Comorbidity with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Hi all,
I haven’t received an official Bipolar diagnosis, but after talking with my psychiatrist, psychologist, and family, we all seem to agree that I likely have Bipolar 1. I experienced several psychotic episodes from June - September of last year after abusing stimulants (prescribed for ADD) and not sleeping for 3+ days. After experiencing some utterly devastating withdrawal symptoms, I visited my Psychiatrist and we agreed it was best to pull me off of all stimulants and an SNRI I was taking. My parents took me to see my psychologist soon after as I became increasingly detached from reality. My psychologist recommended I be admitted to a hospital to receive psychiatric treatment under closer watch, where I spent 2 - 3 weeks inpatient. Upon release I experienced even worse symptoms of psychosis due to several drugs they had me on while inpatient, which my psychiatrist thankfully rectified within days of my release.
Since then I have struggled CONSTANTLY with sleeping too much (10-14 hours) and a constant fatigue accompanied by a lack of motivation and lack of self-care (showering, brushing teeth, etc.). Any advancements to my career have been destroyed and any motivation to continue my education is nonexistent.
Is all of this just part of Bipolar? Did I develop CFS from stimulant abuse? Or even Long Covid? I feel so lost and angry at my situation every day. I’m 28 years old and I’m no closer to moving out of my parents house than I was before my brain was taken to the cleaners by this damned disease. My parents are fed up and it’s difficult to explain to them that I’m not even depressed anymore, just constantly tired! I already made my peace with the fact that I lost friends and my career. I just don’t know how much more I’m capable of without blaming it all on a lack of “personal responsibility”. Has anyone else experienced this kind of fatigue? I’d just like to know how common my situation is so I can get a better perspective.
If you’ve read this far, or even comment on this post, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.