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The Moment I Found Out About My Diagnosis

"I just remember feeling so much relief ... like I could breathe."

Addye

Transcript

Before my diagnosis, my life just felt so out of control. My mind felt so out of control. So, having my psychiatrist tell me "You have bipolar, it's treatable, there are medications that you can take, and we can come up with a treatment plan for you just like you would come up with a treatment plan for someone who has cancer or someone who has diabetes or high blood pressure," that was really powerful and affirming for me.

I remember sitting in front of him, and I was sweating as I’m telling him everything that I had been experiencing, just letting it all out. When he started telling me what it was (based on family history and on my own personal mental health history), I just remember cooling down, and I remember feeling so much relief … and I felt like I could breathe. All of a sudden I felt all this air in my lungs, and I could just exhale and it was just okay.

Comments

Comments (8)
Birdsrhea
December 31st, 2020 11:56pm

I felt the same way after I came out from under chemical restraints. Relief. My first experience with the behavioral health system was when I had my breakdown. I ended up in the hospital. And became violent and was put under chemical restraints for 5 days till they could control me without the sedations. Once I was told I was bipolar 2, things made more sense. Now my son tells me when my moods are "off". Thank you for letting me share

Brent
January 24th, 2021 1:29am

I have been diagnosed with bipolar 1, agoraphobia, PTSD, ocd, social anxiety, and major depression. Each day is a struggle. My biggest challenge right now is that I can only sleep 4 hours, then I am up. I also suffer extremely vivid nightmares from the PTSD.

OPEN_administrator
January 25th, 2021 4:28pm

Thanks for sharing your story, Brent. Talking about your experience with mental health helps others know they are not alone.

Spacy stacy
April 21st, 2023 1:46am

That story felt very familar to my days and i just dont know what i can do next. Itis getting worse. I take medication but it isnt enough sometimes. I really try to snap out but I just cant.

FrJohn
April 24th, 2023 9:47am

As a victim of another mental dysphoria I completely empathize!!!

Douglas
August 1st, 2023 12:40pm

I got aniexty and depression and I always go and go ,and I get around Other people I stand off and get quite and I choke up and hard to breathe my chest gets tight

OPEN_administrator
August 9th, 2023 1:13pm

Thank you for sharing your story, Douglas. Talking about your experience helps others know that they are not alone.

Jasen
December 11th, 2023 2:54pm

Hi. This is the first time I had something written here. I am knew at this. Not used to doing it. It is my first time so bear with me.

I am trying to figure out if I have an issue or not. So I can decide whether or not I have a problem, or if I need to be here.

I am trying to find out if I have a problem or not. I am finding myself having a hard time getting getting used to the fact that I going through this.

I am having trouble with the problem I am having right now. Trying to decide whether or not I have a situation going on. Whether I have a problem or not.

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