Depression Understood Forums

I just found out that I was bipolar! I wound up in the hospital for the third time since December recently and my doctor told my I had bipolar. Does anybody have any advice or anything on how to deal with this? I don't really know very much about it and I want to learn as much as I can on this topic!

I was diagnosed many years ago and have had much success. One important thing is to keep a mood journal that you can take to your doctor. Also take the meds and if they dont seem to be helping you let the doc know. It can take some time to find what works best for you.

I definitely know how disconcerting it can be to find out something like that. It was definitely a big blow when I found out I was bipolar. Trying to keep a mood journal is definitely a good idea but I know its not as easy as it sounds. I still have a lot of problems trying to do that.

i'm going to keep a mood diary, i don't know if i have bipolar disorder; i know for some time now, probably in the past couple of years, my moods do swing from high to low, i cant identify with 'mania' but there are definitely periods when i am very 'up' and function really effectively and other times when i feel really really low and just want to cry all the time; these phases last for days at a time; i've just come out of a low period so hopefully my mood is lifting, i definitely feel more positive and proactive than i did last week! my menstrual cycle doesnt seem to be linked to it, although i do get irritable a few days before, i can say that is probably hormonal
last week i felt relaly low and came close to taking some pills, i felt really paranoid and had barely any energy
when i'm 'up' i feel really alert and switched on; and i find i function really well.
im seeing my gp on monday to review my thyroid function which could also be a factor and to talk to her about my anxiety medication; i've been on cipramil for the past couple of years for OCD type behaviour/general anxiety and it doesnt seem to be very effective
can she make a diagnosis? or would i probably be referred to someone?
im not sure of how things will go, so any feedback
thanks