Just diagnosed with bipolar 2 and scared

I just got diagnosed with Bipolar today and although I suspected having Bipolar for several years, the fact that a doctor actually said it scares the heck out of me. I am afraid that my friends will think I'm crazy, that my kids will be scared of me, that my husband will be "watching" for signs of craziness now. I have been given an Rx for Risperdol and am afraid that I will not be the same person anymore. I understand the fear that the person posting the question has. I am 40, happily married and have 5 great kids. I just know that I cannot handle life without meds anymore. I am praying that they help. Tonia

Hi, Karlie0766, I have had bipolar since I was 16. I am 42 now. Believe me, treatments and medications have come a long way. It is natural to be afraid, but like the other women said, you cannot let it control you and get in the way of treatment. You cannot let it get in the way of fighting against it and being positive. You have your family supporting you and without that it would be very hard to deal with. That's half the battle right there. I did not have family support. They just wanted to ignore it and hope it would go away. Well that obviously did not happen. I know you will get through this. God Bless.

I have been where you are except I was only 17 when I was hospitalized and no one seemed to know what was wrong. Everyone wanted to dismiss my feelings as typical teenage hormones. My point is you have a right to be scared but don't let that fear make you unable to cope. I am 30 years old now and I wouldn't have made it this far without God providing a clearer path for me to follow. I will pray that he does the same for you.

Hi Pat,
Thank you so much for your reply...I guess I am scared that life as I know it is now over. That I won't be able to keep working, take good care of my kids, etc. I am seeing a good p-doc that has me on Seroquel and Lamictal. He did tell me that the majority of his patients do well and have never been hospitalized. I don't know if this is really true or if he told me that to make me feel better. My husband is very supportive. I am also starting cognative behavior therapy tomorrow. I guess I just fear the future and what it will hold with the dx. Also, I fear telling any of my friends or anyone at work because of the stigma. It's just hard for me to deal with the future right now.

Hi karlie0766 - It's always scary to get a diagnosis, you wouldn't be very human if you weren't scared right now. What's important is that you've recognized your fear and are reaching out for support. We're happy to help you.

There have been many changes and developments in treatment in recent years, so your experiences will most likely be different than what your other family members had. We are also fortunately in a time when we can get information and support through the Internet that was not available to prior generations.

Why don't you tell us a bit more about what's scaring you and how we can help? Were you given much information beyond the diagnosis? Are you on any kind of treatment plan? Do you feel you have your immediate family's support? Are you seeking a support group? There are both face to face groups and online groups available.

Your medical condition is a concern, but it's also one that typically can be well managed, and it takes time and effort to do so. Being your own best advocate will help you a lot. Let us know how we can help you help yourself. We wish you the very best.
Pat