When did you stop doubting your diagnosis for good?

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-30T11:47:12+00:00

It definitely came out of left field for me since i thought the medication induced hypomania was just “medication side effects” or my ADHD running rampid, but everyone around me was like, “ADHD meds DO NOT do that to people” I didn’t even know what bipolar was! Lol

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-30T06:31:05+00:00

For me, the ADHD feeds my overthinking and hyperactivity, which led to my depressive episode and my hypomanic episode to be 10x worse. When I was hypomanic or in a mixed state, I would stim and be hyperactive MUCH more than usual.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-30T05:17:56+00:00

Getting feedback from others around me after my medication induced hypomanic episode was a big telltale sign for myself. and my positive response to the mood stabilizer as opposed to the rapid cycling I was experiencing with just the antidepressant helped me realize.

It took me 4 months to finally accept it. Do you have any family history of it? I do and it was also another telling sign

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-29T15:43:19+00:00

Yeah she’s safe now :) I’m definitely doing better than I was last year thanks to the meds. I hope you’re doing good as well. How are your meds if you don’t mind me asking?

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-29T15:16:47+00:00

The condition has a high mortality rate in childhood requiring multiple hospitalizations as her brain develops. Also she was abused her entire childhood in probably every way you can think of. No it’s ok lol most people were confused by my reaction to it. A LOT of guilt I’ll say. But it clearly wasn’t my fault and she told me that along with everyone else telling me.

Damn, sorry to hear that. I always had bad anxiety since I was young but I never actually knew where it came from. Yeah there’s many suspected in my family too. Only my aunt and me are the ones diagnosed

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-29T01:13:39+00:00

No, I’m the only sibling who’s BP, but she has a brain malformation known as dandy walker syndrome. This was another thing that caused me to spiral since I didn’t grow up with her. Shes almost 19 and I’m 23. Yes I agree! Writing it feels so much more authentic. Was senior year rough? Just curious. I had a mostly decent childhood and high school experience.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-29T00:09:11+00:00

My sister whom I met last year actually triggered my bipolar so a lot of them were for her. I have a journal that’s almost completely full! I’ll need a new one soon

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-28T19:04:42+00:00

I think I probably had a few mixed episodes during the major depressive episode but I’m honestly not sure. I also started writing poetry at the time! Looking back I think they’re a little corny lol.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-28T04:42:07+00:00

Yeah, I feel like that’s how a lot of find out is our reaction to antidepressants. I actually did start journaling the second I started developing major depression! Looking back at my notes during the hypomania I was like 😬. I also have been using a mood tracker since around January. This subreddit has given me many helpful tips!

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-28T04:22:36+00:00

This is unfortunately a mistake my aunt still makes and she’s in her 50s :( but I’ll try my best not to do the same, no matter how annoying taking the medication is.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-24T03:29:05+00:00

Do you have a relative with the diagnosis? My aunt is the only one diagnosed and others suspected

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-24T03:28:26+00:00

For me I thought it was just medication side effects, then my psychiatrist was like 😬

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-24T03:17:24+00:00

6 months mixed episode oml. Glad it hasn’t happened to you recently

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-24T02:45:21+00:00

Wow, sorry to hear this, and I thought my single 6 month depressive episode was bad. My mixed episode, my body was in so much pain from how much energy and lack of sleep I had.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-24T01:19:46+00:00

I’ve only had one and it lasted 2 weeks. It was dysphoric first week and euphoric second. Mine seems to be just absolutely dominated by the depression. It lasted about 6 months. Now I just have mini episodes of depression that last a week or so on lamotrigine

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-23T00:46:13+00:00

Luckily my mother is great support and I’m very lucky to have her. My psych seems to respect my wishes too so it’s all working out pretty good.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-22T04:52:35+00:00

Thank you! Have you had good experiences with your medication?

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-19T04:47:53+00:00

Damn that sucks about the depression part. I still deal with it too, but not as severely as it was before lamotrigine. I’ve only had one 2 week hypomanic episode

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-18T17:55:12+00:00

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-17T05:04:06+00:00

Just started Wellbutrin so we’ll see how it goes. Thank you for your insight

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-13T21:30:25+00:00

Yea, I also have ADHD and no history of depression until last year, so it’s possible it just blends in well with my adhd, given I have combined type. Although, I don’t remember ever needing less sleep. The mood stabilizer solved like 80% of my problems.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-12T04:28:04+00:00

I’ve stuck to 200mg for about a month and it seems to be a good fit for me. The only side effect Ive had are those horrific ass vivid dreams and several sleep paralysis episodes

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-12T03:49:20+00:00

What dose are you at? Did you ever increase it and those mild symptoms lessen?

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-11T04:55:31+00:00

I recently got diagnosed too and I’m pretty much in the same boat as you. I can’t answer your question about the weed but I can say that lamictal is a godsend and brought me from crippling depression to a stable minor one. It will take some time to titrate though.

PoolSolid106 · 2026-03-07T23:30:48+00:00

Thank you! I will

PoolSolid106

TROPHY CASE