Bipolar Disorder Community

To have bipolar, its more then just having high and lows. Some of symptoms of mania could be you are easily distracted, have little need for sleep, poor judgment , hard time controlling your temper, you may experience reckless behavior or lack of control, and many other symptoms of mania. Others may be sudden spending sprees. The other symptoms you mentioned could be depression. Those are some of the symptoms I experience at times. But its better if you have a professional that specializes in mood disorders. You could even go to your doctor and ask for some blood work done. You also could be experiencing the beginnings of menopause or even a thyroid problem. It really could be a number of things that could be. But you really should see someone before you start thinking about meds. Maybe you should look around here on WebMd on what bipolar is. The are different forms of bipolar disorders. You have BP I and BP II or what you call 'hypomania' and then there is cyclothymia (?).
Good luck

Thank-You so much! I have all the symptoms you mentioned! The weird thing is that I have been seeing a Doctor for what I thought was just panic/anxiety/depression for over the past eight years! My realization of something possibly more has been a revelation and a rather sobering experience. I have mentioned to the doctor what I have been going to about all the other symptoms but he has never mentioned Bi-Polar or even the possibility. Basically, I really want answers and help. Is it a matter of bloodwork? I am presently on Welbutrin, and Xanax, I also am in menopause and I also have a thryroid condition. I am extreamly overweight, and have issues that come with that, but as I look back it seems like all the puzzle pieces are falling into place!????!!!! I didn't realize about the lack of sleep so that is an eye opener.....I sleep very little at night, but I "cat nap" on and off during the day. I plan to call my Doctor on Monday, and I will also look around this website more! Thank-You for posting and caring enough to over some help to me! I greatly appreciate it! Happy New Year!

", I really want answers and help. Is it a matter of blood work??"
Nope, unfortunately. When you said you saw your doc, is he a M.D. or psychiatrist? Some MD's just have the basic know how when it comes to a mood disorder. Many also don't understand about the dealings with BP ect. So I would recommend you go and see a doctor who does specialize in mood disorders and what not. From what I have looked up and researching on BP, it is difficult cause it does mimick other things too. I found this other site I use alot cause it contains real good info. I do not know if I can do post a link on here or not, but if I am here is the site addy:


http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=11204&cn=4

Gosh, thank-You so very much! I do see a phychiatrist, and while I think he is a great guy, and has helped me somewhat, I have been dissatisfied for years.
I will look into seeing someone who specializes in mood disorders. My kids actually have pointed out what they call manic highs. I was a little offended by this, but when I really thought about it, I figured I needed to do some research. I have really low lows as well, and if I were not a person of faith, I believe I could have very easily ended my life many times over the years.
Thank you for the link! I will check it out! This is all very new to me, I do not know if I have BP or not, but l do know my kids are very worried, and I hate that I worry them, I hate that they talk about my mental state. I know they love me, and are not being mean or cruel. They are looking out for me, but I just want to be able to enjoy my Grandbabies, and live life to the fullest!
Thanks again for all the great info and for posting! ~ Sunnie M.

In some cases diagnosing bipolar is very easy. In others it is a little more tricky. Unfortunately, the "bloodwork" currently is still under review to my knowledge and therefore not accepted by any insurance so it will get you nothing and it is limited to caucausians of NorthEastern European descent. Don't quote me on the NorthEastern part. Perhaps Sandie is referring to checking levels on different types of medications? Certain medications do require blood monitoring. Many of us who have bipolar type 1 experience mixed states. These can be especially confusing because there will be highs and lows present. There can/will be symptoms of both mania and depression present commonly at or close to the same times. And now there are unfortunately more than just three classifications of bipolar affective disorder. Even within the limits of each individual type there may be distinct categories. For example, bipolar type 1 with psychotic tendencies. My point in driving this across is in some ways it has become so complicated you need to make sure that if you're not comfortable with your diagnosis your not seeking expert level opinions from persons who aren't qualified to.

If you have been working with a doctor for a long time and you don't feel that the results are there seek another evaluation but retain the consult of your current doc until you find one that suits your needs. It will also be beneficial to bring in someone that is close to you and can provide a third-party perspective as sometimes when we are in the midst of things our insight in to our own mindset may be foggy. Of course all records from previous doctors are also helpful and eliminate wasting time.

Best of luck,

I so very much appreciate any and all help! Actually the reason I am even considering the possibility that I may have bi-polar in any form is because of the insight of third party perspective! I listened and have learned from two different family members what they have been observing of my "manic" behavior. I was a bit offended at first....I already realize I have emotional issues, but to call apon what I thought was moments of just pure happiness/sillyness seemed to sadden me. The more I gave the whole idea a turn in my brain sort of speak, the more different puzzle pieces seem to fall into place for me. This led me to this website where I read for the first time, what looked like my life story! I sat and cried and cried because I figured it was true that I did indeed have bi-polar disorder. I don't know, but I am willing to take all the advice and information I can so that I can seek answers!
Thank-You so much ! Happy New Year to you!
~ Sunnie

Others input is an invaluable tool. This is especially true if you are not bipolar type one and there has not been an overt manic episode. Some do not want to lose the hypomanias because they can be fun, but if you're looking for longevity they shouldn't be entertained but cut off. Usually, in the past, and others had good ideas on controlling or being patient I just bite my tongue regardless for a minimum of two days. I know that if my instinctual urge is to become combative I haven't had the time to look at all possibilities, I know that I'm not in front of my charts so they could be right, and first and foremost friends and family usually have good intentions.

H again! Thanks for writing. I pretty much understood everything you were saying, except for your second sentence.
What are hypomanias? Also, what did you mean by my looking for longevity? Perhaps I just have so much to learn, that I do not know the lingo sort of speak. I have to wait until tomorrow to be able to call for a Doctor appointment and get the ball rolling on getting some information about more help. I like my phyciatrist, but I do not feel that I am anywhere near where I could/should be after 8 plus years of beng medicated.
Oh, one more thing....what did you mean about being in front of your charts?
Sure hope I am not being too much of a pain! I aprreciate your help! ~ Sunnie

I am starting to feel the effects of my night meds so I'll revise if necessary tomorrow. I apologize ahead of time if this post starts to get hazy. Bipolar affective disorder comes in different forms. You are female, I don't recall you mentioning hospitalizations or anything highly delusional but manic episodes wont go unnoticed and usually require a hospitalization (often involuntary). So by me saying it's easy to diagnose in some cases I was referring to those with bipolar type 1 who were currently manic and not on drugs.BP 1 is more common in males and BP 2 is more common in females. There are also some other types but these are the common two. Someone with bipolar type 2 will not enter manic states. They will become hypomanic at times which can be fun and go unnoticed (doesn't mean that they always do go unnoticed), especially if you're not around others frequently. They may view you as an outgoing vibrant individual etc.

When I discussed being in front of my charts, I was speaking quite literally. When someone says something or does something and I have that spontaneous "I'd love to have five minutes with you" response going through my head I've learned to bite my tongue. Later when I am at home I look over my mood chart and my other chart which is somewhat customized. This also leaves me time to think about why my gut reaction was so strong. More often than not, it may be the beginning or some subtle variables in my charts have already began to change and I didn't notice.

No pain at all. If you think you should be farther along after 8 years go with that gut feeling. Think of some of the things you should or could be doing and make it a reality. Don't forget to chart your mood along the way.