7 Important Bipolar Disorder MILESTONES (Signs of Growth)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- SUPPORT WHAT WE DO & CONTACT ME DIRECTLY HERE: / polarwarriors
I always encourage others to celebrate the small victories in their daily lives. For example... just getting out of bed... mustering up the energy to exercise, showering, going to a doctor's appointment - basically anything that challenges us or our Bipolar Disorder.
It's easy to get so caught up in the daily challenges of living with mental illness that we can lose sight of how much we've grown. I resonate with that... I feel stagnant sometimes - where progress feels agonizingly slow. However, If I take a moment and look back 6 months... or six years, I've passed some huge milestones.
Today I'd like to explore 7 milestones that were turning points in my life. I know some of you are new to all of this, and some of you are veterans of the Bipolar journey. Maybe you have a loved one living in denial. Regardless of where you're at, I hope this video inspires and encourages you to keep moving forward... to keep growing. Things really can and do get better for a lot of us. It just takes time.
***NOTE: Polar Warriors is completely, 100% viewer-supported through a crowdfunding site called "Patreon." It's where you can support my work, contact me directly, and access a community of like-minded people. There's a link above in the video description. Please do consider supporting us.
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Thank you Robert. I just saw an image of you throwing a life saver overboard. You help people to get to the " ship " and to better learn " survival skills."
You are a Great Blessing.
John, New Testament, NIV
You seem SO much freer and more joyous.
May you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
I just thought of a good devotional: The One Year Devotions For Men, Stuart Briscoe
There is a very encouraging channel: Randy Kay
Awe thank you so very much for the kind words and wishes =) =)
If I make it to tomorrow night, I'll have three straight weeks of taking all my meds every day. Fingers crossed!
Three months next ❤
You got this!!!!!!🎉
You are doing it!
YAY!!
You got this
Knowing im not the only person suffering virtually the same crappy experiences... to put it mildly, brings some comfort. Its so damn hard articulating what i feel to someone who doesn't know what its like. I feel like its describing a color to someone thats been completely blind since birth. Impossible. At 55 now and all I can say is this has beaten me down my whole life and im so tired, but I keep fighting. Never give up 🙏❤️❤️🙏
I'm so glad you're still fighting!!!! I totally can relate to what you wrote, I always say there are some things that us bipolar folk can understand. If you haven't already please consider joining a support group in your area. You have a lot of wisdom you can share. In case you are interested Rob offers one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only. Take gentle care!
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
A man born blind from birth does not know the meaning of darkness because he’s never seen light. I put my bipolar disorder into remission after 13 years of an absolute nightmare. I share my story on my TH-cam channel. Bipolar doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
My wife stopped taking her meds or seeing her dr over the summer. She got into a fight with a girl that was staying with us. My wife is now sitting in county facing 2 to 30 and I'm alone with our 12, 10, and 3 year old sons. Please stay on your meds and therapy. Five lives are forever changed because my wife and I failed her.
I am so sorry for what you are going through! I highly suggest getting help and support for you and your mental health! You are going through a lot. If therapy isn't an option then attending a local support group for family and friends can really help. In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only which has some spouses attending. Take gentle care!
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Stay strong. You got this.
NAMI has free support meetings for family members of mentally ill people in many parts of the USA.
Thanks for being so honest and I am so sorry for all of you.
I’m so sorry to hear. That sounds heartbreaking. Do you have support for yourself and the kids? Also, do you know why she stopped taking her medications? Sometimes people can’t tolerate medications or it’s giving them terrible effects. Other times they don’t like the idea of being labeled sick and the stigma that comes with it. Often it’s a combination of both.
Thirty years ago, a doctor said to me " you do not owe anyone an explanation for your choices", that stuck with me, and helped me a great deal. About 10 years ago, I learned how to say no, without guilt. It was one of my most significant milestones. I only finally got diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 3 years ago, so I consider myself a "newbie". I really appreciate your videos, I always benefit from them. Thank you 🙂
The one that is only recently become a milestone for me is to communicate my limitations to others before I melt down from having my limitations stretched beyond coping distance. If only I had learned that sooner.
That’s a wonderful milestone and something I’m still working on myself. ❤️❤️💯💯
Hello 👋 thanks for sharing your story with us. I survived child sexual abuse and stay quiet for long time and then survived domestic violence from my ex boyfriends and same stay quiet. I want to tell everything to my therapist but it's little time. My mental illness is not going good but I remind myself that I am not perfect. We are surviving the situation and there's no one to blame, trust and just self love to build my self esteem.
I’ve now had 5 yrs without hospitalization after being in and out of hospitals for a couple of years. It took a while to find treatment that works. One of the worst things was the extreme weight gain.
Have you ever considered trying a ketogenic diet? It helps many. I've been eating a zero carb diet for going on 6 years and I have never been so stable in my life. The meds were hell for me. I don't take them anymore.
@@SarahDale111 No but that’s something I would consider and will do some research on.
@@ADAJ3KINGANGEL Check out a channel called Bipolarcast. Also Dr. Chris Palmer.
@@SarahDale111He literally talks about avoiding those diets
@@userjohnnysreviews To each their own, I guess.
Thank you for reminding me to celebrate small accomplishments. I’m so happy your channel has grown so much. I have been here since you started.🎉🎉🎉 I was misdiagnosed too. Put on Paxil for years.
What was the cost of the misdiagnosis in terms of physical, emotional, financial, relationship, peace of mind etc?
@@NeseretBemient Weight gain was the big cost! I have never been able to control it since.
@@Lindasromperroom Are you willing to explore a lifestyle intervention to help you gain control of your weight? What types of things have you tried so far?
Robert you are a Godsend, did you know that? My beautiful, sweet niece, who I love so much, suffers from Bipolar one, and I want to do everything that I can to help support her on her journey. You make it easier, thank you! My niece is only in her 20's, so I suspect things will get better and easier for her as she gets older. I notice she has hit some of these milestones already! Keep on doing what you are doing- you ROCK!
I was diagnosed the same way you were. I was depressed and had been diagnosed with depression for years. I went to my general practitioner for depression medication. I took it, it triggered a raging manic episode and I found myself hospitalized for a few days. Even though I hated being hospitalized, I was happy that my BPD was correctly diagnosed and I received the proper medication. I have guilt about things I've done in the past while manic or depressed and I can't rid of it or forgive myself. Even though it happened years ago. It's a heavy burden. I'm reluctant to open up to a therapist as well and don't currently have one. After listening to you, maybe I'll trying seeing one. Thanks!
It’s a huge burden to carry on your own. You were doing the best you could at the time and under tremendous stress and pressures. It’s okay to share that with someone. We all make mistakes and get off track sometimes. You’re a human being. It sounds like you’re on the mend. I can relate with your pain. I share my story on my TH-cam channel. Thank you for being vulnerable here.
Robert, you and your channel are treasures. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I wasn't diagnosed until my 40s. I was self-medicating with alcohol and drug abuse for decades. I was diagnosed with bipolar ii and got sober in the same year.
A big milestone for me with Bipolar was when i stopped pathologizing all my emotions. Yes, I am prone to deep depressions. Yes, i experience hypomania. And identifying these extremes and communicating them has been crucial in my journey. But I also get to feel legimately sad. I can also experience love, excitement, frustration, and disappointment; and these can be MY feelings. It sounds simple, but coming to terms with that was huge for me. Not everything is a manifestation of the disorder. I get to have feelings, too.
I’m in my 40s as well wow we aren’t alone
I'm reaching a milestone for myself in not missing a therapy session and taking my meds every day. It's so hard just to take my meds every day or go to therapy every week. But I've kept it up since my last episode and change of meds in August.
Yay! Proud of ya! 🤩🤩❤️💯💯💯
What made it difficult to be consistent and why were the changes made?
@NeseretBemient it's always been hard for me to be reliant on anything other than me because of my upbringing. But I've changed my mindset and realize that just because I'm feeling better doesn't mean I can stop taking the meds. And had to change meds because they were making me extremely suicidal. Luckily, I'm an extremely honest person with my doctors and therapists and friends around me and was able to immediately say, something isn't right and the only new variable was the meds I had started on. I've got an amazing team and realize just because I'm feeling good doesn't mean I can stop going to my weekly therapy or stop my meds. I need both to live my best life . And I realize there will be bad days and that's okay. Just know this will pass and good days will be back. And sometimes that only takes a few hours. Like today or talking to the right person and reaching out and being honest. The only problem is sometimes I begin to feel like a burden, but then I I've learned to say that feeling out loud and my people tell me that I'm not and that isn't true at all. Honesty and clear communication has been key. If I'm not sure I'm reading someone right, I ask.
My journey has just began
Welcome to our Community! You don’t have to go at it alone! 🤩🤗🤗
Rob, you have made my journey with bipolar 100x easier and faster than if I tried to go about this on my own. Your videos has helped my husband learn why I am the way I am and how to better understand me. I'm just 5 years past my diagnosis. I know I wouldn't be where I am without your videos and support. Thank you.
Awe thank you so much for the kind words!!! It makes me feel great when people find the videos helpful. Take extra good care of yourself! On a side-note, if you haven't joined us yet, take a look at my private community on Patreon. We have an amazing group of like-minded people who help life each other up. There's a link in the video description if you'd like to check it out =) =)
-Rob
I so appreciate what you said, and I read the comments also. I won't go into my personal stuff, but I want to truly thank you !
What was most meaningful?
Have a peaceful Merry Christmas 🎄
Same to you!
The biggest turning point for me was when I stopped eating carbohydrates 6 years ago. I am med-free and have never been more stable in my life. It's been a game changer and a life saver!
That’s awesome! I can relate. What else has been helpful on your journey besides keto?
@@NeseretBemient The emotional dysregulation can be triggered in many ways. Processing the trauma of this lifetime has helped immensely. I wrote it all out a couple of years ago to get it out of my head, and more recently I started doing TRE, which helps release trauma from the body. I'm currently studying A Course in Miracles, which is shifting my perspective in a way that helps me to not take this life experience so personally. I've learned to set healthy boundaries with unhealthy people, and I live a quiet life of mostly solitude. Learning how to relax, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly are all very important. A few years ago I figured out that my childhood depression, severe anxiety, social ineptitude, selective mutism, hypersensitivities, inability to "be normal", and a host of other issues were because I was, and am, autistic. My mother most certainly is, too, and my niece was diagnosed last year thanks to having finally figured out "What the hell is wrong with me?!?!?" No wonder the drugs didn't work. 🤪
@@NeseretBemient The diet change was the biggest help. It gave me my sleep back, which is probably the most crucial element for me to be well. I also can tolerate sensory overload for longer periods of time, though I do my best to avoid it, because it still takes a toll. And anxiety has pretty much vanished. It feels like a miracle! I can't even remember the last time I cried. 😄
You have some videos of interest on your channel. I look forward to listening!
Glad to make your acquaintance. 🙃🙂
@@NeseretBemient Oh...and I attribute being freed from a 20 year alcoholic coping habit to the new found groundedness of the diet change. I had no counselling or support, and I am 6 years sober this month. Hallelujah!
@@SarahDale111 How amazing! You’ve done a lot of work on yourself. It takes great courage and self discipline to accomplish such a feat. You’re a beautiful miracle yourself! Hope you are proud of who you are:)
Milestones are so important. To recognise and celebrate ❤
Rob I can't tell you how much this video means to me! I relate so much to your bipolar journey! Thank you for your introspection, wisdom and strength!
Covid was both a setback and a chance to change. But sometimes it’s hard to tell which is which.
Number 1 really resonates with me…I was a psych tech in the Navy and was diagnosed with Major Depression while active duty…I always put pressure on myself to be “strong “ and for myself and my husband and children so I would hide the extent of my symptoms even after my Bipolar diagnosis it wasn’t until about 5 years ago until I had my rock bottom and I couldn’t hide my “crazy” (I don’t mean to offend anyone by using this term) and my husband saw my Bipolar in its entirety my fear of rejection and anxiety about not being “strong” to be the anchor of the family I was so lucky to learn were unfounded…my husband and children who are adults now are very supportive my journey by no means is now smooth I still struggle with opening up in therapy and being more consistent with my medication but it’s a lot better now that I have shared the struggle with my family.
That’s a tough one! I’m glad you have the support of your family. Not everyone is blessed with that piece. Also, I love the word crazy lol There’s just some things you can’t explain better without that word. And I’m a psych RN for 17 years and I still use that word to describe myself sometimes. 😮 Well I share my absolute crazy nightmare with bipolar disorder on my TH-cam channel. I’ve put my condition in to remission now but yes I also questioned myself as a Nurse, a mother and a partner. It impacted my sense of self, my self image and safety/security. The bipolar journey is not for the faint of heart. Thank you for sharing your experience here❤
@nicolerose4980 I'm reading your post here in Jan 2024. Thanks for writing about your immense drive, when younger, to be 'strong' for those you loved. Perhaps now you are using some of those same skills to care for yourself 😊 I got the feeling that you gave nearly everything you had to your husband and kids, and your career. Until you couldn't do it anymore. You did such a great job though, that now they're able to reflect some of that love, strength and acceptance back to You.
A big milestone for me was the day I called my doctor and said Something is going wrong. Before that I would just go into isolation mode and disappear for weeks... Also leaving my meds
How are you doing now? What did you experience on the meds? Were they helpful? Did you experience any negative effects?
@@NeseretBemient now I'm doing great. I had a long road of wrong meds until we found the right ones. I now realize that before I wasn't living, just trying to survive and always repairing the mistakes made when I wasn't well (mostly financially and regarding relationships) so I won't ever leave my meds now.
@@SoniaMigoya I’m glad you’re doing well. It’s tough to repair the damage caused when we are not well. But the first step is to get better and you are there. I share my experiences about holistic lifestyle intervention on my TH-cam channel. I would love for you to take a look and continue our discussion:)
This is by far the most informative channel with great content and examples that I’ve found! Thank you for taking part of your energy to help us on our journey to understand each other better. Watching this for my undiagnosed boyfriend (we both have ADHD) because there were things I couldn’t understand about him, I could see he didn’t vanish to harm me but he hates talking and I had to make sense of it. This was exactly what I needed but I also realise it fits myself and my own problem areas. What you do on this channel matters and helps more than you realise, again THANK YOU ❤
What helped me a lot was dealing with my mental illness mostly in therapy, with my case manager and in groups with peers. I realized that my friends and family were getting overwhelmed with my illness. I still tell my close friends and family if I am having a hard time but I don't go into details. I save the details for professionals and when appropriate with peers.
This helps me maintain my relationships.
3:50 I had exactly the same experience: while my bipolar remained undiagnosed my doctors put me on an antidepressant that triggered rapid cycling and night terrors. The silver lining is that it was evidence that I was experiencing bipolar disorder rather than merely depression.
My top tip for remembering to take meds is to use your phone. If you have an iPhone there’s a medication sections in the Health app where you can list all your meds and the time you take them. You can set up reminders, even set it to nag you until you log them as taken. I used to forget all the time but haven’t missed a dose since. It’s also super handy when a new doc asks your meds list, I have a variety of health issues so I can’t remember all my med dosages without that note.
I am in the process of letting things go and leaving the past in the it is very difficult to do. I glad you reached so many milestone. You will continue to have many more.
That’s true. Letting go of the past is a process. It takes time and patience. We have to allow our own unique path to letting go. I share ways to let go of the past on my TH-cam channel. Let me know what you think.
I send you a message when I feel desperate, just doing that helps. My husband was finally diagnosed with bipolar 2 in Portugal after a hypomanic phase, I don’t know what happened. So glad because after 6 months of being sectioned and treated for depression in hospital, I looked after him. I found out that his mania was seasonal, every summer, so being in hospital in winter they said they didn’t see any evidence of bipolar, despite me telling them about his, what I didn’t know then, HYPOmania. But when he came back from Portugal with bipolar medicines that didn’t prove it to the NHS either, and Portugal didn’t respond to an e mail from the NHS….they could have tried a bit harder! So, now he refuses to take the meds that continued for a while, when summer comes we’ll see! He has stolen money and done despicable things every summer. He lives on his own, says he doesn’t need looking after…..never mind that we are married! I will eventually lose patience and take him to court for the£30k he stole from me!
I'm currently writing down my mood and the first week made me realize I have so much guilt for having mental health. Today I called the help line and I was grateful to be heard and understood.
Having mental health concerns means you’re a human being. It means you have gone through or going through difficult challenges. Reaching out for help is absolutely critical and it takes a lot of courage to do so. You’re on the right track.
Thanks for the upload. This video is actualizing. I needed to see this. Thank you for the work you're doing.
Its like you were listening to a message from me while explaining how I can handle things with these 7 EXTREAMLY useful tips.
Thank you for you're persistence, i can imagine its difficult and a challenge to keep making such useful content but I would just like to say
"Well done and Thank you Rob for your strength helping us through our tough times"
Creating content for an audience you love and desire to serve is a lot of work but it’s a labour of love. I’m just starting on TH-cam after 17 years as a psychiatric RN. It’s definitely a shift in gear but no less inspiring and compassionate. I love serving as a content creator and mental health advocate❤
Really awesome content and a great way of talking us through all the milestones Rob!
As much empathy as I have for everybody who's sharing their experiences, I feel as much happiness about the fact that this community is communicating about it. It's so helpful to know we are not alone in this.
Much love for everyone here ❤
May y'all have a great week ✌️
Thank you for giving us hope ❤
My goal: listen to one video per day. They hurt, but I understand my behavior better, and I don’t feel so alone.
Hi SereneSoulSeeker! I love your name! I think it's wonderful that you have made that goal for yourself! Rob has some really great videos. In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a weekly support group for patrons only on discord. Take gentle care!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you very much for your latest video.
Always a learning in your experience.
Wishing u and the entire polar community all the strength,happiness ,will and courage to achieve all the happiness and peace that you so desire.
Addiction to alcohol gets better understanding now I hope that mental health problems will one day achieve this.
Love the idea that cant control or make people respect your boundries but can control how we respond. A therapist years ago advised me to stop reacting to situations set boundried make them clean and act accordingly when not respected. which for me is usualy distance between me and that person rather than the responding of lashing our vervally.
Now I know bipolar is in D.N.A. I was diagnosed at 47years I am early 60 years and your description of symptoms has really helped me. Thank you.
Hi there! I'm so glad you found Rob's channel! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Your Videos always give me some peace!thank you to be with us here!
When I was much younger I saw therapy as a sign of weakness. Now years later I see therapy as a tool for mental growth. This is a pretty large milestone for me in my Bipolar journey. I resonated with this video ❤❤
I've been working in a Call center for 3 months now, it's been so hard because I'm from a latin country and I have to speak another language with people that are angry almost all the time, but I've been resilient, and I hope I can continue a little bit longer there until I find a better job, progress exist people, even for us ❤
Hi Paola! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a weekly support group for patrons only on discord. Take gentle care!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you so much Rob... for your videos and the great insight into Bipolar.
My partner suffers from bipolar. And much to her frustration until meeting her I never heard of Bipolar Disorder (in the true sense of the disorder) so I was like a fish out of water and inadvertently made so many mistakes.
I had to go on an adventure of self education to understand her and to be able to help and understand and support her better. She's my world and I will always do whatever I can to help her and in the process of learning about her HIGHS and lows and everything in between so I'm better educated and equipped to deal with whatever may arise.
Your videos have been so helpful and a life saver in so many ways. Occasionally I make the odd mistake but few and far between compared to in the beginning.
I just want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you and you are such an inspiration and so helpful in more ways than I can begin to explain.
Thank you so much for the comment! That's wonderful that you have taken those steps to try to understand your partner's condition better. Not everyone cares enough to do that. If you would like to communicate with Rob directly and access exclusive content as well as a wonderful support community (some members are loved ones of those with bipolar, others have bipolar themselves) please consider joining him on Patreon. I'll include the link below so you can check it out. Take good care and best wishes to you and your partner.
-Rachel (Polar Warriors Team Member)
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Hi Dave! Thank you for the kind words, I'll show Rob this comment! It's always great to hear from partners wanting to learn about bipolar! Thank you for being an ally! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only on discord where we have a number of partners joining us, asking questions.
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thx alot 🌸
A milestone for me was when I stopped being my diagnosis. I used to say, I'm bipolar, now I say I'm Gary and I have bipolar disorder.
Congrats! You are absolutely correct! I recently made a video on my TH-cam channel you may appreciate entitled “Who are we without our diagnosis?” Let me know what you think. Thanks for sharing.
Why even tell people
I was misdiagnosed by my first psychiatrist. After that, Bipolar I
Thanks for this video. I am going through a very low spell, all my work relationships end badly, I am 6.5 and 300 pounds and have been pushing weights my whole life, my exterior does not match my heart, I get manic stages and get obsessed with how I look and people think because I am a huge guy I must be hard. I feel so deeply for people it affects the way I can function, I avoid conflict in all its forms and am always in fight or flight but always fly away from problems with others.
Hi there! Thank you for sharing! Rob actually used to body build too. In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you for sharing your experience. Acceptance it s not a easy prosess. In my case i still strugle with it and i am trying to work on that.The hardest part it s the guilts. Guilts about the past thing that i regret. and the stupid thing that i have done It s time for me to find peace and forgive myself. I hope that everybody could find peace and peace comes with acceptance. Nobody choose to struggle with bipolar illness .We are not weak and with time we could be strong. Thank you again
What a great comment! I struggle with guilt too, almost obsessively! Thank you for sharing! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Gosh you sound just like me I’m such a people pleaser because I feel sorry for people or I feel guilty for my gifts that others don’t have i feel I just have to give even when there more wealthier than I am and you are so cute thankyou ❤️😊
Great episode Rob
still looking forward to number 3...
I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 in 2016 at 24 after years of manic episodes and a suicide attempt in the US. I was in such a bad place then, dealing with hyper sexuality and addictions to alcohol and cocaine, manic episodes that lasted up to a year, until I eventually experienced hallucinations durong psychosis. 2 years after my diagnosis, still unmedicated because I couldn't afford it, I moved to Canada. I got clean from alcohol and cocaine, I couldn't sleep with just anyone because I didn't have a vehicle or know my way around a new city in a new country. Eventually I cycled into depression, feeling lost, like I was floating on an ocean alone. The first couple years in Canada were much better than my last few years in the US, but it was still very hard. Eventually I became a permanent resident of Canada and was able to take advantage of the national healthcare. I got medicated, which has been a trek of it's own, figuring out what works and what doesn't, and next month I start therapy for the first time. I'm so proud of myself for how far I've come.
I'm still working on myself, I still carry a lot of shame and a lot of guilt, but I've been watching your videos for the past couple years and it's been so reassuring to see a community of people like me and to see your growth as well. Sometimes I get this nagging thought that I should go off my medication because I "seem to be fine now" but I try to always communicate my thoughts to my wife and doctor and ensure that I'm making the right choices for myself and the long-term. Bipolar isn't easy, by any means, but it doesn't have to be so hard if we can just keep a community like this to share our stories and ask for advice.
Thank you so much for bringing this community together! I love your videos!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story and for the kind words! I'll pass them on to Rob! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I have recently been diagnosed with this mental illness as my symptoms got really bad after giving birth. I was aware I had it, but I didn't really take it seriously enough and thought I was going to be OK. Your channel is extremely helpful as I have gone through lots of resources to find and read so I can help myself. Thank you so much for making these videos and being so transparent and honest. I am more than grateful for the effort & dedication you have invested in making them. I am learning to live with it, under medication, and the awareness of having it and acceptance towards my own condition are the personal milestones I have gone so far up to this point. I hope all the polar warriors out there will also find strength and unconditional love to yourself and from others around you so that you can go through life easier with this. ❤ We are humans, after all, and life is too precious to let any type of health conditions to define who we are. 😊
How are you tolerating the medications? And how’s your journey of being a new mom going?
You’re absolutely correct about not being defined by a diagnosis. We are so much more powerful than any label we put on ourselves. I recently made a video on my TH-cam channel called “Who are we without our diagnosis?” Let me know what you think!
47%? This has to be the older generations, who aren’t educated on therapy. Gen Z and millennials, I think almost all of us are in therapy. I have Bipolar II and therapy has been life saving. It has opened my eyes to so many things inside and outside of Bipolar. Everyone could use therapy. You think you are self aware until you go to therapy and realize you were blind. Everyone could use psychoeducation, learning about interpersonal relationships, mental illness in yourself or those around you, toxic family, and tramua. No one gets out of this life unscathed, therapy teaches you the skills.
I can really relate thanks for what your doing
Thank you for all the content. All the best in the new year
Happy new year!
I feel like this when I'm stable. But then comes the depression and it's like I'm back to square one :/
I really need to get better at remembering to take my meds daily. I'm also horrible when it comes to making appointments and making it to the actual appointment!!
Omg, I totally relate!!!! I have such problems with all appointments, doctor, psychiatrists, and therapist. With the meds, I had to start using bubble packs. In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
❤
Thank you so very much for being the first person to comment! I hope you have an awesome week! 🤩❤️🤩❤️
Ty
How difficult it is to leave the past in the past when you have been treated so badly. Any suggestions please
I’m 42 with bipolar 1 since 16
Hi @DreamImagineCreate! Thanks for joining the conversation in the comments. We are right around the same age. You've been a Polar Warrior for a long time my friend.
It would be great to stay connected... I'll include a link below to my private community on Patreon. It's where you can message me directly anytime (and access a lot of content I don't post on TH-cam).
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Take extra good care of yourself @DreamImagineCreate and I hope you will continue to stop by the channel.
I appreciate you =)
-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors
I’m actually hurting a lot. I feel regret. I hurt a lot people I always knew I was bipolar but didn’t know how in bad shape I was until recently. I feel terrible I know I it’s wasn’t on purpose but still. I’m letting go of my person because I have a lot of guilt. I was horrible to him. I just want to hide
Hi, Rob! Does getting a workout in count? I strength train thrice weekly (typically). But I've been skipping some of them. This is Andrew Keener.
Movement is and especially strength training is really important. Our bodies are designed to move and exercise has been shown to be as effective as medication. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Some is better than none. Keep going! You’re on the right track.
Love your channel, very helpful, my wife cheated on me "2 kids", 12 years marriage. Second Manic episode. Totally lost on how to handle her hospital exit in a few days. Disgusted about the cheating part ...
That's a pretty hard scenario. Unfortunately hypersexuality can be part of the illness. And it can be hard to tease apart what is the illness and what a person is culpable for. I guess I'm lucky because I just tend to dive into art projects or try to bring more pets home.
she did also bring a freakin border collie in a small appartement a few months back ..good luck to you also and thanks for the time to reply.
@@NotSoNormal1987
How do I ask help from you? I mean, I'm also taking medication, Lamictal 100mg but sometimes it doesn't work because I still feel down and keep overthinking, and being worrier, I have a Bipolar Disorder and I'm 54 years old.
Replace the over thinking by do something to get your mind busy. Looks for new recipes to cook something different or call someone to express your thoughts on. Peace
Talk to your your psychiatrist and let them know what's going on, its possible you may need a med adjustment. Lots of luck to you 🫶
Hi Ramona! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only now. Take care!
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
@PolarWarriors I'm interested, how do I get that support?
Hi, sorry for the late reply. If you are interested, patreon is a site that connects people with content creators. Depending on the tier you decide on, you get different perks. All tiers even the lowest (10 dollars) allows you to private message Rob whenever you want and have access to our support groups. For a higher tier you get one phone call a month. I will post a link below. Take care and if you have any questions please let me know, Polarwarriors@gmail.com.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Any advice on a bipolar who chooses not to get help?
How did you recover to the point where you make this awesome videos now. Which med finally helped? Why you are saying you were miss diagnosed meanwhile treatment plan is limited regardless of type of mental illness.
Thank you for the kind words. A lot of people assume that I am stable, but they only see me on camera when I’m well. I don’t make videos when I’m not well, and I spend a lot of my time struggling with symptoms. The medication’s I’m on right now are helping a lot, but I’m still making small adjustments. Still have a lot of room for improvement.
Even if I told you the exact medication I’m taking, it wouldn’t be relevant… The meds work differently for everyone. They are similar to reading glasses. What works for one person, could be a really bad combination for someone else. We just have to keep trying medications with an open mind and continually move towards a better quality of life. I wish you the best of luck and wellness. If you have any more questions or would like to contact me directly, there’s a link in the video description where you can reach me anytime :-)
-Rob
Is there an effective way to determine if we are in a cycle or if our emotion is situational at the time
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Hello there, i have been watching your videos for a while. I had a depression last year from July to December at 19 years and then i healed miraculously then i again had
still have depression from July but i feel like better and better daily . Could it be possible to be at half year manic and other half depression. I visited psychiatrist he prescribed me escitalopram (Lexapro) antidepressant but I don't think it is working.
Hi shahir! Thanks for reaching out. My psychiatrist always told me that any depression lasting more than two weeks and any mania lasting longer than three days, that I should come in for a MEd change or adjustment. I would go back for sure. In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only on discord where you can also ask questions. Take gentle care!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Iam just confused, because I don't get full manic moods but do get periods of heightened mood , high sex drive and the sense of excitement and wanting to do stuff , then followed by anger sometimes and deep depression that can last months. I also get very paranoid. Getting the help required is a big one along with the realisation of taking meds forever. I just struggle with the fact that some doctors say I have bipolar and some question it..
There are multiple types of bipolar disorder and there are also several mental illnesses that can seem like bipolar disorder because of similar symptoms. Hypomania is usually less severe than mania, but diagnosis is a really complex process that takes time. It helps me to focus on treating symptoms. I try not to worry if my diagnosis fits and rather focus my discussions with my doctor on what I'm experiencing and need help with, like paranoia or irritability rather than whether it's mania or not.
I hope you and your doc can find some solutions that give you relief. Meds can be scary but when you find the right dosages of the right ones it can really help you. Finding strategies aside from meds can also help you and also give you a sense of control of your treatment since it's entirely in your hands. Sleep and exercise are really important pieces how I stay well. Hang in there, it gets easier as you go. We have a really good Patreon community where we talk about these exact topics. If you can, I'd love to see you there.
-Vic & Polar Warriors
The most important thing is that you’re self aware. Also, untreated hypomanic episodes can left untreated can progress to full blown mania or psychotic episodes. It’s important to get proper treatment. I experienced hypomanic episodes for over a decade and it can be a very seductive feeling because it feels good. Often you can still function and fly under the radar but it’s a slippery slope. I share my experiences with hypomania on my TH-cam channel and how I put my condition in to remission after 13 years using a holistic approach. I also have a background as a Psych RN for 17 years.
I would like to know in a general sense whether hospitaization helps alleviate the pain and chaos of acute mania. Or does being away from the real world just pile on the misery? Thanks!
Hi there! That's a good question and I think the answer varies a lot depending on who you ask.. if you'd like communicate with Rob 1:1 he is available through Patreon. There's also a wonderful support community there. I'll include the link below so you can check it out! :) From my own personal experience with hospitalization, it was helpful to me but also was hard at times and I agonized over wanting to return home as time went on. In the end it was worth it though. The quality of care will vary so much from place to place. I was fortunate that the staff was pretty good where I was. Best of luck to you!
-Rachel (Polar Warriors Team Member)
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I do not remember saying this. As I guess I was lucid mixed mania guy. Think I am out of the neutron cloud. Thanks alot!
You mentioned that the antidepressant sent you into a manic state. That's what happened to me, too. I had never been manic before that, just forever depressed. It seemed to me the drug made me bipolar. Any thoughts on that?
I think that if you have only have had 1 manic episode in your life, it’s not considered bipolar. But you should ask a psychiatrist
@@bl3524 It was never until I took antidepressants, then it became frequent. I was diagnosed.
Yes. Antidepressants can induce bipolar disorder in some people. I was diagnosed with antidepressant induced bipolar disorder. I had my first hypomanic episode 3 weeks after being started on an antidepressant. It was an absolute nightmare. I share my story and how I got out of that mess on my TH-cam channel. I was also a psych RN for 17 years and have witnessed this with many clients.
How long after you got on the antidepressants did you have the manic episode? Are you still taking that medication?
@@SarahDale111It’s an antidepressant induced bipolar disorder.
is bipolar depression the same as bipolar disorder? someone please clarify ive been googling and youtubing and nobody explains if its the same or different and ppl been using the terms interchangeably so idk.
Hi! From what I understand bipolar depression is the same. People use the term to differentiate from bipolar depression from regular depression. Our depression is caused by bipolar disorder. I know it sounds confusing! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only on discord where you can always ask questions! Take gentle care!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Bi-polar has destroyed my relationship with my daughter what can I do??
Hi Christine! In our support group, we were just talking about this, how to deal with ruined relationships! I wish there was an easy answer! We have to be kind to ourselves, we were doing the best we can with what we have! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and we have a support group for patrons only on discord where we talk about such things. Take gentle care!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you so much your support means a great deal to me.
Americans, Americans, Americans. All you care about
Thanks for commenting, but it sounds like your culture stigmatizes mental health. I feel sorry for you and your people.
Where does ‘bi polar’ disorder come from ? I mean that’s just a bunch of symptoms ? What does it mean. ? N it’s GOTTA be different or relatively different for everyone cuz everybody’s different. NOBODY experiences things the SAME way so what gives ? Why don’tcha just ask ppl what’s goin on rather that call something a disorder ? Mabe there’s nothing wrong w them n they’re just goin though somethin ? I never heard a such a thing.
@user-jm6ds5dz3t You probably know that what is termed Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 Disorder today used to be called 'Manic Depression' last century. And 'Hysteria' before that.
You're absolutely correct > the patterns of Bipolar symptoms and behaviours, and the pattern of cycles varies for each individual. Even with those variations, there are enough Common Group Characteristics for each to be diagnosed with a form of Bipolar. /This is not a new human condition. The very noticeable qualities of Bipolar have been recorded for many centuries. It's regarded as a Chronic Health Condition > meaning always with the person to some extent. Just like many other chronic health conditions > Diabetes, Asthma, Arthritis, Valve problems in the Heart, Scoliosis, and many many more!
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