Hi mjr~~

I'm Bipolar Type II as well. I found a support group thru NAMI that meets a couple of times per month. It's free and so helpful. Just nice to be able to be face-to-face with others who know exactly what I'm going through. Maybe there is a free group in your area too. I actually have to drive 1 hour to mine but it's really worth it. Good luck finding the support you need and remember you can always post here for a little cyber support.

I have had the same problems since my psychiatrist started treating me for Bipolar Depression last summer. Everybody acts like I'm just a bad person, until it benefits THEM. For me, a very important step has been clearing those people from my life. Yes, some of them are "family", but my happiness and self respect are more important than some biological connection.

Welcome!!! I don't tell everyone I am bp at all.
The ones that know are hard enough to deal with.
My therapist told me to look into NAMI too.
She isn't sure if I will have enough insurance to keep going to her.
I get 14 sessions a year.
I go about once a month so far but lately I have needed more.
Good Luck!!!
ttfn AnnieEm

Dear, dear, I too was diagnosed with BP II after years of BPI because I was in such a LONG state of depression, with no hypomania or mania. My diagnosis has changed then from BPII back to BPI, then add some rapid cycling, then add so much psychosis, it is now unofficially Schizoaffective - bipolar type. What a mess!
To those that treat you like garbage, give them a mouthfull! You are sick, you have a mood disorder, period. It does not matter what the classification is, they are all treated pretty much with the same classes of meds, etc. And your illness cannot be generalized too much, I mean, your illness is unique. You may not have the typical, quintessential, classic BP symptoms. And, not to scare you, but BPII is just as dangerous as BPI in that there are as many, if not more, suicides from BPII sufferers. There is more debate about all of this though, for I have had one psychiatrist tell me BPII does not exist, that personality disorders are disguised as BPII. Blah blah. Another psychiatrist contradicted him all together. Get a copy of the DSM-IV (V should be coming in a few years) and go by that. But do not get too hung up on official labels. I realize this is incredibly scattered, but I hope it helps.

Hi mjr~~

Hope you're doing well. Just thought of something. Who is "everyone" in your statement "everyone thinks it's all in my head?" Like Ms M said, sometimes there are people in our lives who earn a demotion from our inner circle. It doesn't have to be all dramatic or nasty. Keep yourself surrounded closely by those who are supportive but not enabling. :)

Ok to give some background I am a DAAC (Drug and Alcohol Counseling) student. I have a copy of the DSM-IV-TR and yes they're now saying DSM-V should be out in 2013...we'll see. Anyways thought I'd give my educated knowledge to some. Now this isn't my opinion this is from my professor who has a Doctorate in Psych and Counseling plus Master's and Bachelor's too numerous to list, anyways he views BP-II as a type of Borderline Personality Disorder. I won't go into everything but when you look at the two you can see why he says that. After talking to him he confirmed what my Psych had said and gives me some informal counseling so to speak. He's leaving after this semester and the school is shutting down the course so I'm losing my counselor. He suggested NAMI as well but the issue in this area is most of the places are on a 3-6 month waiting list. I'm not giving up though I'll keep looking till I find something. As far as who everyone is I mean everyone close to me who knows mainly my wife and my brother. My parents are kinda back and forth. I have cut as much of the ties to my brother as I can but I can't exactly stay away from my wife. My Psych has talked to her, our professor (she's in the same course as me) has talked to her, and she's even looked in the DSM. Still she has the same reaction and it's really making me feel lost and alone. Anyways just trying to answer some questions and give a little background, and thanks everyone I feel better today cause you all caused me to stop and look a little deeper. With my education and knowledge I still find myself falling into those same old ruts and routines. Lol sucks to be human sometimes. Thanks all you're advice and comments have been very helpful.

I just wanted to say once again thanks to everyone who commented. You really helped pull me through a rough patch. I finally found some counseling, yes through NAMI, and I will start my sessions soon. I went back and studied some of my old class material from when we took Dual Diagnosis, Psych, and Advanced Counseling. Dang it I hate when I start letting my own irrational thoughts re-consume me it just takes months of work down to nothing in a matter of days. Oh well that's what this life's about, learning and moving on. Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and advice guys I REALLY appreciate it.

I was diagnosed as being bipolar and an acute psychotic back in 2005 and im still trying to handle it because i am also disabled and in a wheelchair so its even tougher on me but i know how it is for your family to oust you out of everything because thats what mine does even when i was a kid. its rough having to deal with it especially when something tragic happens in your life. i just lost my baby brother this past Oct and it is still driving me crazy because it has kicked my bipolar in and it seems like nothing helps so i know how u feel. i hope this helps

I do understand about tragic things happening. Although a lot of mine happened at least 10 years ago they still haunt me to this day. I know I should be past the loss and all, but I just can't quit thinking about the loved ones I lost and how I wish they were here now. Then on top of everything I haven't had panic attacks in 2 years and "WHAM" they're right back like they never went away. So now I get to add anti-anxiety with what I'm already taking. Grrrrr I really hate myself.

P.s. If this ranting kinda sounds odd or whatever just read my journal for today and it'll make more sense.

I hear you! BP2 people are often seen as simply being spoiled and having temper tantrums. Well I'm sorry but if at 50 a woman who cries and yells because her emotions are mixed up... that is not a tantrum. We need to educate people better.

im bp2 as well, we are treated a bit different but the "flavors" of all bipolars are different, more/ less intense etc etc...

to me, im just me, one that needs alot of meds and the occasional hospital stay....

Glad to hear that you got someone at NAMI to help counsel you.
I also found out about the other group (forgot name)!
I will look them up so this post helped me too.
Thanks!!!!
Take Care!!!
ttfn AnnieEm

I was diagnosed with BP2 in July of 2011. My meds are still far from being leveled. I have a lot of ups and downs and they say mine are rapid cycling (which I think means my moods change faster from one to another). My family, husband mostly tells me that I should learn to control them better. I know I try but I can't really control them and it scares me a lot. My therapist helps a little but she doesn't specialize in BP disorder. She is learning as we go... well I wonder who is the therapist here? Where I live there are NO support groups for BP so I joined this online support group which helps a great deal! Keep talking to us! Don't give up.
And screaming (on a mountain or alone in your car) is O,K.! I do it all the time to release the anger and frustration. You're not hurting yourself or anyone else...

I think ALL bipolars have that issue. No one takes us seriously.
That's why I came to DS...I need to know there were other people out there like me. Our illness is very real.

Hang in there friend. I know all too well what its about and many people in our own society don't understand. I am a stubborn woman., who should have the name "bi-polar" written across my forehead. I don't care who I tell., as long as I feel like I have informed someone about it. Not everyone is going to understand our episodes, our downs and ups. But all we can do is support each other. NAMI., I have procrastinated myself about joining but have heard many of good things.
Never give up-look forward. Sometimes this may be hard., as I just wasted 6 months of my life as I didn't see a doctor., but now am back to being myself. Its a struggle., but keep a powerful mindset and know you too can be a survivor and speak about it and let the ones who dont get it or who don't want to-its their problem, not our.
Best of luck., and sorry for rambling.