Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder several years back. Just recently I've been giving some serious thought about the possibility of being misdiagnosed.
Since coming to DS I have read alot of posts from people describing their manic episodes and have gotten alot of insight into mania aspect of bp. To be honest I have never experienced anything remotely close to what most people describe as a manic episode. I find myself depressed all the time, some days more some days less. Sure, I have been suicidal. But on my best days I will feel upbeat and normal. Nothing close to having a surge of energy like I've been hearing about. It's when I get depressed that I really lose any sense of self control. In order to be bipolar you have to experience both ends of the spectrum right? Hence the "bi" part...
I really want to mention this to my doctor but knowing her for so long I know she's gonna take it in one of either two ways, both of them being bad: 1) She'll take offense and see it as me questioning her professionalism or 2)She'll think I'm just trying to weasel my way into getting a stamp of "normal" when I'm honestly not.
I really don't know what to do. I've also been thinking about getting a second opinion from another doc.
Since coming to DS I have read alot of posts from people describing their manic episodes and have gotten alot of insight into mania aspect of bp. To be honest I have never experienced anything remotely close to what most people describe as a manic episode. I find myself depressed all the time, some days more some days less. Sure, I have been suicidal. But on my best days I will feel upbeat and normal. Nothing close to having a surge of energy like I've been hearing about. It's when I get depressed that I really lose any sense of self control. In order to be bipolar you have to experience both ends of the spectrum right? Hence the "bi" part...
I really want to mention this to my doctor but knowing her for so long I know she's gonna take it in one of either two ways, both of them being bad: 1) She'll take offense and see it as me questioning her professionalism or 2)She'll think I'm just trying to weasel my way into getting a stamp of "normal" when I'm honestly not.
I really don't know what to do. I've also been thinking about getting a second opinion from another doc.
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Happy Birthday Janet!!!Have the best birthday ever!! You are so appreciated!!xoxo
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Have anyone here taken perphenazine?can you develop muscle pain as a side effect? I began to have a pain in my leg after few weeks of using it. Not sure if it's a side affect or I just didn't notice how I strained the muscle
I've only had 2 manic episodes in my entire life. I'm a BP2. I'm amazed at all the mania that everyone deals with here!!
But you should bring it up with your pdoc. A good doctor shouldn't perceive your questions about your own mental health as a challenge to her professionalism or expertise. (Just an opinion....)
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-forms
Don't be afraid to discuss this with your PDoc. You won't insult them if you ask them to help you understand your DX better. It probably won't be the first time. Make it a question rather than a challenge.
A person may have only one or 2 manic episodes,then experience depression as the main expression of their bipolar disorder.
A manic episode could include hyper sexuality....sex with LOTS of people.Having problems with getting drunk,then getting into fights.Spending lots of money,when you don't need to. Having grand ideas about your abilities Self abusive things like burning or cutting can be manifestations of manic behavior.
And like I said ,you may only have an episode every few years ,or perhaps just once.But you are young still,I was always HYPO-MANIC,and had never had a depressive episode untill I was in my 50's.When I was younger,I flew around like a whirl wind.Never got sick,no colds no flu,but 1 or 2 x's a year ,I'd get "sick" and have to stay in bed for a few days.I didn't recognise those little blips,as my depressive episodes,because they didn't interupt my life.
But ,do questian your Pdoc...they aren't perfect.Ask your Pdoc to explain how it is they came to the conclusion you were bipolar.I did that with my Pdoc.And after he outlined what dif episodes meant,I really understood that I was in fact bipolar.
I recognize those manic things now. I have done all of them.
Sweet but fruitless, mate.
Now start thinking of yourself more.This illness you have..causes you more problems than the professional.
It is YOUR health that matters.As long as your needs are 'satisfied' mentally.....don't even think about her.
Honestly, it's you that needs to live with yourself, not her.
A label may help you...but really it is about inside your head and heart.
Just explain it to her.
If anything, it will prove to yourself that you can face up to the people that you should be facing up to.In turn releasing some valuable self-confidence inside.
I talk straight to my docs.They are doing a job.I don't get paid for crying alone.
It's hard to think back (especially when you need to think back a fair bit) and describe how you felt at a time.
Hypomanic is only a shadow of what Manic is. Decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, inflates self-esteem, risk taking etc. Hypomania usually isn't destructive to the person's life (it was the best time of my life).
From my understanding Bi-polar 2 are also a lot more depressed then manic.
There are "manic" states that are more about agitation/anxiety and there is something where everything seems crap..the book is "Why am I still depressed?" by Jum Phelps. I think the initial advice you were give was sound, get a second opinion. You don't want to be on bipolar meds if you are unipolar and equally you don't want to be on unipolar meds if you are bipolar.