Hello

Diseases & Conditions Bipolar Disorder
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Hello.  I was glad to come across this forum.  I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder in December 2004 after purposly overdosing on tranquilizers, pain pills and sleeping pills.  I had always thought I was just a very moody person.  LOL I could go from being on top of the world to the bottom of the deepest pit in a matter of an hour.  I got into so much financial trouble with my spending sprees that we actually almost lost our home.  I could go on and on with the things that went on, but I'm sure you all know most of them.  Anyway, my family is very supportive, but they really don't get it.  They think you just take your pills and everything is all okay.  I wish that were true.  Even though the moods are more stabilized, I still feel I struggle every day to keep things on an even keel and not let things get to me.
So, it is good to find a place where people will understand.
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Welcome Grandmamary
Most here can relate to your situation. I don't think the struggle ever ends, but the meds do help level the playing field somewhat. Certainly you will find understanding and support here. Hope to hear from you again.
Nice to "meet" you
Ellie

Good judgement comes from experience and alot of that comes from bad judgement.
 
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Thank you for the warm welcome. You are right about the meds helping. I feel like I have more of a real life now than I did in a long, long time.
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I used to cycle rapidly to. Now every couple of months.  Shopping was my mania as well and my debt escalated.  Now I just fight the urges and when I feel that way I just try and stay home. 

bluejude :-)

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Hi BlueJade. Now when I feel those shopping urges kick in, instead of ordering hundreds of dollars worth of things I have no use for, I allow myself to take $20 and hit the dollar store and get little things for the grandkids. It does the trick pretty well.