BIPOLAR DISORDER: 7 Things I Wish I Knew...

"If I could go back in time – even just a few years – there's quite a few things that I would tell myself about Bipolar Disorder. Things that would have probably saved me a lot of time and grief. I can be a little stubborn, so who knows if I would have even heeded my own advice at the time. I'm just grateful that I know these things now, and I hope sharing them helps some of my fellow Polar Warriors out there. All that being said, let's get to it..."

-My channel is completely dedicated to helping individuals, families, and friends who struggle with, or know someone living with Bipolar Disorder. My goal is to provide actual tools, tips, and discuss topics that can potentially help “Polar Warriors” grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support

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HELPFUL LINKS & ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

[huntera.]

My diagnosis is like 3 days fresh. It is HARD to find non-basic resources, and I am so happy to have found this channel. I'm scared, but it is comforting to know I have community with this issue.

[lacollis]

1. Learn about bipolar
2. Reach out and mend relationships
3. Take your meds (no pressure, your choice)
4. Expand your support circle when ready
5. Be honest with your doctor
6. Get therapy
7. Be patient with the process

💜

[Strictbutloving]

I feel for you, and I wish you all the best. I've lost a friend due to bipolar disorder. He died young by the suicide two months ago. The pain of losing him is unbearable. Please, guys, seek the help, we don't want to lose you. We love you and need you in our lives.

[ehallam]

I wish I was diagnosed in my 20's rather than my 30's but now I know what I'm fighting and use wonderful resources like this dudes channel to help manage my symptoms

[deborahdalton]

Even my pets suffered too. I either smothered or neglected them. Thank God they are so forgiving. Thank you Rob for mentioning this. Deb

[MariaBelova]

Thank you for your channel, but is extremely helpful even for those who dont have bipolar themselves but are in relationship with a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Could you please make more videos about psychosis.

[SchadenFreude_AMV]

#4 is the hardest to even begin, stupid social anxiety & distrust makes it nearly impossible to move to more than 2 ppl and a doctor.

[reannamelton]

I just wish I would have been diagnosed years ago. Struggling with undiagnosed episodes for half of my life has caused so much damage.
#6 is the hardest to deal with for me.

But unknowingly until now, I have learned a lot of coping skills on my own. I'm very aware of my moods and when I'm about to switch between manic and depressive.
My diagnosis was exciting for me because it finally gave me the ability to name my roller coaster life and properly describe what I was feeling and thinking.

[Michael_Oakes]

I’m a month into my diagnosis. The proper dosage of medication, research with audio books and channels like this have been life changing. Decades of therapy and everyone called it major depressive disorder. At 48 years old and just finding out what I’ve been unknowingly living with my whole life were very hard, yet somewhat comforting to finally know why life has been so much different for me. I’m new in my journey but I will keep going and not give up. Thank you for your hard work putting these videos together. For those of us living with bipolar, we appreciate you.

[TheLaineylu]

Thank you for this. I have played with meds for years. On again and off again. Every time I was off I landed in the hospital. I now embrace my meds and grateful I feel stable.

[jeannefeldman]

Thank you. I still struggle with so much of this and I’m 55. This was very helpful.

[deborahdalton]

Apologies for going on about this again - it seems to have stuck a nerve/brought back memories...before I started lithium which has kept me relatively stable..my beautiful cat Raphael had to stand on his hind legs and paw me to get out of bed to feed him. I could cry when I think of all the crazy stuff I put that cat through. He sadly died info FIV and my two cats now thank God dont know the person I was before. RIP Raphael and rip untreated BPD. I am not 100% at all but getting there thanks to meds (ugh) and ambassadors like Rob xx

[lesleymuise]

Thank you do much. I've had this illness for 43 years, and only stable the last 2 (still have my moments). Also PPD

[leafyveins]

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder just about a year ago and these videos are helping me come to terms with and accept my diagnosis. It's hard, but not as hard as suffering through my entire existence was. Wondering why I couldn't hold down a job, why it's always been so hard to maintain friendships or relationships. Wondering what was wrong with me. Now I know what's wrong with me, and I take steps to prevent myself from going into hypomania or depression. Or at least minimize the horrible side effects. I work less (accepting my limitations), I have a notebook of things to do when I go too far into either side of the spectrum, never make big decisions when I'm depressed or hypomanic, I eat healthy, drink water, and above all, always take my meds and always get 8 hours of sleep. It's a constant struggle but I'm so grateful I have the ability and support to manage it as best I can.

[monicasainz]

After a few years of being diagnosed, I’m finally getting comfortable with who I am. Especially, after being to pin point what was causing my bad behavior for about 15 years.

[Marlana_silva]

Even taking the medication the way I supposed to do I still have moments of crisis, I also attend my psychologist once a week. All this didn't constraint me from trying to commit suicide... This is so frustrating 😥

[lisaholt]

This is so helpful now with all that’s happening and does take courage to keep oneself stable!

[davidwhitten]

I was diagnosed in 2005 and just now actually taking it seriously at the age of 50. Cant get all the time and opportunities back but as long as we're still breathing life is not over. Love everyone here. Stay strong

[lappietova]

Wish i knew that negative thoughts & thinking of suicide is a common symptom of bipolar disorder..That made it a lot easier. A problem is no problem if you understand it. Then you can take action.
Now i got medicine they are almost the whole year gone. Thx for the vid! Greetings from your fellow bipolar warrior.

[redsmurfutd]

Growing up and being part of a very old fashioned European family it's made opening up about my diagnosis so much harder. I have only 3 people to turn to when I struggle with symptoms and episodes. So having these video's to turn to is a huge help. Thank you once again Robert your a Warrior 🙂