An open letter from EricaHOST to the newly diagnosed
Truth:
The average time from diagnosis to "stability" is 22 months. So you may be six months into it, but you're not looking at the home stretch yet. Not to mention an average is just that, an average; it may take longer, it may be sooner.

Another truth:
Your life and you have changed. And that's not because of a "label," because those belong on cans. It's because there is now a treatment plan to address the symptoms that have caused you difficulty in your feelings and functioning.

An ideal treatment plan addresses you as a totality, not a diagnosis (which is an entry on a medical chart and not a person).

Which leads to a third truth:
There is more you can do.

I'm assuming that you're medication compliant and an educated consumer who partners with your doctor(s) for optimal treatment results. Look around this site if you feel the need for more facts. I'm always learning something new about bipolar disorder and its management, and this site is a great resource.

You must ensure that support is in your life. Yes, many people freak out when they see a friend freak out. They are frightened and feel helpless and very sad and avoid the whole issue. Sometimes they will come back as you stabilize, sometimes they will learn enough to feel comfortable, and sometimes you have to write someone off as not being the right person for you, right now.

So build new support. The best is with other people who have bipolar disorder. They have in person support groups in many locations: check The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance to see if there's one near you.


http://bipolar.about.com/cs/bpbasics/a/0308_ericatruth.htm