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 asked recently how I personally would define bipolar. It led me to wonder is it different for all of us?
For me it is suffering from two extremities of depression and mania. I find both of them can be debilitating although depression more so for me. During mania I would say my most prominent symptoms would be grandiosity and psychosis, whilst depression would, consist of total lethargy and feelings of nothing.
So how do you define bipolar?
For me it is suffering from two extremities of depression and mania. I find both of them can be debilitating although depression more so for me. During mania I would say my most prominent symptoms would be grandiosity and psychosis, whilst depression would, consist of total lethargy and feelings of nothing.
So how do you define bipolar?
I fit the criteria for BPI (my diagnosis was for Manic Depression). I have controlled mania by using lithium and haven't been hospitalized since 1979. Trust me, there's plenty of hell to go through without being hospitalized but I've found it manageable. I don't mind being mildly depressed since I was never hospitalized for depression. Our various experiences will be different yet the same.
My depressions are debilitating and have lead to lots of time in hospital day programs. They are marked by lethargy, too much sleep, no motivation, a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness, and, most commonly suicidal thoughts.
That I cant function at 99% of jobs for me
That suicide is always an option for me
That children shouldnt be an option for me
That meds make me fat
That about covers it