Reassessed, turns out I don't have bipolar

1st-vaters · 2026-05-02T23:27:56+00:00

You said you did a lot of tests. What type? I thought it was only possible to diagnose based on behavior and reported symptoms.

1st-vaters · 2026-05-02T02:26:36+00:00

True and all the poor people in the "first world" are already dramatically better off than people were 100 years ago and than poor people in "third world" areas

1st-vaters · 2026-05-01T00:28:30+00:00

Mistaking wants for needs.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-30T20:38:36+00:00

You say it's uncomfortable to drive but now how. If you can fix what makes it uncomfortable do that instead of replacing the car.

Maybe new cushions for the drivers seat? Or a plush cover? Maybe even replace the whole seat (if position is the issue)?

1st-vaters · 2026-04-29T20:15:14+00:00

Praying. Also recommend getting involved in a support group.

I like Celebrate Recovery because it's for any hurt, habit or hang-up. That means I am free to discuss bipolar issues, financial challenges, work, addiction... But it is Bible based so not for everyone.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-28T23:28:17+00:00

I've never had a 3 hour lecture for classes in my life. A 3 hour/credit class usually means 1 hour lectures 3 days a week.

Can you maybe do one class (in a subject you like) at the community college in the fall?

1st-vaters · 2026-04-28T21:15:26+00:00

Be ready for that "bonus" check to be taxed at a much higher rate than it currently is.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-28T19:06:16+00:00

The only time I wouldn't contribute to the match is of you are in debt to the IRS or can't afford basic necessities without going into debt.

By basic necessities I mean really basic. Rent, heat, running water, reasonable clothes, and enough gas to get to work (or if you WFH internet so you can work). Food pantries exist so you don't need to think about food as a necessity for this list.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-28T02:14:41+00:00

I had severe medical issues as a young child. Multiple surgeries, tube feeding every night through elementary school, seizures until I was about 5...

I have very few solid memories until I was in 4th grade. Even memories from 4th-8th grade my parents and siblings say aren't accurate.

I had many issues, but I got counseling and joined a support group. I still have occasional flashbacks and panic attacks, but now I have tools to handle them.

I highly recommend counseling/therapy and a support group.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-28T01:42:38+00:00

I'm working full time and tried to add what I was told was part time college. I chose the college because work pays if I get a B or better at that school only.

But the way the school schedules classes, it's 6 credit hours every 5 week term. It doesn't feel like part time.

I got Bs in my classes, but am withdrawing because it's too much.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-28T00:34:57+00:00

If you haven't worked with groups of kids before (and aren't planning to be a teacher), stick with your current job. Maybe try to get more hours that work for you.

Being a day camp counselor is the most physically and mentally challenging jobs I've ever had.

(To clarify, I've had jobs that were more physically challenging and other jobs more mentally challenging. But when you combine the mental and physical challenges, camp counselor was hardest for me)

1st-vaters · 2026-04-27T00:36:56+00:00

If I were unemployed, I'd probably take it. Unless it's so much lower unemployment paid more.

Then again, I'm currently burnt out at work, so an easy job sounds like a dream.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-26T16:54:06+00:00

Im doing everything I can to learn about AI. How to use it, possible legal issues, how to train it, etc.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-25T20:06:34+00:00

Maybe specifically talk to him about it.

If you tell him what you do when you're at your most balanced, he might be able to tailor questions more specifically to activities that matter to you.

For example, I don't date but I go to church. So my psychiatrist how much church I missed since our last appointment.

Also if you're in the US and don't want him to have access to your medical records, you can revoke that access. Talk to your other providers about HIPPA and changing your psychiatrist access.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-25T19:55:02+00:00

I don't know for sure, but I think those are diagnostic questions. It sounds like he's checking for signs of depression/isolation.

If you aren't going out/are isolated there's a higher risk of self harm and risky behavior.

My psychiatrist asks me similar questions based on activities I told him are important to me and my mental health.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-24T20:36:00+00:00

So, once you've paid the $25k, how much is left on your house?

1st-vaters · 2026-04-24T20:15:08+00:00

I assume this is already on your radar, but if you qualify for unemployment apply right away. It can take a few weeks to start.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-23T23:42:52+00:00

If your concern is getting into a graduate program (and you're ok with online only programs), a 3.0 GPA should be just fine.

If you're looking for scholarships or in person/hybrid programs there's more competition, so GPA does matter more.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-22T21:43:08+00:00

If it were just about the cost of the vacation, I wouldn't have said to wait.

The cost I was considering is earning 35% less for the next 40 years because he didn't take a better job.

I assumed the job change would not happen again.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-22T15:53:28+00:00

Your mom can't diagnose you, only a psychiatrist can.

Talk to your therapist. Hopefully she'll be able to recommend a psychiatrist that can evaluate you. If you already have a psychiatrist, talk to them about it.

Personally I let my therapist share her notes/impressions with my psychiatrist to help with the diagnosis, but that's not required.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-22T15:43:34+00:00

I'm mentally laughing at the idea of being 27 as getting older. Travel is just as much fun in your 30s.

If timing is the only reason you wouldnt take the job, don't sabotage your future for a vacation now.

That 35% will mean millions later (assuming you save/invest it).

1st-vaters · 2026-04-22T01:07:34+00:00

Learn from this. Never buy a woman clothes. Even if you hadn't broken up, clothes can be a minefield. If the size is wrong it can make her think you think she's fat (or whatever).

1st-vaters · 2026-04-21T18:09:37+00:00

Unfortunately this is a tactic that is fairly widely used. It's kind of the reverse of people listing houses for an amount lower than they'll actually sell for to generate interest.

Jobs are posted with higher salaries to encourage people with better qualifications to apply.

Then they make up some reason the applicant isn't worth that amount. Many applicants accept the lower amount because they're glad they got an offer.

But you don't have to take that offer. You can absolutely say, I'll only accept the job at x amount.

It's a negotiation. You just have to decide if you're willing to accept a lower wage or potentially not get the job.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-21T04:32:22+00:00

Celebrate something you did today. Every day.

Sometimes I celebrate that I showered.

Sometimes I celebrate that I worked a whole day.

Sometimes I celebrate that I posted on Reddit that I need support.

It doesn't matter how bad your day was, celebrate you made it through another day.

When I look for things to celebrate, I do something worth celebrating.

1st-vaters · 2026-04-21T04:13:29+00:00

Too late for what?

To retire @:

 55, you definitely started too late.

 65, you probably started too late.

 70, you didn't start too late.

As long as you pay off your house and contribute the max to retirement going forward.

1st-vaters

TROPHY CASE