At times bipolar disorder can be isolating. Many women feel they are the only ones who struggle with the disorder. But over 2 people in 100 also have bipolar disorder. If you add other psychiatric disorders a large population suffers with depression, bipolar and schizophrenia.
- Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.1, 2
- The median age of onset for bipolar disorders is 25 years.5
I think age of onset is deceptive. Studies have repeatedly shown that it takes on average 10 years of seeing a psychiatrist before the proper diagnosis. I personally began seeing doctors at 14. After a series of doctors and hospital stays I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Eleven years later and I still working on maintaining my stability.
The number one item that helps my personal well-being is my support system - family, friends, doctors and an online community of women like me.
I am grateful for the support and hope I can connect with more people with bipolar disorder.
I hope to post more often and look forward to your comments and emails.
Best, Rachael
