Bipolar Disorder

Here’s a free collection of resources about Bipolar Disorder- Bipolar Disorder blogs, support groups, first-hand experiences and advice from people who have Bipolar Disorder, etc.

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Bipolar Disorder Blogs

Here’s a list of Bipolar Disorder blogs- blogs by people who have Bipolar Disorder, or are about Bipolar Disorder.

****Email alexbalinski@gmail.com to submit your blog to this list.***

Bipolar Beat	blogs.psychcentral.com	2017
bphope	bphope.com	2017
Suddenly Bipolar	suddenlybipolar.wordpress.com	2017
Bipolar Mom Life	bipolarmomlife.com	2017
Pax Nortona	notfrisco2.com	2017
International Bipolar Foundation	ibpf.org	2017
#DaveWiseMatters	davewisematters.com	2017
purplepersuasion	purplepersuasion.wordpress.com	2017
Bipolar Bandit	bipolarbandit.wordpress.com	2017
Breaking Bipolar	healthyplace.com	2017

Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Bipolar Disorder Support Groups On Facebook

Other Bipolar Disorder Support Groups And Forums

Daily Strength Bipolar Disorder Support Group (3,307 members, 123,081 posts)

Bipolar Disorder Survey

We’re surveying people about their experiences with Bipolar Disorder. Here will be a collection of their responses.

*This information is not meant to replace medical advice, and the information gathered via surveys may or may not be correct. Hopefully it will be helpful to you!

*Response format = Answer (Name, Age)

**Click here to share your experience with Bipolar Disorder**

Bipolar Disorder Types

What type of Bipolar Disorder do you have?

Type II. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Type 2. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Unspecified. (CinKay, 22 years old)
Unsure. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
B1. (Sarah, 23 years old)
Rapid Cycling. (Brylee, 25 years old)
Type 2. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Rapid Cycling. (Ashley, 26 years old)
Bipolar NOS with hypomania. (Becca, 26 years old)
Type 1. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
Bipolar 2. (Jana, 32 years old)
Rapid cycling bipolar. (Cara, 32 years old)
1. (Chris, 36 years old)
Bipolar II. (Erin W., 36 years old)
Type 2. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
BP1. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Type 2. (Stefany, 40 years old)
Type 2. (Rachael, 40 years old)
Bipolar rapid cycling. (Monica, 41 years old)
2. (Susan, 41 years old)
Type 2. (Candace, 42 years old)
Mania. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Bipolar 2. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
Not sure. (Christie, 44 years old)
2. (H, 47 years old)
Bipolar 2. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Type 1. (Karen, 51 years old)
Type 1. (Patrick E., 53 years old)
Bipolar type 2. (Deb, 54 years old)
Bipolar 1 with psychotic features. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Type 1 and 2. (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

What symptoms have you experienced?

Mood swings, mania, hypomania, impulsivity. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Depression mostly. Bad hygiene. No energy. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Depression, rapid mood swings, extreme fatigue, anger without cause, too much energy. (CinKay, 22 years old)
Mostly depressed episodes, very few manic episodes. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
Mania, hyper sexual, depression. (Sarah, 23 years old)
Mania, hypomania, depression. (Brylee, 25 years old)
Depression, anxiety, risky sexual acts, overspending, euphoria. (Ashley, 26 years old)
Depression, mania, mixed episodes, visual and auditory hallucinations (separately) irritation, insomnia, weight gain from meds. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Severe mania, depression cycle, and hallucinating. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
Hypomania, especially hypersexuality, major depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations. (Jana, 32 years old)
Extreme irritability, pressured speech, excessive talking, uncontrolled spending, easily distracted, restlessness. Sad, low, fatigue. Not wanting to do things that are usually enjoyable. Memory problems. (Cara, 32 years old)
Extreme mania, hypomania, extreme depression lasting months. (Chris, 36 years old)
Major depressive moods. Never suicidal, but was all content to die. (Erin W., 36 years old)
Spending money, depression. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
Major psychotic depression with hypo mania. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Depression, mania, panic, you name it. (Stefany, 40 years old)
All of them. (Rachael, 40 years old)
Mania, depression, hypersexuality, risk taking, overspending, not sleeping, not eating. (Monica, 41 years old)
Depression, hypomania, occasionally mania. I get depressed a lot. Sometimes I sleep too much, sometimes not enough, at times not at all. I sometimes want to go to sleep and never wake up. I cry easily. I get irritated and upset easily, but I usually get over it after I blow up. I’m very impulsive and horrible with money and shopping. Things tend to be all or nothing with me. I’m not interested in a lot of things I used to be and not much holds my attention for long. Sometimes I get really excited about things and get carried away. (Susan, 41 years old)
Depression, mania. (Candace, 42 years old)
Mood swings. Rage. Multiple personalities, anxiety, panic attack and depression. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Short extreme highs, deep long lows. (Namoi D., 43 years old)
Mania and deep, dark depression. (Christie, 44 years old)
Depression, anger, rage, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion, light mania, anti-social, abnormal fear of loss and death, weight gain, sadness, fear. (H, 47 years old)
Insomnia, depression, mania, paranoia, anxiety. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Delusions. (Karen, 51 years old)
Hypomania. (Patrick E., 53 years old)
Depression, anxiety, manic swings. (Deb, 54 years old)
Crippling depression, loss of interest in all activities, loss of appetite, incessant crying, emotional numbness, feelings of inferiority and worthlessness, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, sleeping 18+ hours a day, sleeping 2-3 hours a day, boundless energy, feeling of superiority, grand plans that never come to fruition, engaging in risky and dangerous activities, promiscuity, spree spending, extreme irritability, rage, racing thoughts, racing/slurred speech. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Days without sleep, bad depressions. (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Interesting Facts

What interesting facts have you learned about Bipolar Disorder?

That it’s very similar to borderline personality disorder, and often they are confused and misdiagnosed. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Medication is the only way to help it. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
That there are cycles and triggers for some people. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
Can be triggered by trauma. (Sarah, 23 years old)
The difference between bipolar one and two. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
Routine is very important. Shift work can seriously affect your mood and health. Good diet and exercise are important. (Cara, 32 years old)
My ability to control my disease. (Chris, 36 years old)
You can be bipolar without the mania. (Erin W., 36 years old)
Read anything and everything, and see how you can cope with suggestions from books. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
That bipolar and borderline personality disorder can be so closely related. That there is a stigmatism with bipolar. That a lot of people say oh I’m a little bipolar too, but don’t understand what bipolar is. (Susan, 41 years old)
Stable periods are possible, lifestyle has a lot to do with it. (Candace, 42 years old)
No cure. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Excitement and joy is a good stress but our bodies can’t tell the difference between good stress and bad stress, so we get low when we really want to be up. Examples, Christmas, summer vacations, holidays. It sucks. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
The difference between type 1 and type 2. How long one can go without being diagnosed. Coping and triggers, tools and abilities. (H, 47 years old)
Sleeping is very important. Good diet. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
It is hereditary. (Karen, 51 years old)
That I’m not alone, and that you can get treatment. (Deb, 54 years old)
That many creative/artistic people have bipolar disorder. (Renée R., 57 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Difficulties

What are the most difficult aspects of living with Bipolar Disorder?

The mood swings. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Depression and being medicated while trying to work and take care of children. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Being so unpredictable. (CinKay, 22 years old)
Suicidal thoughts, irritability and acting impulsively. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
Working, functioning as a normal person. (Sarah, 23 years old)
Daily living, and handling emotions. (Brylee, 25 years old)
Explaining it to others. (Ashley, 26 years old)
Lack of awareness, not only from neurotypical people, but in our community too. Life got better for me when I made a bipolar friend who really gets it. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Mood swings, impulsivity. (Becca, 26 years old)
Concentrating on sleeping without sleep meds. Also, it can make relationships harder to keep. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
The unpredictable nature of it. The stigma that goes with it. The effect it has on your relationships. (Cara, 32 years old)
Figuring out how to live with it and finding meds that work. Especially how to have relationships, like with my boyfriend. (Jana, 32 years old)
Not being able to trust your own emotions. (Chris, 36 years old)
Stability. (Erin W., 36 years old)
I don’t know what mood I’ll be in from minute to minute. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
Frustration that I can’t live my life as I want to. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Not being able to control my moods. (Stefany, 40 years old)
The affect on my family. (Monica, 41 years old)
Never knowing where on the roller coaster I will be. Relationships. (Susan, 41 years old)
Not being able to keep a job. (Candace, 42 years old)
Crying a lot. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Not being in control over my highs and lows. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
Motivation. (Christie, 44 years old)
Uncertainty of moods. The immediate change of moods. Dealing with any and all people. (H, 47 years old)
Anxiety, depression. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Weight gain from meds. (Karen, 51 years old)
Being alone. (Patrick E., 53 years old)
Depression… No energy…not wanting to do anything. (Deb, 54 years old)
Maintaining balance and relationships, holding a job. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Taking my meds. (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Advice

What words of encouragement/advice can you share with others who have Bipolar Disorder?

You aren’t alone. I’ve been dealing with bipolar disorder since I was born essentially. It runs in my family, and you sometimes won’t even have to be on meds for the rest of your life. Bipolar is something that you can learn to control, and sometimes it can even go away. It gets better. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Just keep swimming. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Listen to your doctors and just take it one day at a time. (CinKay, 22 years old)
It can get better I have been med free and stable for nearly 3 years. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
It will get better if you try hard. (Sarah, 23 years old)
You’re not alone; yes, it’s a funny mix of personality/controlled emotions and irrationality that you can’t help. Let the anger push you forward and find someone you can confide in. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Never give up. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
It can be a long journey to find what works for you. Eating well, exercising, and finding a routine are very important. If a medication doesn’t work, go back to the doctor and try another. I’m on my 6th and this one is the best so far. You will get your disorder under control eventually, it may take a while but you will get there. Join a support group or a Facebook group; talking to people who are going through the same thing is hugely beneficial. (Cara, 32 years old)
Having a diagnosis is the first step and is not a bad thing. (Jana, 32 years old)
Life is a journey, not a destination. (Chris, 36 years old)
I was anti med and anti psych for a very long time. When I crashed, and was admitted to in patient facilities, I learned that meds and psychs were actually ok things. That I needed. (Erin W., 36 years old)
Research your diagnosis. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
You learn how to cope and understand when things are starting to go wrong. It takes practice and that might be years! (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Medications are a tool, not the solution. (Rachael, 40 years old)
Learn to notice it. And block as much as you can. (Stefany, 40 years old)
Keep fighting. (Monica, 41 years old)
Keep trying. Sometimes your best is just to keep breathing. (Susan, 41 years old)
Pray. (Candace, 42 years old)
Never give up. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Take it second by second. Don’t give in to that dark, inky, heavy place. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Exercise and good hygene is essential to stay stable. Music is great for coping. (Christie, 44 years old)
This too will pass. It just doesn’t feel like it. (H, 47 years old)
I would listen, but try not sounding cliche. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Stick with the meds… they work. (Karen, 51 years old)
All days are not bad. You can get thru it but you need someone to help. (Deb, 45 years old)
Work with your psychiatrist to find the right medication cocktail and take them, develop a support system (even if it’s on-line), participate in therapy (again, on-line or workbooks will work), practice self-care and self-kindness. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Hang in there. I used to not know what it was, so would just lay in bed and not move- depressed or manic. But just stay still and it will pass. (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Diet and Exercise

What’s been your experience with diet and exercise?

I’ve never tried dieting, but exercising helps a LOT. Like it makes the down days happen a lot less often. It makes me more manic though. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
I’ve gained 20 pounds in 2 months, so not good. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
I’m over weight, lose motivation quickly, but do get into it. I can get addicted for short periods. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
Hard to do. (Sarah, 23 years old)
Living a healthier lifestyle has led to more “normal days” because I have better self-esteem than when I led a less healthy lifestyle. (Ashley, 26 years old)
Meds made me balloon up. I can tone, but I can’t seem to actually lose weight. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Walking. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
Meds increase my appetite and the depression makes it hard to want to exercise. Sometimes I feel excited to exercise and get all ready to do it, like running, but then can’t. I wear running clothes to bed, set my alarm, get everything ready and then still can’t do it. (Jana, 32 years old)
Good food and exercise, even a walk in the sun helps so much. Sun is good- soak up at least 15mins a day. (Cara, 32 years old)
Not much experience with these. (Chris, 36 years old)
Both help. More natural, less processed foods. Exercise helps uplift my mood. So does being outside. (Erin W., 36 years old)
It has helped so far. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
I hate both! Food makes me out on weight due to the medication, and I sweat like a pig when I exercise. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Up and down. (Rachael, 40 years old)
Horrible. Just horrible. (Monica, 41 years old)
Difficult. (Susan, 41 years old)
I have been as high as 300 lbs & as low as 89 lbs, very depressing. (Candace, 42 years old)
Bad. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Not great. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
Try to eat better and exercise. (Christie, 44 years old)
No energy or too depressed or down over anxious. I have a good support partner in my husband, and he helps us both eat and walk. We keep each other accountable. (H, 47 years old)
Not good. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Lots of good diet and exercise are ok. (Karen, 51 years old)
I don’t eat well at times, and I do try to get out and walk. (Deb, 54 years old)
Many bipolar meds cause weight gain even with normal diet and exercise. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Don’t drink coffee! (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Treatments

What’s been your experience with treatments (medication, therapy, etc.)?

Medication helps, it just sucks taking it. It also sucks finding the right cocktail of medications (mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, etc.), but once you find the right cocktail of sorts, it helps so much! Therapy helps too. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Everything makes me tired. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Fluoxetine, 20mg works best for me. (CinKay, 22 years old)
Medication made me gain weight and I couldn’t find one to suit me, as I did not take them consistently. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
I hate taking medication, but love therapy. (Sarah, 23 years old)
For me nothing works without regular increases. (Brylee, 25 years old)
It took almost 8 years to find the best medication routine for me. Talking with a therapist was never helpful. (Ashley, 26 years old)
Meds don’t really help me. (Becca, 26 years old)
Lamictal is a life changer. I had no idea I was irritated and tense until I wasn’t. The med combo gave me diabetes and now I am readjusting the handful of pills. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Meds have been life saving. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
It’s so frustrating. I’ve been on meds for 11 years and haven’t found the right combo yet. Therapy can be helpful just to have someone to lean on and that listens. (Jana, 32 years old)
Keep trying meds until you find something that works. Take it at the same time every day until it becomes a habit. (Cara, 32 years old)
It is my belief that in order to remain well, I must take my medication. (Chris, 36 years old)
Do them!! As much as you want to be strong, to do it on your own, it’s ok to ask for help. (Erin W., 36 years old)
My medicine has stabilized me. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
That it takes ages to find the right combination of pills. Do your own research as well and challenge if you believe there is something better out there. If you have ECT, don’t rush into it. Don’t listen to the scare stories. Try and make up your own mind with help from the professionals. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Nothing worked for very long. (Rachael, 40 years old)
Good. (Stefany, 40 years old)
Meds have saved my life, but therapy has helped too. (Monica, 41 years old)
Therapy has been great, just tired of the therapists turn around. Meds are a trial and error, ever changing. (Susan, 41 years old)
I have been on everything. (Candace, 42 years old)
Meds change monthly. (Tammy, 43 years old)
Medications work if you take them regularly. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
You have to try lots of different med combos. It takes many years to find the right meds for you. (Christie, 44 years old)
Ugh. I’m currently on five different medications and have had to HS he or adjust four times to get to this semi stable less symptomatic spot. See a psychotherapist and psychiatrist and medication and self medication such as baths, shopping, social media, eating poorly, meditating, reading. (H, 47 years old)
It took awhile to find the right combo of meds and therapist. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Good. (Karen, 51 years old)
In the beginning a total rollercoaster trying to get the right meds. Now it’s better with treatment. (Deb, 54 years old)
I’ve been on many meds cocktails trying to find the right one – it’s trial and error regarding side effects and efficacy. Establishing a rapport with psychiatrist, therapist/counselor is essential to successful therapy. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Shock treatments and lithium. (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Recommendations

Anything you would recommend for someone with Bipolar Disorder?

Receive treatment. Not everyone can handle this without treatment, so get the treatment. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
Ask for help. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Take it day by day. (CinKay, 22 years old)
Trust and ask for support from family/someone you can trust. (Anonymous, 23 years old)
Don’t stop taking meds, don’t stop trying. (Sarah, 23 years old)
“Furiously Happy”. It’s a fantastic book and you’ll find lots of things you relate to. “The mental illness happy hour” podcast. (Kelsey, 26 years old)
Don’t give up! You made it this far. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
Find someone to really open up to, even if its online in a Facebook group. Talking helps! (Cara, 32 years old)
Find providers you like and if you don’t, try someone new. (Jana, 32 years old)
Don’t hate yourself. Embrace yourself – with all your quirks. (Erin W., 36 years old)
Just research everything. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
Be patient. You will have set backs. It takes time to find the right med combination. Talk to those around so they can help you when things get tough. Know your NoK, give them the emergency numbers, just in case. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Stay in therapy. (Rachael, 40 years old)
Therapy. (Stefany, 40 years old)
Don’t be afraid of asking for help. (Susan, 41 years old)
Don’t drink or do drugs. (Candace, 42 years old)
Get regular therapy, and reach out. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
Closed bipolar groups on face book have helped me so much just not feeling so alone. (Christie, 44 years old)
Seek professional help immediately. You can’t nor do you have to beat this beast alone. (H., 47 years old)
I would be there for them, but it would be them who would have to get help on their terms. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
Stay on your meds. (Karen, 51 years old)
Ask for help. Try to not be against others who want to help you. (Deb, 54 years old)
Be patient with meds and therapy, be gentle with yourself. (Renée R., 57 years old)
Listen to your own body and to your doctor. (Paul, 59 years old)

Bipolar Disorder Resources

What specific resources have you found most helpful?

Therapy, researching and medication. (Kelsey, 19 years old)
None yet. (Ciarra, 22 years old)
Therapy. (Sarah, 23 years old)
Maryland Crisis Counseling and quotes of inspiration. (Jennifer I., 28 years old)
Online support groups, like on Facebook. One specifically for women with bipolar and anxiety. We can share experiences as well as offer support. (Jana, 32 years old)
Support groups, family, the bipolar magazine, mental health on the mighty. The bipolar 2 workbook. (Cara, 32 years old)
A strong support system. (Chris, 36 years old)
I google a lot of things, but honestly, I have found more support in this online group than I have anywhere else. (Erin W., 36 years old)
Internet. (Phillip C., 39 years old)
Relaxation. This may change over time. Be outside, I’m lucky I live near the sea. Try and do the activities which make you happy. Find time to be you. (Anonymous, 40 years old)
Internet. (Stefany, 40 years old)
Local support groups. (Rachael, 40 years old)
A good doctor and good family support. (Monica, 41 years old)
Therapy and online support groups. (Susan, 41 years old)
Bipolar support group on Facebook is helpful because you can communicate with people who are going through the same thing. (Candace, 42 years old)
Internet. (Tammy, 43 years old)
My wonderful psychiatrist and medication. (Naomi D., 43 years old)
Support groups. (Christie, 44 years old)
BP magazine. FB BP page. Medication, my therapists. Reading books on BP for understanding and education. (H, 47 years old)
Hospital, Family doctor, Therapy, Meds. (Wanda C., 49 years old)
My doctor. (Karen, 51 years old)
Counseling. (Deb, 54 years old)
County and state services, NAMI, on-line websites and support groups. (Renée R., 57 years old)