Newbie

[Abby6_2025]

Hi all

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar, not sure yet if it's  1 or 2. Have started on a mood stabilizer.

Just had to have a brain MRI as my memory is very poor & January I  need to have a Petscan  too.

Is it common to have very poor memory?

I hope to find more info about bp and learn.

[ASafeSpace]

Hi @Abby6_2025,

It's good to hear that you've started treatment and have medical support.

The SANE website has pretty extensive resources on BPD. Another resource is the Black Dog Institute as well. 

Poor memory could have many causes.

How has your sleep been? BPD has a tendency to impact sleep at times and that could also affect memory as well as a lot of brain maintenance happens while we're asleep.

[Abby6_2025]

My worse sleep is 2 hrs usually between 2 - 6hrs

[ASafeSpace]

I see..
Our brain normally requires 4 hours to complete a cycle that encompasses deep sleep, REM sleep and light sleep. With 2 hours that would impede on that cycle which would have impacts on neurocognition.
6hrs is often insufficient as well.

Are you currently engaged with a mental healthcare provider or peer support to work on strategies to manage?

I saw that the SANE Recovery club has resources/services that could help.
Looking up resources on sleep hygiene could also assist.

[Abby6_2025]

I am seeing a physcologist & a physcologist.

I go to bed always at the same time every night.

[Dimity]

@ASafeSpace @Abby6_2025 take care not to confuse BPD (borderline personality disorder) with bipolar disorder.

@Abby6_2025 it's good if you have both a psychologist and a psychiatrist.  I'm bipolar and get concerned when I can't sleep as it's sometimes snowballed into a relapse (mania or mixed state). My psychiatrist looks after my meds and sometimes we  adjust the dosage. I'm also getting psychology and counselling help at present to help me cope with depression anxiety & stress.

Do you think your not sleeping well at the moment is related to the stress of the move? I hope it goes well for you and your husband and it doesn't take too long to settle in.

[ASafeSpace]

So sorry @Abby6_2025 @Dimity, my bad. 
I meant BD (Bipolar Disorder) and not borderline. Got the acronyms mixed up from my brain being too tired.. 

@Abby6_2025 it’s good that you’re being supported by a psychiatrist and psychologist. 

There are so many factors that could affect sleep it takes time to adjust but with the right supports that will gradually improve.

i hope that will help with your memory over time as well as that seems to be causing stress too.

[Abby6_2025]

Hi Dimity,

I haven't been sleeping well for sometime now.

I have PTSD, depression, anxiety + this Bd.

I had to ring ambulance this morning at 1am due to hubby in so much pain due to his back condition that means I had only 3 hrs sleep.

This morning I've had to do alot changing with getting in touch with people to change home address & do things online.

Need to pack car up tomorrow, pick keys up for new place on Wednesday.

I think now not sleeping due to the move.  

I have had stress for 6 years due to my brother he has done alot of bad things to myself and husband since my mother was put in a nursing home & my father passed away August 2023.

Sorry for the rant I only have my husband now no other family members or friends.

  Brother has turned them against me. Is so upsetting

[Abby6_2025]

I hate having this poor memory is affecting me so much can't even think of words at times that I want to say.

Forget to lock the doors.

Am seeing a victims services physcologist

[Dimity]

Oh dear that's a lot to cope with @Abby6_2025 . How is your husband now?

I hope you cope OK with the move.

Sorry to hear about the situation with your brother. My brothers did the wrong thing legally and financially when my parents passed and ended up ceasing contact. That was years ago.

Do you have any strategies for coping with poor memory? It can't be easy.

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