Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 3 Location: The marshes wild
Bi-polar Sufferer Looking For Some Words of Comfort Posted: 12-13-05 01:46am
I was diagnosed with bi-polar
disorder-mixed five times over (doubtless,
inherited from my paternal grandmother,
who spent the latter portion of her life a
ward of the state). I've suffered violent
attacks for years, characterized by
everything from hallucinations, suicidal
pangs, clinical depression, bruxism, sleep
paralysis, ibs, obsessive-compulsive
tendencies, scruples, violent outbursts,
etc. At present, I am unmedicated. I
graduated from college six months ago and
nobody will hire me anywhere, despite an
exemplary resume. Recently, I broke out
in a major bi-polar episode, which is
nothing new for me. However, I recently
suffered an additional symptom which is
bothering me more than it should (which,
in and of itself, is bothering me; i'm
quite botherable). I seem to be noticing
a greater amount of hair coming out when I
brush and throughout the day, mostly
around the front of my scalp by my temples
and my brow. It burns and it tingles.
Same thing for the back of my scalp.
Also, my hair seems to come loose a lot
easier. I've lost a bit of hair around
the front lines over the past few years
(i'm 25 and was diagnosed at 17), but,
mostly, i'm holding strong. I know,
compared with a possibly degenerative
mental disorder, this is a whiffet next to
a whirlstorm. Still, I have major self
image problems. I'm decent-looking,
others say, but I really hate myself,
especially my appearance, despite the fact
that I run and work out every day, and eat
relatively healthily (mostly because of
the ibs). Also, i'm a big reader and a
big lover of the arts. I don't think
there's a history of male-pattern baldness
in my family, but I do experience
incredibly violent emotional non-stop each
and every day, accompanied by a great deal
of physical pain. So, I can't help
wondering if this is telogen effluvium. I
can't afford to go a doctor, except for
medication (i'm going to a free clinic
next week). I'm aware how frivolous i'm
being, but I feel like dreck on the soles
of someone's loafers as is. I'd at least
like to look in the mirror and not see
added incentive to hate who I see
reflected back at me. So, if anyone can
offer any advice whatsoever, I would
deeply and greatly appreciate it.