Topic Tuesday // World Bipolar Day with Bipolar Australia // Tues 29th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[Delicatessen]

What sort of creative things do you mean? I’d love some examples.

[HungryHippo]

At times I can't see many positives, but thinking about it I am able to see that my creativity has grown. I tend to be more empathetic with others, especially those with mental health problems. But this can be a two edge sword as I tend to take on far to much in order to help others that I end up mentally exhausted.

[Quilly]

I am learning pottery
I am learning singing
I invest in sharing seedlings and planting

[cloudcore]

Thank you for sharing those positive traits @Olga @Quilly@HungryHippo @Jacques  ! It's so important for us to recognise where our strengths lie, or where they lie in others, it's empowering 😊

[Delicatessen]

Does everyone with bipolar get hallucinations? How common is it and how can it be overcome or managed? It’s embarrassing and makes me feel like I’m mad (pardon the pun).

[Moodwisehub]

It's really wonderful to read these messages @Quilly @Olga

Question 4: What are some of the treatment options available that people living with Bipolar may access to support their recovery? @cloudcore 

Treatments for bipolar disorder involve a range of medications, talk therapies, mood tracking, establishing daily routines, engaging in stress relief activities, psychoeducation, maintaining positive social support, and having a wellness plan.

When looking at treatments, it’s important to look at the entire person, not just the diagnosis. People are complex, and can have other co-occurring illnesses, so treatments effect people differently. Even the experience of bipolar disorder is different of each person, and the nature of the illness can change over time. It's important to look at a wide range of approaches to help find what works for you or a person you know.

There are no lab or imaging tests to find out whether someone has bipolar disorder. A diagnosis is determined by talking openly with your doctor and answering a range of questions about your mood, behaviours, and lifestyle in the short term and over a life time.

You might start by getting a referral from a GP to see a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Check with a GP to see if they can offer free subsidised sessions with a therapist.

Medications are a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, and are used in conjunction with talk therapies, along with lifestyle and self-management techniques.

Some people may not experience the benefits of medication or may experience side effects that can causes them to stop taking it. This may mean that the person would need to rely more on alternative treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), regular talk therapy, stress management, social support, mood monitoring, social rhythm therapy, and a strong relapse plan.

[Quilly]

I'm more aware of myself and others. I have massive compassion, and a brand new open heart to want to hear others and their stories

[SusanaBA]

Question 4: What are some of the treatment options available that people living with Bipolar may access to support their recovery?

When I presented to the clinic in a completely catatonic state, their policy was they had to try two different medications. They did nothing to lift my mood, and made it absolutely miserable to be inside my head. They had absolutely no effect, so to bring my mood up my doctor took me to the Professor at the clinic for a second opinion about beginning ECT. I would say that ECT saved my life. It may not be for everybody, but after every session I felt a little bit better. After only six sessions- my lucky session- I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 because I rose straight up to mania. 

My doctor said I was lucky because ‘Today I can diagnose you 100% with Bipolar Type 1. We cannot cure it but with good treatment we can manage it and you can have a good life’. At the time I did not understand him and was heavily suffering, but I trusted him. It took three months of treatment to get me down from the highs but since, I have been supported with medications, group therapy and counselling. Group therapy can provide an amazing opportunity to socialise- we had a picnic once at the Beach. 

Everything that goes up goes down again, so I had to continue ECT intermittently. In total, I had 21 sessions. Contrary to what my family believed, an MRi scan showed my brain is still intact, and it has helped me. 

@Moodwisehub will talk about all the different treatments and ways to manage Bipolar that are available- every person has their own experience and what works may look different person to person

[Jacques]

just a question @Moodwisehub and @SusanaBA what part can technology play (i.e. smart watches, smart rings, etc) in improving bipolar, monitoring stress, sleep patterns, etc?

[cloudcore]

Welcome to the discussion @Delicatessen , it sounds like it's been a difficult journey for you. I'm wondering if you have any professional supports?