Aging with bipolar disorder, have you noticed changes?

Hi @BiPoMe

How are you doing today?

I think you make an interesting observation about your condition. Let me see if anyone else has noticed a change in their bipolar episodes type, frequency, or duration.

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What about you, are your bipolar states different than when you were younger? How have they changed? How have you adjusted?

Let's share!

Take care,

Lizzi from the Carenity team

I'm 47 and still have period, however over the last few years there is a lot of moods, anxiety, depression, bad dreams before I start , to be honest I get more lows than highs, but when u get a bit uplifted it can feel good after the stress, hormones + bipolar is like double trouble, more intense. When like this it could effect employment and relationships as everything u put in your stride comes to the surface causing you to be more irritated, upset, making you make wrong decision s that you can regret if u don't deal with it rite, you need to tell someone and set up a plan for when you get this. I do understand that what I experience could be different to others symptoms and experience's.

My bipolar has improved as I get older. I haven't been hospitalized since 2003 and that was a serious manic episode. Now I get blips mainly i suffer dream hallucinations if I'm too tired or go to bed too late. Generally I'm pretty well mentally.

I was finally diagnosed with BP 1 ten or so years ago. I’m 49 now. As I have gotten older the severity & frequency of Mixed-States has increased dramatically. It is the worst, most hellish place for a manic-depressive to exist. Suicidal ideation in danger of transitioning from passive to active is a major risk for me. Although Benzos are for short-term crisis episodes, I have been taking Clonazepam for eight months now. But it works far more effectively than Diazepam because it has a longer “half-life” and stays in my system. Also have not built up a tolerance, works as well now has when I started taking it. I think the worst thing about manic-depression as I get older is knowing it’s never going to improve and I’m only going to deteriorate. I try not to think about it, but I realise that my life expectancy is much lower than average. It’s not just the mental toll on the mind, but the physiological effects on the body as a whole. The physical stress. All rather depressing in its self. Gosh, sorry. What a miserable post and not very useful or positive. Bit of a stream of consciousness! Sucks getting old with mental health conditions. Sorry for the negativity.

I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 around 16 years ago. It took around 6 - 7 years to arrive at a balanced medication which to date has kept my predominantly on a level playing field. Strangely enough, nearing my 70th birthday, I have more energy than for 7 - 8 years, although my knees degenerated rapidly over the last year. Purchased a used exercise bike a few months ago & what a difference it's made to my knees & energy. Don't use it every day but after a session, 10-15 minutes I'm ready to work outside, mow lawns, take dogs without pain. It has also contributed to my losing some weight which also makes me feel good about myself. So in summing up, keep taking advice re medication until hopefully the balance is achieved & keep the faith. Good luck everyone