Discussion Points

"I feel good about myself on the one hand, and on the other hand, I feel it's happened so late for me - that I got treatment, diagnosed, and I'm on a path of self-knowledge, that I have an illness, that I can accept that I have a mental illness."
-- Greg

When you talk with your healthcare provider about bipolar disorder, it is important to be as open and honest as you can. Your healthcare provider is there to help you understand your mood swings, but he or she needs to hear exactly how you're feeling.

Keep track of your mood swings with a Mood Chart. This can help give your healthcare provider a clearer picture of what type of mood disorder you are experiencing.

Make sure your healthcare provider knows:

If you have felt like ending your life
If someone in your family has bipolar disorder or another mood disorder
If you have ever taken any medicine for mood swings or a mood disorder
If you are taking any medicines, either over-the-counter or prescription
If you have had any severe injuries in the past, such as in a car accident
If you have any other medical issues, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure
If you have any allergies

If your healthcare provider suggests taking medicine to help manage your mood swings, be sure to ask:

Will this medicine help keep my mood stable over time, or does it work just for the short term?
When and how should I take my medicine?
How long do I have to take my medicine?
If I start to feel better, can I stop taking my medicine?
What are the possible side effects of my medicine?
Are there any medicines or foods I shouldn't take while on this?
When should my medicine begin working?
What should I do if my medicine doesn't seem to be working?
If I miss a dose of my medicine, what should I do?
Should I consider talk therapy (psychotherapy)?
When should I make a follow-up appointment?
Are support groups available?

Please click here for a printer friendly list of these questions.

Next: Finding a Healthcare Provider/Therapist