The lable is an excuse

And correct me please ( with links) but dont many BPD grow out of it? I am only basing my knowledge of bpd on psyc study at uni. I know more about bipolar because i suffer from it and have continually researched since diagnosis 12 years ago. Im finding the research is changing and terms are becoming broader. Soon everyone will be "on the spectrum"

Whatever it is that I have, I needed meds as a quick fix. If I hadn't had meds to stabilize me I would absolutely be dead right now. I was in a constant state of agitation, out of touch with reality, having auditory hallucinations, dissociating, thought everyone was against me, and all I wanted was to get off this planet. 6 hospitalizations in just over a year. Long and short mood swings. Sorry, I don't think my doctors and I were "lazy" in going for the meds as a "quick fix."

My original dx was bipolar. The BPD dx came later after I had a relapse of the PTSD that I got from being sexually abused by my father. I don't feel an ounce of guilt over my behavior, still taking my meds, yes I'm in therapy, yes I hope to improve, and yes I think I'm going to continue struggling with this for the rest of my life.

I thought the whole point of this post was to encourage de-emphasizing labels. I don't know what happened here.

No this thread was about the ridiculouslessness of the label of bipolar being used as an excuse for every mental issue under the sun.

I have heard your story a million times "if i didnt have meds i'd be dead" ummm yeah. Im gona stop there as that is not the way i want the thread to go.

Not about meds - about the label being thrown around like a common cold.

I haven't seen it thrown around.

I agree. I don't see it thrown around much. I am pretty open about being bipolar, like if it comes up, I just tell people that I am bipolar. Like if I am having a normal conversation that steers toward mental illnes, I'll just let people know that I have direct experience with that because I have Bipolar II disorder. I live in NYC and am an artist etc, so people are pretty chill, but even still, there is this vibe like, whoa! When I tell people, like it's still shocking to people, and people are really surprised that I am even down to bring it up. Also kind of humorously, I think people don't really get what it is, like sometimes people are like 'I'm so sorry!' like I've been diagnosed with terminal cancer or something, which is hilarious, and it's fine cuz I'm like, 'don't worry, it's cool, I don't WANT to be like you, I just AM bipolar, that's all'... Anyhow, I don't get the vibe off it like it's like ADHD where people use it as an adjective to mean they are having a hard time concentrating or something (though I have heard people use bipolar in that way, it's not common). So I don't really get the sense that it is over used and thrown around. But I do understand not trusting in your diagnosis. Sometimes I certainly feel like, maybe I'm just lazy and making excuses for myself, but then I think, identifying as bipolar is a way of not making excuses, because it's a way of given voice to the reality that you are HAVING this experience, and it requires management.

A bit of a rant, def a lil hypomanic at the moment.

But hopefully on point!

/(

Glad to be back!
MT

I haven't really experienced it being over-diagnosed or thrown around either, not amongst the people I encounter everyday in real life. I know of very few people who carry the bipolar diagnosis, and amongst those of us that do, I don't see anyone using the label as an excuse for every symptom or behavior they display. The people I do know who carry the diagnosis are very knowledgeable, very well-informed, have very good working relationships with their doctors, etc., and are actually functioning pretty darned well most of the time.

I think psych forums are a different story. First, it isn't a microcosm of the real world; it's more like a city made up entirely of people suffering from mental illness, often more on the severe end which is why they've ended up here in the first place -- not reality proportionally. So yes, on psych forums, I do see more of this as an issue as people come on without diagnosis or hunting for a diagnosis or even (seemingly) wishing for a diagnosis (which baffles me). I see much more "my diagnosis made me do it" talk here on the psych forums, but that is the nature of psych forums unfortunately.

I think overemphasis on meds is a big problem in the US. Even if a person truly has bipolar (i.e. they're not misdiagnosed), therapy can definitely improve functionality and quality of life. There is actually a book written by a prominent US psychiatrist recommending elaborate med cocktails and saying that therapy is unnecessary for BP (see "Surviving Bipolar" by E. Fuller Torrey). I have participated in psychodynamic therapy and social rhythm therapy, and both have helped tremendously. They aren't a cure, and I am frustrated to say that I still need meds (for now, anyway)--but I am so much happier and more functional in society than I would be without therapy. Through therapy, I have learned that I have more control over my moods than I once thought and that I'm not totally at the mercy of a dysfunctional brain. Taking personal responsibility for my wellness was scary, but also liberating because it meant that I had some say in how I felt. Now, I can't use coping skills alone to end severe psychosis or mania--I need an AP for that--but therapy has given me tools to help me avoid making an already distressing episode even worse. Just my two cents!

Therapy is great agreed. There is a great book I'm reading at the moment. It's called breaking the bipolar cycle... Written by a very credible psychologist and for someone like myself who usually doesn't like to read I've been able to get through it so far pretty good. In case y'all ever want to check it out for yourselves

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DBT is helping me

I see it thrown around with people I know in real life too - one gp visit and I have 5 friends diagnosed BPD and BP after one session. Of course they believe they have it, but have no idea what true suffering is. All of these girls are rich, good jobs, and they have never had a problem with functioning. Is that truly bipolar if it never impacts their life schedule, besides being upset when left alone or feeling abandoned?

I admit, it was the forums (not bp forums) that triggered this, in the welcome section it seems like everyone has bipolar! How do we know when we are just too soft? How seriously should you take the initial diagnosis if functioning is not impaired to the point of needing meds or therapy?

Don't ever judge a book by its cover. Most people in meeting me would never guess in a million years what I go through on a daily basis. It took docs and myself 24yrs to figure out what name to put on it til my first major hypo manic episode and even then it was really me that cracked that code because I was scared to let people in so much even my therapists and docs. Each person is different. It bothers me that labels are thrown around too, but none of us have walked in each other's shoes exactly. That includes people who just take one labels to just take em on. Who knows why they do it. I worry more about how we are portrayed in a bigger light. That label. I thought that's what this thread was about originally, the negative light shown upon mental health. When it shouldn't be that way. Why put others down, they may be struggling in secret and you just not know.

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No this thread is about people using bipolar as an excuse for behaviour by people who wont go to a doctor, therapist nor have issue enough to - but label themselves (or by a dumbarse gp or T) that they have bipolar.....

I know the diagnositic range is getting wider - but is that just an excuse for people with mild issues? Is the loose ability to diagnose on first meeting with patients beneficial? No imo. And thats what hundreds of people take away. One session, a quick diagnosis, they never need nor go back for therapy but if they get angry ITS MY BIPOLAR acting up...

Im asking questions here and not getting answers

I was initially diagnosed at first visit but have seen pdocs and ts since who agree with the diagnosis. it seems like everyone is either being dxd with it now or self-diagnose. the spectrum so to speak seems huge now. I get tired of people saying "im so bipolar because theyre moody or people assuming a bad day means its the bp talking!

It's called practicing medicine for a reason. And humans are going to be humans. And the more research that is done the more they will find out about something. Is it thrown about loosely? Maybe. Is it that patients responsibility to follow up once diagnosed? Absolutely. But talking about how the label is tossed around harder than a hand-me-down rag doll isn't going to help your recovery not mine or anyone else's. People are going to be people and do with what they will sometimes. I get it's frustrating to see. But I wouldn't let it affect you personally. Or get under your skin. Just do you. Those people who misuse it have nothing to do with your road to recovery and management

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Well yeah they do.

I get "so and so had bipoar but they talked themselves out of it"
"So and so cut out gluten and isnt bipolar now"
"So and so did a day course on mindfulness and they are cured, why arnt you"
"Oh you dont get anxiety with bipolar, only snap mood swings, are you sure you have bipolar"
"Its not hard being bipolar, I am and I just drink chamomile when I am manic and coffee when I am sad. Only people who are weak need medication"

Coming from people claiming to have bipolar

I would suggest then finding a more supportive group of people. Ones who are more understanding and accepting of you. My dad is a very "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" kind of person, thinks all mental health is bull. I understand it's tough when you have people around you saying negative stuff going against everything you may be feeling or thinking or even that you may know about yourself. You as an individual know you best. Who are they to tell you what is or is not? You know. Same is I know for me. I don't know what's best for you. But I know bipolar is real. And it's a beast of a disease and without the proper treatment for me at least it's leaving me jobless living still at my parents trying to figure out things again from the bottom up. But no matter what others say to or about me, they aren't me. I don't care what diagnosis their doc slapped on them, their story isn't mine and what works for them may not work for me. And I'll do what's best for me to get me back on my feet to myself back on track to cope and make it in this thing called life. Don't let others pull you down.

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Others arnt pulling me down - I am.

Because if bipolar is so wide spread and easy to treat why am I not better?

Finding a new group of people um how? My life revolves around work, hobbies and animals, all of those people are the people who claim to also have it or claim it is not actually a life altering condition. I am having a huge amount of trouble in my own mind working this all out with so many more being diagnosed by gp's or psychologists for mild mood issues.

The general consensis amongst my friends is that bipolar does not affect daily life, only those who choose to suffer do, everyone else gets on with it...

Then you are kinda where I am kind of. Why am I not getting better? However I believe that's why it's called bipolar spectrum disorder. And everyone is not on the same level of that spectrum. Yes some of it is what we allow our minds to feed into. I know if I allow myself to go down into a rabbit hole one day it's hard to pull myself out of it and my mood will be greatly affected by that and I will most likely be more depressed that day or anxious. But there are days no matter how hard I try to be positive I'm depressed beyond my wildest imaginings out of my control. Then I can be manic and no matter how hard people try to convince me out of buying a brand new car I bought it anyway because it was the way to go and I just knew I had it and I was on top of the world and things were going my way. Was that reality? No. My house had recently caught fire. I was moving from house to house basically living out of another car I already owned barely hanging onto a thread. But you couldn't have told me that. Now.. What's the point in saying that? If I told those nay Sayers that they might come back with some natural remedy something and I'd say okay sure that might work for you. But for the sake of my life, and my own sanity I am going to work with my docs and therapists and gp to get a plan that works for me because I am not like you. And I personally don't want to destroy my life again. I don't want to quit my job because I became so anxious and paranoid I thought my boss was out to get me. I need actual treatment. I'm on a different level than "you". Each person is different. I'm still figuring out what works for me. But I'm not giving up on myself. I think I owe it to myself to give myself that chance. I won't ever be cured. No ones ever cured. I'm sorry for those who think they are. They are fooling themselves. It will bite them in the butt one day and I feel for them on the day it does. Keep working on yourself. It's a long road. And it won't be easy. No one ever said it would be. But we owe it to ourselves to stay strong and keep giving ourselves the chance at making it better. At least you have figured out the job and hobbies thing. That's a big plus. I'm still trying to get there. One of the best therapists I ever had gave me the best piece advice..... Never compare yourself to anyone else in here.. All of you are different and each one of you will heal at different rates. Just notice that you are healing and be proud of those moments. Don't ever take them for granted. Be proud of each one. And before you know it you will be there and when you look back you'll get to stand on top that mountain and the view will be worth the struggle

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I am waiting to get to the top of the mountain... 20 years of struggle and not once has it ever been worth it.

Dubious about this spectrum - almost anyone now can be put on it.

What label do we give to those who are actually mentally ill, and not just having an off day? Cos thats what bipolar is now apparently...

Can I call my disorder lollypop disease? That means just as much as the bipolar label now

We don't have to give them any label. Just keep your chin up. And don't worry so much about your label. It doesn't define you. Idk your name... But you are "name", and you struggle with mental illness-bipolar disorder. But bipolar is not who you are. It our daily struggle we will carry the rest of our lives. But we will get to better days. It's just harder. But that's okay. It's what makes us stronger and better for it. Try to stay positive. I know easier said than done. But at least try. I'm right there with you. I've been struggling since I was 9 not knowing what was wrong with me til alil over a year ago at 24. And I know the life I face ahead isn't pretty. But I'm going to try to make the best of it as best I can. And I'm going to fail a lot at it. But with support of people like my therapist and pdoc and mom and a couple friends that do get it I'll get there. I have strong faith too which helps me. But that's a personal thing for me. I had to cut some people out of my life because they brought me down after things went south for me. But it's all about getting back on my feet now. I'm a fighter. I'll get there one day.

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