BONUS EPISODE: getting a proper diagnosis

Join mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn as she shares a few tips on getting a bipolar diagnoses. Bipolar is often misdiagnosed as major depression or anxiety. There is research that says it often takes an average of 6 years to get the correct diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Shaley hopes that by sharing her struggle with misdiagnosis, she can help others better advocate for themselves when reaching out.
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Many people struggle with the high highs and low lows for years before getting the treatment we need despite repeatedly seeking professional help. Over a period of 10 years, Shaley was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and even disordered eating. While I she experienced all of these things, she didn’t know that they are all symptoms of Bipolar 2 Disorder. In fact the medicine she was prescribed for anxiety triggered the hypomanic episode that ultimately brought her to emergency. The problem is that we usually seek help during the depression because there is less awareness around hypomania and mania. Shaley though she was her "normal" self when hypomanic until her mood elevated so high she began spiralling.
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Shaley's biggest piece of advice when seeking help is writing down your moods & symptoms to show your doctor. If you live with someone or have a close friend that can help you by recording different behaviours that they see. Try to think of your episodes over the last 6 months so your psychiatrist can see the whole picture. Our bipolar episodes can be slight or overwhelmingly intense so aren’t always aware of our odd behaviour. Be sure to talk about the mania!
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We hope this video helps anyone who is worried about their severe mood swings and seeking a bipolar diagnosis. Your only job is to show up and tell the truth about your experience. You are not alone. Getting a diagnosis is scary but it is also freeing. It is our greatest hope that you can get the right diagnoses and treatment plan to help you cope. You deserve to feel better. This is bipolar...

*If you are having any thoughts at all of harming yourself or others, please go straight to emergency. They can get you psychiatric help immediately.

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