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 mistakenly diagnosed as clinically depressed for over 10 years. I was taking Zoloft. I felt nothing on it. When I changed health insurance and doctors they pointed out to me that Zoloft doesn't work like that. It's not supposed to make me feel nothing. And that I'm most likely bipolar. After seeing a therapist who confirmed that I am in fact bipolar, I have decided not to go on medication. After my bad experience, I'm going to try to control this on my own. It's hard. It's been a crappy couple of weeks. But seeing how many people are registered on this discussion board and knowing how many more people out there are bipolar. Doesn't it seem that maybe doctors are quick to diagnose people as having bipolar disorder? That we just throw this word around very easily? It seems as if some people use it as an excuse. When my therapist and I were discussing symptoms of bipolar disorder it sounded like a lot of people I knew. Did we all have bipolar disorder? Or maybe this is all "self-induced"? Maybe we can just stop....
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
I think everyone goes through a doubting period from time to time. Esp when new DX.
I dont think this a "societal" thing. In the idea that its just a way of being labeled. Alot of people do have Bi Polar like symptoms but are not Bipolar. Truth is we can find insanity in anything. The Bipolar fact is that it does not get better or less it continues on and has been proven to get worse the longer it goes untreated.Remember too they now have physical proof that a Bipolars Brain is different (brain scans). So the DX is not just done on behaviors anymore!!
I think docs over diagnose depression more than bp. Especially in my case as I am bp type 2. I notice my depressive cycles the most, my manic cycles are subdued, and I experience mixed states in which I am manic and depressed at the same time. It's very confusing as a patient when you can't tell the difference between mania and depression and aren't even aware of or don't understand type 2. Docs can only go by how well you articulate your experience.
I had trouble describing mine, but I saw a specialist that knew what I was talking about. Since then I have noticed subtle things about my daily experience that never registered before I knew what to look for.
It may seem like there are a lot of bps here, but that's just because a bunch of us are gathered in one place. If you spread us out across the country, and in many cases the world, we are a small percentage of the global population.
Zoloft made me totally manic BTW!
If you actually do have bipolar disorder, though, it is difficult to accept, because once you have it, you have it for life.
Acceptance is especially if you are diagnosed with BP II, because the symptoms are less severe, and you might not even recognize or remember being manic once you're depressed again.
However, BP disorder does tend to worsen over time, and even when you are manic and feeling great, you are still in danger, because you also tend to do more risky things and your self control is not intact. that can actually raise your risk of suicide, even though you are manic.
And of course, the consequential let down of deep depression also adds to your risk of suicide.
So you will have to decide if/when you want to start taking meds.
My mania is not very euphoric, so it was not difficult for me to start taking meds when my depression got so bad I couldn't take it anymore. So I resisted, too.
There are two main reasons for taking meds:
1) Your manic and depressive episodes will be less severe, and less frequent, although you will still have some.
2) Your risk of suicide is diminished significantly.
Many people don't take meds until/unless their lives come to a total halt. -- They wind up in jail for the 2nd, 3rd, etc,. time, or the hospital. They have lost several jobs and can't get one anymore, and perhaps have destroyed a family or a number of relationships.
It can take some awful hard knocks to wake a person up sometimes.
Or, like my dad, you can maybe find your way through life without taking medication, but you will suffer for it - financially, socially, and physically.
If you have any questions, or want more info, feel free to ask.
2..Most bipolar people DO NOT use their disorder as an excuse
3..If you are bipolar,you are UNLIKELY to be able to manage without meds.
4..Bipolar ,is NOT self induced..it is a chemical imbalance of the brain.A genetic quirk of the brain.
5..Educate yourself,because a lot of what you are saying dosen't add up.
6..See aPhycologist for a through Phyc evaluation,this will include several written questionares,on past and present behaviors.
If you are still unsure,seek a 2nd opinion