Lived Experience Forum

[davidharper_bal]

Hi Shaz51

It's great to hear that you are so supportive of your husband. What are some of the tips that you would give to other carers?

[Daisydreamer]

Welcome @davidharper_bal and thank you for joining us!

[Shaz51]

@frog, mr shaz knows what you mean 

when he is low he is low 

but when he is high he believes he can do anything 

@Daisydreamer, @SusanaBA , @davidharper_bal 

[greenpea]

@SusanaBA  Hi SusanaBA what is the difference between schizophrenia and bipolar?

[davidharper_bal]

Hi @Strivetothrive 

Sometimes bipolar II can feature "hypomania" which is less obvious. The person can seem super bubbly and fun, have more energy than normal, etc.

Take a look at www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/go/hcl32  to see some of the things that might indicate bipolar in people who have experienced depression.

[SusanaBA]

For more information, here are a few videos about defining bipolar disorder as well

VIDEOS

Good simple videos about defining bipolar disorder:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWBhVlD1H8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSvk8LLBo2g

A fun crash course about what is bipolar disorder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwMlHkWKDwM

[frog]

Hi @davidharper_bal

It took a year to come to terms with the label, and another one to get workable medication.

Then the 'why' was actually quite liberating. I have less of the 'what's wrong with me' thoughts (though I guess I will never entirely escape them), and more acceptance of the difficulties, and differences Bipolar brings. I think I am a more compassionate, insightful person because I live with it,

[SusanaBA]

The psychosis are very diferent. In Bipolar once it is treated it stops, for schizophrenia psychosis is permanent in the form of voices mostly 

[TideisTurning]

So wonderfully put @frog. That feeling of liberation is a wonderful one! 

[greenpea]

Does anyone not want to be on their medications. My mental health nurse said that if I went off them I would be a candidate for schizophrenia ..... I am just so sick of all of this.