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
4 comments:
So happy to have found your blog! Thank you for writing it! I have bipolar disorder and took medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It was the hardest choice of my life! I am planning my second pregnancy. Hoping I will be able to make it to one of your support groups.
Just found your blog. So great knowing I am not alone. I chose to take medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding and it was one of the hardest choices of my life. I am happy to say my daughter is 14 months old and very healthy and smart. Thank you so much for being brave enough to write this blog. I am so happy I found it!
THank you for writing this blog! I am 28wks pregnant not on any medication. I also have a 10month old daughter whom I took medication at 20weeks up until I got pregnant this time. I'm having a really hard time this pregnancy, just being a new mom, financial difficulties, my husband and I moved in with my mom so dealing with my family, and feeling like I have to suck it up and be "normal" every day is starting to take a toll on me. I will continue to follow your blog for encouragement and hope. THANKS FOR BEING SO TRANSPARENT. I don't feel so alone now <3
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