Hello Everyone

I am really glad that I stumbled upon this forum. I wanted somewhere that I could go and discuss issues with other people that would tie me over until my group therapy sessions each week. Well, I guess I should start out with sharing a bit about myself. I am a 35 year old male who was diagnosed with Psychotic Bipolar Disorder ( I have hallucinations frequently), OCD, PTSD and Major Depression. I was diagnosed in 1994 and since then, I have been in and out of pretty much every single psychiatric hospital in the state of Georgia. I have attempted suicide 14 times that I can remember and I thank God everyday that I wasn’t successful. I am divorced and live with my parents who help and support me as much as they can. Since 1994, I have tried to work as much as I was able too. I have been fired from almost every job I have ever had and have lost all of my friends over the years except one that still sticks with me. I haven’t been able to work gainfully in over a year (according to Social Security, I have had 48 jobs in the past fifteen years) and have just recently applied for Social Security Disability and am now beginning to see how much of a headache it is going to be. I go to a place called Highland Rivers where I see a psychiatrist once a month and go to group therapy every week. I have been told that my version of Bipolar Disorder is not typical as I have very vivid and oftentimes scary visual hallucinations (they usually occur at night) and auditory hallucinations ( I hear voices- usually my name being called) almost constantly. I still cannot figure out why I wasn’t diagnosed as a Schizophrenic. I just wanted to join this forum because I want to know how other people are dealing with being bipolar. Right now my doctor is having a hard time finding a mix of meds that actually work for me. I wanted to ask if anyone has ever been on Seroquel and if it works. Take care and God Bless and always feel free to write me.

Hi bipolardude73,

Let me welcome you to HealingWell and to the bipolar board. It's really nice to have you. It sounds like you have a rather severe case of bipolar. That must be a trial, and it sounds like you've been really struggling. I hope this board helps you, and please feel free to stick with us even once your therapy starts up again. We're a warm group. We've got a mix of bipolars and spouses/partners of bipolars. We see all sides.

I know we do have a few members who have hallucinations, but they're quiet and I haven't heard from them in a while, so I'm not sure they'll post. They might not be participating right now. Don't worry if no one responds to that element of your question right now, you're definitely not alone. And I think we're all searching for the correct med combination. So hop on in and join us.

serafena