot of mixed states, they are simply awful
Thank you for mentioning that you experience different kinds of mania.
I received my bipolar type 1 diagnosis less than a month ago and I'm still in process of trying to figure out what being manic or hypomanic means in my case.
In hindsight, I can see that I've had vert different episodes that fit the criteria of either mania or hypomania.
In some episodes I've excelled at work and also produced some of the best poems I've ever written, while in other episodes my racing thoughts have been all over the place and I wasn't able to get anything done.
AdnanSayeed I think it is awesome that you are out there searching for answers and trying to learn about your diagnosis! I experience several different types of mania. Some I really like and some just destroy me. The more self-aware I’ve become, the more I can intercept things before they get to that point. It just takes time. Welcome to the channel and stop by anytime :-)
@@PolarWarriors. Thanks to you both for helping others learn how to build that awareness. Knowledge is power! 💪❤
I have panic attacks about every day and stay up for days sometimes
ohcyrus me2
☑️
Fortunately, allot of these symptoms I experience have calmed down with sleep regularity. I have to take melatonin and 5-htp to fall asleep, but that's helped get my insomnia under control. But I've also had the days on end without sleeping and no stimulants to make it happen. Hope you get better, pulling for ya
Honestly I haven't found anything that has helped. But I'm not going to give up no way !
I'm just going to ride that wave back to shore ...I know it's going to get better.
It's awesome you say just ride the wave, my friend gave me a mantra to run through my mind, I'll speak it out loud to give better effect. Just let it go, go with the flow, ride the wave. I use all kinds of tools to try my best to calm down.
When you mentioned mixed states, I snapped my fingers. Because I have thought that I felt both hypomanic (can't stop talking, very agitated) and very depressed, saying very negative things and "not being myself" so to speak. It makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
THANKYOU FOR THIS DESCRIPTIVE SERIES.....GLAD TO MAKE PUBLIC HOW THIS ILLNESS MAKES ONE FEEL ASHAMED....
YET YOU MAKE ONE FEEL VINDICATED & SUCCESSFUL !!!!
Your voice comforts me. I love your videos.
i appreciate your videos so very much. I've denied that I'm bipolar for over 45 yrs. because of the stigma that is attached to it. I've finally accepted the truth and at the age of 62, I am finally getting treatment form a medical professional. It has been very liberating for me. We just can't seem to get the right medications for me as of yet. Under experimentation right now. Thank you so much for your videos. They are helping me tremendously.!
Teresa Snider i’m so glad you found my channel and thank you so much for that comment! I have spoken with many people who come from a generation where mental health is a family secret and never discussed or accepted. It’s never too late to start out on this journey and very warm welcome to my channel :-)
I'm 61 just dx. 40 years Borderline personality, A.D and Benzodiazepines especially the latter have destroyed my brain and life. Just started a med.... scared of everything, trauma in childhood has played a huge role. My late Dad, I'm sure was Bi Polar, OCD, Anxiety high, Anger, Rage, I'm cut from the same mold.....
good getting help now understand how you feel hospital twice never got help now I I've feel the system let me down
Hi there! I love your videos. It took between 15-20 years to be diagnosed bipolar 1. I had severe depression, I could hardly move. At the beginning I was a new single mom of 4. I had many hospitalizations, ECT, and multiple tries to end my life. A few quite serious. They found out about 6 years back that my body metabolizes most medications rapidly. So medications help has been a difficult process. But I bounce around a lot between, manic, hypomanic and depression. Stable moods in between, but it doesn’t seem to last long. Along with bipolar 1I experience ultra rapid recycling and mixed moods. My kids hold all of my previous depression against me. They were young and I understand . I am now 70. I’ve been depressed and fearful since around 4. As a teenager on up I cut myself. They won’t except that I do have bipolar. I’ve sent them some of your very informational videos. I’ve given they pamphlet many times all different ones. My son is a paramedic he ignores it he lives states away. I have no family or friends supporting me. I have my two dogs that are life savors. I invited my three girls to a lecture on bipolar, one came. She says I’m sorry Mama. But they say oh you blame everything on having bipolar. They’re extremely sarcastic and nasty about it. Oh I suppose your bipolar made you do that too.Especially when I spend money and get angry and start texting. I text because they never answer their phones. Texting is dangerous when your manic. Saying thing you’d never say otherwise . So my question is do you have any other videos that could help or suggestions. They think I’m faking because it’s the in thing to be now. If only they realized. It’s not the in thing to be. Sorry for the long text I listen to your videos a lot. Just to feel it’s real and I’m not crazy. I feel like deleting this. This makes me feel very scared. Have a wonderful life. And keep up your fantastic work with videos that reach many people. With or without bipolar They mean a lot.
Goodbye now
Thank you
Excellent! Just started meds for 1st time a couple days ago. Watched three of your videos and you are right about everything. Thank You very much. Take Care
I absolutely love this. Keep up the amazing work my friend. I love how people come up with this silly myths about bipolar. Ive been told all these things, even by family and my closes friends.
Aisha Ann Sanderson Johnson Awe! Thank you so very much! It really is amazing some of the misconceptions people have about bipolar, or they don't even really know what it is LOL. I saw a documentary where someone was asking people on the street what bipolar disorder was and the answers were ridiculous. I think there was only one or two people that had a concept of what it really is. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. It's great to network with you on my channel👍☀️
-Robert
At least your family still wants you around. You're lucky. There's only 2 people who understand me and how to help me. My blood relatives wrote me off .I am basically a stranger to them and not included in any family functions. So,in my own way my friends became my family.
I have to say how much I appreciate that you do your videos for the most part in one take. Not only does it have a relaxing feeling, helping to set a possibly uneasy crashing mind at rest, but I realise that it must take a good amount of effort for you. Once again, thanks and best of luck :)
I want to thank you for this, my family don't believe that I have a mental disorder
I just needed to hear this again.
A very warm welcome to Polar Warriors!
If you need to reach out to me, I'm here to help. There's a link below where you can message me directly and confidentially.
PATREON: www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Take extra good care of yourself this week.
-Rob
good to know I'm not alone there's others like me
I sent this to my siblings. They've seen a lot of shit with me but I know they haven't really understood. I know two of them think I'm making excuses for my actions. I use everything (including these videos from Polar Warriors) in hopes of having just a few days in a row of feeling neutral. I hope it will make them see me in a different light or a more clarified light. Thank you for all your help Robert. All your videos reach me on really deep levels.
People like you make it easier for all who suffer from bipolar disorder or who have a loved one who suffers from bipolar disorder. I don't know you, but from watching some of your videos I think you're probably a humble person. That being said, don't let your humility be so strong that you don't realize how important your videos are and how meaningful your efforts are, and the impact they have on your viewers. Keep up the good work.
I absolutely love you. Your so pleasant to listen to. I'm bipolor. This video made me realize I need to get appt. With an physicist to talk with and Change my meds up. Thank you soooooo much.
Thanks so much for putting yourself out there and giving much-needed information! I really can relate to a lot of what you're saying and it helps me even to know I'm not alone.
Missi Gee You are so very welcome and I’m glad you found my channel. You’re absolutely not alone here! Stop back by anytime to learn more with me :-)
I am sharing some of your videos on my FB page. I want to raise public awareness. I feel that, if even one person learns something or benefits in any way, it's worth it. Again, thank you so much. Also, thanks for taking time to respond to my comment!
Missi Gee of course!!! Thank you so much for sharing the video! We can all make a difference together :-)
Right on!!!
Missi Gee 😊😊😊
I’m being reviewed at 45 for Cyclothymia and now recognise that I started at about 8 yrs old with low moods and happy highs …. As it was all very gentle I’ve sun consciously learnt to cope very well and it’s only been in my middle 30’s and into my 40’s that it’s started to become a “problem”…
I’ve had 3 massive breakdowns with depression all occurring in 5 year cycles…. I’m still little old me and I say now after 4 months since the last collapse that I HAVE bipolar and and NOT bipolar…. It’s just a things and when I’m a bit hyper People bounce to me like moths to a flame.. sadly it’s when I collapse that I loose people and things and forget my other halves needs even if I’m desperately trying to…
Well im controlling things for now let’s all see what our futures bring..
I just discovered your channel! It’s so refreshing to see the myths being busted. I’ve dealt with the stigma since my diagnosis almost 5 years ago. I’m rapid cycling. Before medicine it was almost daily switching between moods. It I hated taking medication for years but I’m giving my doctor control. I’m on a medicine for a year, I stay stable for roughly 6 weeks before switching between mania or depression. The worst is like you said is mixed state. I was 27 when diagnosed. I’m in long term therapy which is helping so much. I’ve been told before that it was “all in my head” it’s so much more than that! Thank you so much!
Up down up down,it drives me mad, one day I am good the next day don't want to get out of bed . Talk to people like shit ,then the next time I see them I'm nice wtf , people think I'm mad half the time ❤️🙏🏻❤️, all what you say is me by far so true ,hopeless and then good !!
Clarebear1973 Cooper If you cycle really fast like that, you might be experiencing what is called rapid cycling. That is what I struggle with and it can be so hard to stay consistent with my work, school, relationships, everything. I have a video that talks about rapid cycling. Check that one out if you get a chance and a very warm welcome to my channel :-)
Polar Warriors ,thank you so much ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Clarebear1973 Cooper you are very welcome :-)
Clarebear1973 Cooper h
Having a rough day. Really needed something to watch and your vids help a lot Rob. Thank you thank you thank you.
Ryan Choi i'm sorry you are having a rough day Ryan. I have many of those myself. In fact I'm not feeling the greatest as we speak. I'm just trying my best to wait for it to pass and take good care of myself. I hope you do the same my friend.😊☀️
Thank you so much Rob for your videos you should write books about this I been struggling with bipolar for twenty years I be learn more from your video than from twenty seven years dealing with doctors I've even recommend your video to my shrink you know more thanshe does you can are truly the voice of the bipolar community
Gday I’m Vicki and I live in Australia I have listened to a few videos of yours and I can say that I’ve enjoyed them i was diagnosed with bipolar two years ago but have had for twenty years or more. I still battle everyday.
Another helpful post. Thank you!!!
One panic attack after another can't sleep for days ... These are so well written it shows your intelligence. Thanks. I think there may be something Behind the PTSD Bipolar link.
J. Murray Panic attacks are my worst nightmare. I really feel for you big time. Thank you so much for the kind words and a very warm welcome to my channel. I hope you will continue to stop back by 😊
I hate that people use the term "bi polar" to insult someone who has mood swings even if they don't have bi polar disorder. It's just rude. Lol. Great video friend!! Keep up the good work. 🤓
Also my mania is me just being really pissed off and angry for no reason whatsoever for days. Yeah I wish I got super creative or something but I just hate everyone 🤷♀️
Bipolar mania is quite the libido adjuster. I've been too active, sexually, since I was about 9. Now at 56 I have absolutely NO desire. I always just thought that other women were just prudes, I didn't know that I was the different one. And now? I don't even have random thoughts about sex. Regarding meds? In addition to Bipolar type 2 w psychotic features, I take a lot of pain medication for my back... together, I take 22 pills a day. And still... I sit here in my jammies on any day I have no appointments.
@Dorothy Worrall The libido thing that you are speaking of, is normal for women who go through menopause or have had a hysterectomy at a early age. I stopped having the desire about 55 or so and just never got it back. It also is effected by medication for depression and bipolar. You are ok and normal but if it is effecting your personal life, go see a OBGYN Dr.
I am single for over 15 yrs and I am just not looking for that anymore. I'm through with my career, raised my family and now is my time to enjoy the things I love and our age, the men are searching for a nurse, maid and a cook, a momma! If they want more, that is readily available! So, I enjoy my freedom and my girlfriends. Just saying, don't let it get to you. Life can still be wonderful. 😊
Polar Warriors is the freshest info on the net on this issue. Spot on. I'm 52, and I confirm this is the most sadistic disease I've ever encountered. Perhaps today is the first day of the rest of my life. 😮
Welcome!!! We have a great community on this channel! We also have one on Patreon. Rob offers one on one support and has a weekly support group for patrons only on discord. There may also be in person support groups in your area! Peer support is an important part of treatment. Take gentle care!
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I was just Diagnosed @30 and it’s mind blowing that all of my symptoms were there since I was 7 years old as I remember!
I can totally relate! I was diagnosed at 41. I was in denial for a long time because this is how I've always been, this was just me or so I thought. I also have a lot of family members with Bipolar so I really thought I just learned all of this. Thanks for sharing!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
Rob:
I really need your help to keep a good thing going here... PLEASE consider supporting Polar Warriors work on Patreon. Even just $1 a month makes a huge difference. Thank you so much
Thank you for mentioning the myth about children not being able to be diagnosed with Bipolar. One of my closest friends has a son who was diagnosed at 11 yrso. This took visits to more psychologists and psychiatrists than she can count; hundreds of calls to 911; the police coming to their home because of the child’s raging violent episodes over 70 times in a year, DCF getting involved, being placed in one residential facility after the other. The child is now 14 and is still unstable and unable to get help. I’ve never seen a mother fight harder to help their child. Only to continually run in to brick walls. The staff in most of these places are ill equipped to treat serious mental illness but psychiatric facilities have no openings for a child who only beats up his mom & destroys their home. He’s not considered dangerous enough, yet tries to jump out of a car traveling on the highway. I’ve been trying to help her to find help for her son over the past several years. There seems to be none. I’m wondering if Polar Warriors might have any suggestions about places or professionals that actually help children with mental illness. So far the places he’s been are like a cross between summer camp & a juvenile detention center. There is little therapy and one psychiatrist administers medications seeing the child for less than 15 min once every 3-4 mos. there’s no oversight from the staff as to the effectiveness of the medications. It’s truly heartbreaking. The doctor that finally diagnosed her son was a professor at Stanford and is doing clinical trials with ketamine only and only has outpatient services. What is there for a parent of a child with this Dx to do, when there is no help?
I truly believe I've been misdiagnosed. I don't think I have just Depression because I've spent the last hour watching a lot of your videos and I have never related to something to deeply.
moriartysvillain I’m so glad the videos are helping! I was diagnosed with general depression for many years before that changed. A lot of us only talk about the depression when we go see a doctor because it is the most noticeable or disruptive symptom in our lives. Being misdiagnosed is extremely common, so don’t worry about it too much. There is a video I have that talks about the 10 signs of bipolar disorder, and here is what I would suggest doing: Go through the video and write down all of the symptoms you experience, how often they happen, and how strong they get on a scale of 1 to 10. This information will be incredibly helpful to prevent a misdiagnosis and help a doctor see the patterns of what you go through. I know it can be hard enough for us to even describe how we feel, much less a doctor that just sees us for 30 minutes. I also started a series called “faces of bipolar disorder” which starts out talking about diagnosis. There’s a lot of good information there, so maybe consider checking those out if you have time :-)
Polar Warriors
Thank you; I will definitely do that.
And I have indeed watched the faces of bipolar and I can extremely relate to the Rapid Cycler one--which I believe you said yourself you were that one? If I'm not wrong, but yeah, depression is the only one my therapist seems to just wanna talk about when I've told her how I have these rapid thoughts and sometimes I can't stop thinking about....well....sexual thoughts and oh gosh, that's probably the worst I think because I'll feel really hyper and way too confident that if I think about it now, I get impulsive too....I don't know if that's just me or if that's a problem too, but it'll last an hour or even less and then I'm somehow back to just feeling "nothing" for a while again.
Is this normal with you too?
I know this sounds sad but I feel like you’re the only person who understands me.
Hi Jennifer, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you for your excellent videos! I channeled my hypomania into writing two books. The first of which - One Green Bottle published my Modjaji Press in Cape Town (and available on Amazon) - is based on my experiences in Psychiatric Institutions. Like yourself I was also driven by wanting to help others with Bipolar disorder
Hi! Thank you for your kind words! I would love to hear your experiences of publishing your own book. My email is polarwarriors@gmail.com. I'm on holidays for a week. Take care 🤗🙏🌞
- Rob
For additional content consider joining us on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I was shocked when I was diagnosed. I was fired from so many jobs because I couldn't remember the jobs.
I have bi-polar 2 ! I have never liked myself! Always wanted to be someone else! Still do not like myself! 71 years old!
If you are not reading what you are talking I would say that you current emotional state is very close to hypomania: the speach is so logical and systematic, there is no emm...or ooohh..., this little smile expressing enjoyment of the process and this sparkl in your eyes... I wish I could be in this state of mind for the rest of my life... anyway, you direct your energy to the right things, Warrior! Will watch all of your videos and sorry for my grammar )
Thank you for being open and making this video.
Your honesty is appreciated,
Thank you for sharing
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank
Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️
Lived with Bipolar 1 for 40 years. This is the best video we’ve found that explains to the general public what it is like
. Thank you SO much. We’ll be sending a link to our loved ones. 🙏
I was 15 when i was first diagnosed with bipolar i recall going to Omaha for testing and going from doctor to doctor from med to med for the past 29yrs now and I'm still learning new things just stumbled upon your videos recently and really enjoy listening to what you have to say i share all the videos i watch of yours too my Facebook page
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
You have no idea how much this channel means to me. Thank you so much for making these videos. You’ve always made me feel less alone and more comfortable with my “issues”.
I'm so glad that Rob's videos have made such a huge difference in your life and that you feel less alone now. If you aren't already a patron, please consider joining and supporting Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors. He posts exclusive content there and is available to reply to direct messages through that platform. Polar Warriors is supported entirely by viewer donations. If you aren't able to join no worries. We so appreciate you following his channel and commenting! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! I'll include the Patreon link so you can check things out. -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
You’ve hit the nail on the head in this post....my mother used to say it is a load of rubbish and a fashionable condition,....she told me this when I had my nervous breakdown and couldn’t get out of bed for 3 months.....I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 45 even though I’d been in and out of psychology and counselling for most of my adult life.....and a lot of my mania is hyper irritability, anger and distress....I was starting to get a real drinking problem!..........I wish I could have had my tablets when I was 20...... NO AMOUNT OF COUNSELLING CURES BIPOLAR......YOU HAVE TO GET MEDS!........my family and I would have had a different life!
Unfortunately, there is no cure but treatment is multi-faceted, a combo of medication and counselling but also peer support, self-care etc.
Thank you for sharing!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
Rob:
I really need your help to keep a good thing going here... PLEASE consider supporting Polar Warriors work on Patreon. Even just $1 a month makes a huge difference. Thank you so much
excellent reportage, bravo! from a french canadian bipolar
I always think of my self as a horrible human being as I tell my sister "GO AWAY UGLY!" or "SHUT UP IDIOT!" and ask myself "was that too far , why did I say that!?" And then the next time I go into her room really happy and nice she mimics my bad side and says "Get outtttt! I don't like you!" And then says "That's how you make me feel!" And it really hits me and breaks the relationship with my sister (and my mum) One day she let me into her room and said to me "Uhhh , why is one minute you are so nasty and horrible and make me feel like nothing and then the next minute you are so happy and nice to me" so I said "Idk! But.. I am sorry!" And she says "What if you have bipolar" and my face turned red and it hit me so hard! I rushed to my phone and went on RUclips and found some bipolar videos I watched around 5 before I realised I must have it , I wanted to tell my mum but was scared , I will make sure to show her a bipolar video today and see how she reacts because she has said to me multiple times before to go to sleep. Right now I am only ten years old and yeah , crazy vocabulary but that's just how I am. I am a really smart person and have had more than atleast 5 people tell me I have great potential but I just can't seem to concentrate and I always dream of being a youtuber , vet or even a cop but then I think "But what if when I grow up , I won't be able to decide and have a horrible job!" And always doubt myself deeply , I can't help it , I am told I am too delicate and soft but trust me , I have my own ways and really dark demons. Take for example yesterday I had mixed emotions because a bully tripped over my chair and said "WOAH , WATCH OUT , YOU NEARLY TRIPPED ME OVER!" In a really harsh way and I felt like I was going to cry but also felt like I wanted to torture him , nobody really knows about this whole thing apart from my best friend , she has troubles too and I am very worried about her. She gets abused by her step-mother , her real mother had passed away and has to go to a stress club at school , she is always worried about me too because she knows I can't pull off a real smile. I am distracted in class by the weirdest things and get taken away in my mind and then I stop myself desperately and snap back into reality realising I have hardly done anything and force myself to work . I constantly worry about the future and what will happen , I feel like I am trapped inside a box that I can't escape and I have no freedom at all , I am very kind and feel very bad for people but also love to see people suffer , I hate getting new friends so I avoid talking and sit alone whenever I can when it's dinner time. If I wanted to be social I really could because i am good at it , I mean I can stare directly at people and take in every single word they say but I just don't like it , I would rather sit alone and sing and daydream at the same time about the most pyschotic , weird , disgusting things and randomly start crying about it! I have people in my class joke about depression and it makes me feel terrible. Is it normal that one day I woke up and felt like I was walking on clouds? You might be thinking that sounds peaceful and great but trust me it isn't.. It really felt like I was not alive , I was so confused.. I also think about the bad sides in life like.. If I got a kitten or puppy I would just think "But what about when it dies , then how sad will I be?". I need serious help and for someone to understand the pain I'm going through.. I always give up on my hopes and dreams and I hate it because it feels like I will get nowhere in life. I am a 10 year old girl that has a schedule of sleep that is past 11:00AM while everyone else goes to sleep at my age no later than 9:00AM.. I know this is long but I just had to share it to see if people can relate...
I've been watching your videos back to back and I love the way you describe Bipolar Disorder. You break it down so it's simple enough for everyone to understand what's going on whether you're the one with it or a family member who cares about it.
Your videos are great, and I just wanted to thank you for making them.
You are so kind Samantha! Thanks for taking the time to say such kind things and interact with my channel. My goal is to help as many people as I possibly can and making this channel has been HUGE for my own therapy. A warm welcome to my channel and stop by anytime! =)
-Rob Whittaker
You have helped me so much I have been watching your videos I just ended a 7yr relationship that was so up and down we just found out I was bipolar 3yrs ago and he felt I was lying or I just didn't wanna go anywhere I couldn't go to store I was I am very emotional a lot and scared of so much things
Love everything you say I’m bipolar 1 and I wish my family could really understand the illness thank you 😘
I am subscribed to your channel because from listening to you, I know you live in this storm that I call never-neverland and I have grown to trust you. I haven’t been able to watch all of your videos but wondered if you had done any on actually being bi-polar but not accepting diagnosis because you never had manic energy or fit any of those descriptions however, when I call “turn for the worse or left field” (usually starting in Dec-April or sometime within these months) I get extremely sensitive toward details and I find much more meaning in basic things that normal people do. Sort of hidden meanings but as I research them (which I will spend at least a week doing) I find meaning. My husband says I’m very paranoid and to a degree that’s true but I honestly have reason for most times. I completely withdraw st these times from friends, my phone, games or anything that makes me “scared” that maybe I can’t explain myself or I don’t want to use my brain to think about something else having a meaning that I don’t know. I can’t even pay bills online if there’s terms and agreement because it’s just too much and I never agree with the terms anyway. It’s exhausting and I tell myself there’s nothing to worry about and that it’s me but I eve it starts, I just can stop. After a few weeks or couple months, my head starts clearing out and I start feeling “normal” again but I have to take baby steps in planning, cleaning or whatever until I’m up to my normal speed of things. It’s gotten so bad that my husband has to give me a recommendation when he leaves for work like just wash two loads of laundry and exercise because that’s about all my brain can handle. Is this bi-polar?????
I was diagnosed two years ago after twenty five years of being diagnosed as depressive.I wish it had of been recognised earlier but maybe I wasn't ready to face it anyway.I'm bipolar 1 I take a combination of meds that control most but not all.I've had to change parts of my life..mindfulness helps getting enough sleep and the belief I can manage .
Just found your channel by accident and I really like it. There’s some really down to earth information given for people who are not educated to have an opportunity to understand the reality of what it is to be bipolar. I wanted to comment about hypo mania and full blown mania and how I feel when I’m headed into this state. When I was younger; I was the happy; energetic and funny person when I was swinging up. Being on this end felt amazing and I really liked this place; so did those people around me. As I grew older this changed and swinging up involves agitation; being argumentative and then bursts of anger. It’s actually physically and emotionally painful for me to be swinging up. My beast is living with mixed state and sometimes rapid cycling. This is a very hard combination for me to live with and extremely hard for those around me as well; especially if they’ve never seen the beast escape from its cell before. I’ve been working so hard for approximately 25 years to tame & control the beast and now it’s very hard for people who I have developed relationships with who have never seen this happen to understand that it was there all along and I didn’t suddenly become the negative energy they see. I’m sure everyone knows what it’s like to grow up with this since many people who are close with just leave and after recovery from the cycle there’s a whole new batch of friends that are going to do the same thing even if everything was being managed well for a long period of time and then suddenly reappears. After awhile you get used to it but this pain of the come & go cycle of close friends never truly leaves.
My manic state is mostly anger and temperament. When people see that behavior from me, they don’t really want to understand why I’m that way, but I guess I don’t blame them....
That’s so right, if a person has not dealt with, on a daily, someone that is Bipolar they have no clue
Stacy Moore ABSOLUTELY! It is just as big of a roller coaster for the people around us as it can be for us. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and stop back by anytime :-)
Another good one Polar Warriors. Glad you are still uploading videos!!!
MarketMarketing it's my pleasure! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. If you ever have any suggestions for a video or feedback, please let me know😊👍
I am so thankful for Polar Warriors, because at the age of 65, I finally understand my deceased husband's and my son's Bipolar Disorder. What is described, is identical to experiences I had with both. I just wish I knew more when my husband was still alive.
Hi Sonja, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I'm glad that you still have your son and I hope what you're learning now is helpful with him. I'm glad you discovered Polar Warriors. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share with us. -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
@@PolarWarriors believe me, scales have fallen from my eyes. Thank you.
Thank you so much for being so transparent and and sharing with us. My husband is bipolar and I’m trying to lean as much as I can to better support him however I feel like im going insane in the process.
Can you suggest something to help me lean how to not take this so personally from him? I feel like I’m losing myself trying to understand him. Thank you for any support you can give!
Hi Polar Warrior !I've finally accepted the fact that I'll be taking meds for the rest of my life.Hard to accept a bi-polar 1 diagnosis at the age of 75.There are no easy answers...I wish you PEACE. Thank you for your Work. from Eve Green San Rafael Ca.
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I remember when I was little little I would have these crying spells and feeling panic only at 7 or 8. At 16 is when I started showing signs of mania. Wouldn’t sleep for days/nights. Would engage in super risky sexual behavior, but Thankfully , at 18, I was diagnosed with Bipolar. I’m 32 now, and I still struggle. But it is getting better. You HAVE to find the right dr and therapist, and stay on meds, I know it’s hard! It’s a life long struggle though I’ll tell you that. So #9 is the one that definitely rings a bell to me,
I have bipolar 1. This guy is on point!
When I was 14-15 I told my mom I thought I might have bipolar disorder.
I thought this because I had looked it up because my friend told me he was diagnosed with it.
I was surprised, I honestly thought it was normal
She said "no, if you were bipolar I would know. I worked with people who had it'" now let me add q little fun fact, she worked at the the state criminal mental hospital.
Come to find out when I set my own appointments up sure enough I have it
Thankfully she's better about it now though
My father exhibited pressure speech and chronic anger. It's too exhausting to worry about triggers and ego
I've had a very difficult life because of my situation. Not just bipolar but a lot of other things. I've been abused,used and thrown away like trash,I have experienced horrible things throughout my life. My relatives don't understand and don't want to either. There's only 2 people who understand me and those people became family instead. Not having it easy,I am not ashamed of any disability I have. I know that I was born this way. I am so afraid of so many things though and sleep is a difficult if I sleep at all. My doctor calls me special needs and I had to learn what special needs was,I had the wrong idea about it. I call what I have a sickness that you can't see until it happens. I hope that these videos will help me find a new way to live. I want to live, not just survive. I don't want to bust my ass trying to be perfect so people don't bother me,I don't want to wear a mask and invisible body armor. I,for a while was lucky enough to find a great neurologist to treat all of my conditions. So thanks for making these videos. Maybe it will help me more
I agree to all this. You totally understand like seriously it’s cool.
Chris Brooks it feels really good to not be alone doesn’t it! I’m glad you found my channel Chris and stop by anytime.😊
-Robert
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Love you bro. I've watched about 10 of your videos and they all have been great. I appreciate you taking the time.
So glad to hear you're finding Rob's videos to be so helpful! Always great to hear positive feedback! :) If you'd like to support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. He posts exclusive content there, is reachable via private message and there is also a wonderful little support community in the community section. I'll include the link so you can check it out! :) I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! -Rachel (Polar Warriors Team Member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I had to watch your video twice, when it ended I couldn't remember what I had just listened to. Silly distractiona. Worth the watch though. Thanks.
Chris Hall I have to do that all the time with videos LOL. Especially when I am manic. Not the easiest time to focus on something. If you ever have a hard time with a video, just come back again later so you can benefit from it 😊
It's one of the hardest parts of explaining the fact that bipolarity isn't tied to greatness for me, even though you have ideas of greatness. people think that one can do a lot with that " rush" but for me it only translates into destruction violence unnecessary impulses and a lot of alcohol consumption as well as unreal ideas
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos for us
So nice of you Jen!
Thanks for your videos. I've learned more about BP from you in 2 months than I have in the past 35 years.
That is awesome!
Really hard to wrap your brain around it....wow. dealing with that rage mania in my spouse. Its so intense. So intense that im having a hard time keeping myself from raging.
My family especially my ex wife say I use my illness as an excuse to absolve my actions
Thank you so much. It's nice to know you are not alone. And I'm able too help my love ones to understand more about it.
I'm changing my whole style of living and I'm feeling better. God bless you.
You are so welcome!
I wish I had known what I have before I found out in my 60's. I feel like I have had a useless life. No family, no friends and wow... the depression and cycles were so painful, (physically and emotionally) and there was no help, even as a child. I've lived the life of a hermit. Been homeless, had terrific careers and walked away from them. Relationships really were and still are, beyond my coping abilities. It has been a blessing to be medicated even though it took going through a few doctors and lots of different meds to find one that diagnosed and treated me. But going without my meds one day and I sure know it! Don't stop taking your meds because you feel good! It's usually the meds that make you feel that way!
Grammy D
Sorry about your difficult situations. In the 60s there was little help for mental health. The stigma was overwhelming and the help minimal. My GP wanted me to see a psychiatrist after my brothers Suicide . My mom said don’t tell your dad you’re seeing one of those . But the stigma unfortunately is still there. Especially way more now. You sound like a strong lady. There are bipolar groups. Have you ever thought of joining one. It would be very scary after isolating. But there would be people that would understand where you’re coming from. This may sound dumb. But when you go out smile at people. They say every stranger could possibly be a friend. I smile at people and often say hi! It makes me feel better about myself. I know my suggestions may seem simple . But with bipolar they can feel like a mountain. I wish you tons of luck. This illness can really shake you up. Please do what you need to do to cope. There’s a lot of resources around you just have to check them out . Bipolar warriors videos is a great start. Really am sorry to hear your situation
@@normahunley459 Norma, I'm good. 😊 I now have a great team that is a ton of support and I am doing very well. I do tend to isolate because I really do enjoy being alone. I grew up isolated except for school and the ride home from there was 30 miles to the Ranch. Raised as a only child, I had chores afterward and by dinner, I was exhausted. On weekend we had cows to milk and cattle to feed. Which I loved. I lived that way for 30 years. I was pretty much alone all my life and I really don't know anything else. I just now discovered that I actually enjoy it, being alone. I think I have been very blessed under the circumstances of this dreadful disease that haunts me. Actually, I don't relate well to people and I don't seem to see the flaws in others so I have found myself in not knowing people well enough to choose my friends well. I use to be very lonely but I have conquered that and have a good bunch of people who Care about my well being. They have helped me realize that I can not be responsible for things that I cannot help. I have a genetic illness that I was born with and I have learned to forgive myself for things that I can in no way, control. My meds work well and I am like I mentioned before, doing fabulously now. I am no longer fighting for my life anymore and have no deathwish. I am content. Thank you for caring and leaving this message for me. God bless you and the very best to you. 😊
I’m not bipolar my friend is. Unfortunately I can’t hang around her anymore. After an hour of her manic rambling I feel like my brain was in a pinball machine. Or in the spin cycle. I tried for 2 years, but it was too stressful. Her denial she is bipolar is frustrating. This is why I have watched over 100 videos on TED Talk, with psychiatrist and people like you with testimonials. This disease is amazing. I’ve seen some videos who are claiming that there is a defect in the hyppocampus. Someday they may be able to correct the defect through gene therapy or internal stimulation. Good luck
Mixed states my mind shuts down. I am pretty much resistant to treatment so I never feel normal
31 yrs with this illnes.
deborah Roderick I am extremely sensitive to medications also. It took so many years to find just a microdose of basic medications that help. The rest I have to do through lifestyle changes and self-awareness. It’s definitely not easy and that’s what makes us “polar warriors”. Mixed states are my worst nightmare. I really hope my videos are helpful and stop back by anytime :-)
I have to be able to show, I can still perform expectations of my profession.
Diane Jaramillo - Gregory how? :(
I started experiencing my bipolar disorder at around 5th grade, which is when I started getting mania but the depression lasted all through my childhood. It progressively got worse as you said and I started abusing alcohol when I was 14 but it got much worse my freshman year of highschool. One time when I was manic I got the bright idea to jam a paperclip in an electrical socket and I was lucky that all i got out of it was a burn on my hand from where the clip heated up. By age 15 I was abusing pills and by 18 I was finally diagnosed. Things have been better since starting my medication but I am still haunted by the things ive done in my past. I jumped in front of a car going about 25 mph because I wanted to test if I was invincible. I played Russian roulette by myself but I luckily got bored after two trigger pulls. Ive only ever had unprotected sex and ive been between several partners. I've caused tons of property damage and countless amounts of damage to my own body. Ive had aggressive outbursts at people over meaningless things such as my brother telling me to help with laundry when I was busy dancing in the kitchen. I went on a mania fueled adventure with my bipolar dad on one fourth of July which culminated in us fighting for the hell of it in the street and firing a gun in a neighborhood and fleeing before the cops got there. One day in class I decided to throw my chair. Its amazing how I can see all this stuff I've done and still doubt my condition.
Thanks for your video, it feels comforting to find others sharing their experiences. I have been suffering from bipolar disorder for 40 years. I thought I had enough experience to be able to put a stop to mania getting too high, which usually leads to a relapse with psychotic episodes but 5 months ago it happened and I did not even notice it was happening to me and ended up in hospital. I thought I was finally in control but alas it now felt as though I was back to square one. So be wary dont get over confident and if family tell you need extra help from the psychiatrist pay attention to them as you can avoid lots of hardship if you can nip it in the bud.
Monique S that is a wonderful comment and there is so much wisdom in what you said! Thank you so much for becoming a part of my channel and I hope you will continue to stop back by :-)
Thank you for your program. 😊
21 years and counting. I am very blessed that those of my adult children and my teenage grandson are aware and supportive we have never hidden the diagnosis. I wish also that someone would touch on bipolar depression I I'm never manic . I have never experienced mania in any form. I am bipolar fast cycling type 2 depressive. My good days are typically what most people feel on a good day then it could be 5 days later or 15 minutes later I'm ready to "check out" apparently the bipolar depressive is most difficult to treat and I have actually been denied several treatments that I thought would help because they directed that these treatments (electric shock, ketamine) were best for mannix
YOu described the mixed states which I didn't have a word for and man I know exactly what that is. I hate it, I can't tell if im happy or want to die
Doomsy I really feel for you… Mixed states are some of the worst for me also. Seriously not a fun side of bipolar disorder. I’m so glad my channel is helping and stop by anytime :-)
I have a sibling, my brother whom I've been very close with for most of our adolescent lives. For the past handful of years, their mental health has demonstrated subtle signs (yet looking back now) albeit pretty consistent signs of decline. My mother and I figured it was depression but nothing more critical. In current times, this has exploded into what seems to be CLEAR intense bipolarism (if that's a word). He's at a place where the idea of having to be medicated and work tremendously just to live a life assumed to be as semi felt and confined to these circumstances is more than one can bare and there's perpetual scapegoating. With this being said, he's in the darkest place I've ever witnessed anyone being and is in shattering deep pain. He's taunted with hallucinations during these episodes and probably even when the episodes seemingly aren't the case..he fears the slightest rejection and obviously has major trust issues preventing him from wanting to interact with yet another case worker or akin and keep away the pain that's eating him up. I don't know how to help and I really really want to. He used me as a scapegoat in our last conservation held last night and I was growled the most hurtful, dare I say, evil statements I never thought were a part of his psyche. The conversation began with him stating, "you should leave" "it's too late, I'm toxic and evil". And then it was splatter all over the place and downwards spiral. Add to this his pain of wanting life to be no longer. I am really at wits end and would appreciate any immediate insight. Thank you so much for reading. I also needed to vent, apparently.
He is also first time, homeless. Graduated from college a few yrs ago, moved back home with our mother and has demonstrated uncontrolled acts of domestic violence in the last yr or two..
MAINLY..destroying the home and property. He seems to demonstrate some degree of denial in all of this. He's been to jail a couple times (for the first time) due to these events & institutionalised a couple of times for acting out in public while homeless. Currently he is in a hotel that our mother is paying for and it's not good. From what he's mentioned, he hasn't taken care of grooming for months and also feels disgusting. Very very "MIXED" as mentioned in video & consistently so.
Again, thanks for reading if you've gotten this far and any feedback is appreciated.
Sorry your family has to go through this merry-go-round. First of all you and your mother take time taking care of yourselves . If you’re not in a good place. It hard to take care of a loved one spiraling.
Good luck it’s extremely difficult being in your place feeling helpless to help him
My 2nd watch. Great work!
thanks for this information! - Jim
"people are willing to change anything but themselves"