Anyone else with a double diagnoses?
 

I am type 2 bipolar, have most likely been since my late teens. Was properly diagnosed a few years ago. In my experience it would seem its a vicious cycle between my alcoholism and my BP2... if left untreated they tend to feed on each other.

The last time I relapsed, its because I left the BP2 get ahead of me, I fell into a dark place and wanted a quick out. Its a long story that I could have prevented but didn't have the proper tools then. I know better now.

Anyone else have a DD? How do you cope? Please share your experiences.

I've been diagnosed with bipolar, severe depression, and anxiety. I'm on good meds for the bipolar and depression and it makes a hell of a difference. I don't get manic so much, and don't feel horribly depressed like I used to.

I credit my shrink for putting me on the right meds. :)

I have chronic anxiety. Alcohol just amplifies that anxiety the next day.
Its kind of a merry go round around here.
Im looking forward to leveling off and addressing the anxious issues. More tools. More self care. I think I can really move mountains once I am over that bump in the road.
I coped today by paying attention to how I felt and making sure I had a plan when I got home.
Walk in door. Make tea. take bath. Eat dinner. Very basic stuff but the "basics" are far removed from my life when I am drinking.
One small step at a time. Those steps are essential though.

I'd wager that quite a lot of us are dual diagnosis.
I suffer from anxiety and depression. Alcohol was my tonic.

I had to learn how to sit with my extreme discomfort without the use of alcohol to numb it, bring it down, make me not care. It's probably the single hardest thing I ever had to go through. I felt like one big nerve ending - not only was it uncomfortable, but it was embarrassing! Too bad for me. Only it wasn't in the end.

The thing that helped me through that was primarily a hell-to-the-no commitment to never drinking Now. I could rant or cry and throw things, but drinking wasn't even an option that I left open to myself. Still isn't. Not Ever. Because I never drink Now, and it can not ever possibly be any time right now except for Now.

O

I learned that no one has one problem .
When I had agoaphobia I also came down with depression and bad nerves .