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How to separate bipolar disorder from our personality?

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twomes

05/28/2020 at 2:24 PM

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twomes

Last activity on 10/10/2023 at 10:27 AM

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Hi everyone, I was diagnosed "bipolar" as a teen and every since I feel like I've lost all self-confidence, especially in my personal life.

With my high highs and low lows I don't think the same way or have the same needs anymore.

Whenever I'm feeling better I regain my self-confidence and need to feel independent. And when I'm in a depressive state I need to be taken care of.

I'm afraid that my thoughts are being driven by my disorder and that it has become my personality. I feel like I don't know who I am or what I want anymore 🙄.

Do any of you also feel like this?

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Courtney_J

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05/28/2020 at 7:27 PM

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Courtney_J

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Last activity on 08/08/2022 at 11:09 AM

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@twomes Hello twomes, thank you for starting this discussion! I think many of us can definitely understand what you're feeling, like our diagnosis has consumed us.

Hello all, how are you doing today? How to you differentiate between your disorder and your true personality? Do you consider your bipolar disorder to be separate from your personality, or are they one and the same? Feel free to share your story or experience with this here!

@Laurie7‍ @heidihildeman79‍ @christiesmith3568‍ @Paigesc17‍ @Melisa‍ @Noah2142‍ @alickeys1999‍ @Wolfie6499‍ @MotherofDogs‍ @tinahernandez0425‍ @laurie3jean‍ @kaleh725‍ @Dingledang007‍ @Essence32‍ @Salemx333‍

Take care,
Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity US

How to separate bipolar disorder from our personality? https://www.carenity.us/forum/bipolar-disorder/living-with-bipolar-disorder/how-to-separate-bipolar-disorder-from-our-pers-1979 2020-05-28 19:27:00

kaleh725

05/28/2020 at 7:50 PM

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Last activity on 07/28/2020 at 3:58 PM

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I believe I am the same person as far as my moral standards and beliefs, but, I know they are stunted by the confusion and pain of a bipolar episode.

magicpamela

06/23/2020 at 5:52 PM

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magicpamela

Last activity on 06/08/2023 at 12:41 PM

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15 comments posted | 15 in the Bipolar disorder Forum

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@twomes I understand what you mean. Bipolar can be all-consuming. But I think it's like what @kaleh725‍ said, you're still in there, it's just the emotions and confusion of the disease that's messing with you. Have you talked to your doctor about it?

Peanutbutter

01/07/2021 at 6:13 PM

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16 comments posted | 8 in the Bipolar disorder Forum

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This is a great discussion. Since I've been alone for months now I have been thinking of this. I try to think about who I am and I don't know. It doesn't help that my family treats me different since I have been diagnosed. Therefore I act like the person they think I am. Mutt mom and my sister tell me to never a decision on my own. Constantly hearing this makes me feel like I'm defined by my diagnosis. I want to learn who I am as an individual. I want to learn my purpose. So far I don't feel I have one. Sorry for dumping. This has been a very frustrating time.

Fantisee

Edited on 01/08/2021 at 3:23 AM

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Fantisee

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I feel as if I am defined by my actions and of course what stands out is my high and lows. Others see these behaviors and think that I am like that all the time.....as if that's who I am. I don't know how to make people see the real me once they've seen the "high or low" me. Often I'm not even given a second chance. I don't want to be judged harshly but then again...maybe they don't understand and just need educated? What are your thoughts?

Birdsrhea

01/11/2021 at 10:17 PM

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Birdsrhea

Last activity on 03/16/2022 at 9:03 AM

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22 comments posted | 11 in the Bipolar disorder Forum

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I feel like my highs and lows are the same as my personality. I feel as though my personality is defined by my bipolar diagnosis. It is such a part of me. It's been with me for many years and I know that I'll never be different. I have to survive my day to day life. I'm sorry if i sound like a defeated person but I'm a realist. My personality has always been highs and lows. I wished it weren't so but it is what it is.

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Sunshine44

01/15/2021 at 11:42 PM

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Last activity on 10/11/2024 at 1:28 AM

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I know deep down I'm a good person, however, the episodes make me come off differently to ppl.

I like Eckhardt Tolle- he teaches presence and not trusting your mind

Peanutbutter

01/21/2021 at 7:12 AM

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Peanutbutter

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I feel the exact same way. During the last year though I feel good then the next 5 minutes I'm terrible. Due to my diagnosis I really don't know who I am. I'm afraid to make any person bad I believe everything they think and feel. This makes it very hard to know who I am. If I tried to figure out who I'm afraid I will really get depressed. This scares me a lot.

Megzy12

01/22/2021 at 7:31 AM

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Last activity on 11/20/2021 at 7:45 PM

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I am struggling right now, and for the last couple of days. I missed 3 doses of propranolol somehow forgot to take morning dose fro 3 days. I’m super sensitive to meds. I also started a new treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation a week ago that happens everyday of the week. I take lithium, nortriptyline, Mirapex, and Temazepam every night. I have been an emotional rollercoaster for the last few days, and find myself sinking deeper into an agitated depression. My doctor wants to wean me off of the temazepam I take every night because it’s highly addictive and also has side effects of new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, irritability, and impaired memory. All things I’ve been experiencing. But this last week, these feelings have been magnified greatly and makes me feel extremely uncomfortable and unable to focus or distract myself from thinking of self sabotaging, intense agitation, and feeling the urge to end it. Is there anyone out there that struggles with these things? If so, any thoughts on how to cope without going to the hospital? Greatly appreciate it. Thanks

twomes

01/28/2021 at 5:48 PM

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twomes

Last activity on 10/10/2023 at 10:27 AM

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19 comments posted | 15 in the Bipolar disorder Forum

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@Megzy12 Hey, I hope you're feeling better. When you miss your meds it can really make your mind go places. How's the TMS going? I haven't heard of that before so I'm interested to hear about it if you're ok with sharing.

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SparkleMotion14

03/19/2021 at 12:15 AM

@Classycathy Absolutely! Try the cannabis pens. The come in Sativa (energetic high), Indica (a mellow and relaxing high) or blends. You can read on the box to see what the strain type is so you don’t grab the wrong one. I use Indica during my manic episodes. While it doesn’t completely rid me of the mania, but it definitely helps and gives me some relief. I believe you can buy them online. Our friends usually have them on hand so we get ours that way. Good luck!🍀

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SparkleMotion14

03/19/2021 at 12:15 AM

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