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.

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holding on

offbalance
offbalance
Growing up, I was so light hearted. Even through the so called crazy teenage years. But a friend of mine passed away when I was 17, and my dad believes that that is when my disorder was set in motion. I admit that I was never the same, but could it really be a reason for bipolar?? I've also heard that with bipolar people hold on to things a lot longer, more difficult to let things go. This has also been my experience, but again, because I'm bipolar? Or is it just an imperfection as a normal human being? These questions remain unanswered in me. Any help? -offbalance
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm only recently diagnosed so I'm sorry but I don't know the answers to all your questions.
But what I do know is that a very stressful situation set off my manic phase that I'm still passing through although I'm a hell of alot better now than I was 4 weeks ago....I think that stressful events definitely can be a trigger (well, in my experience anyway)
I also hold on to things a lot longer - but I would have absolutely no clue if this is just in my nature - I'd assume it is?? Dunno.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Mental Illness tends to run rampant in the gene pool of your family bloodline. I have an aunt whom is schizophrenic and other relatives who have bipolar so hence I am thusly amongst the so gifted. I had a similar experience when I was young, a close relative in my family died and I was bitterly distraught and affected me deeply. I suffered from brutal panic attacks most of my life and then those abruptly ended and years later I was diagnosed with Bipolar a year and a bit ago. I think it is a chemical imbalance and cannot be acquired through traumatic events. Those events can however trigger it while it lays dormant.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Identical twins have an 80% chance of getting bipolar if their twin has it, which means though bp is genetic it isn't purely so. You can have the gene and not be bipolar. Generally what activates the gene so to speak is some sort of enviormental event which could be a number of things, but many doctors believe it to be a traumatic or stressful event in ones life. For example my bp started soon after I got married, which was wonderful but stressful none the less.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It tends to be genetic - for example my family has a lot of rather "interesting" people as I like to call them... & according to wikipedia: "Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of bipolar disorder"