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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is this mania????

Alliegator
Alliegator
I'm concerned I might actually be bipolar and not just depressed. I have felt so elated on and off recently. I just went on a shopping spree and spent $200 dollars and I don't care. I have been eating a ridiculous amount of desserts which would normally bring me to tears but I just don't care. I don't care about homework I'd much rather spend my time on frivolous things. I also have racing thoughts. I know its not a full blown manic episode but I'm worried it might be hypomania. After being depressed for 7 years I don't really remember what normal happy is at all.

I keep asking people to explain hypomania and all I get is "not complete mania." Has anyone experienced it? Do you think I'm manic?
Alliegator
Alliegator
I also haven't been sleeping as much and really just want to bustle around getting things done.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Only a professional can dx bipolar. Hypomania is different for different people with some common denominators. But you really should check with a psychiatrist.
dancingd
dancingd
RKB,is correct.
We aren't qualified to diagnose a bipolar disorder.But if you have questians and feel you might be BP.Get into see a Phyciatrist ASAP,and start treatment,it will make your life much better in the long run.

Untreated BP,just leaves havoc in it's wake.
deleted_user
deleted_user
please dont self dianose yourself...see a specialist. Are you in debt? I have $5,000 in credit card debt from my episodes.
what about you?
Alliegator
Alliegator
no I don't have debt. I'm only 19 and my parents are putting me through college so its not like I've had a chance to get in debt yet. And I know I can't self-diagnose. I just feel silly bringing it up with my psychiatrist if its really just normal happiness...its just been so long that I don't know what its like to be normally happy on a day to day basis.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It would be better to know than not know... If you're already seeing a psychiatrist you might as well bring it up with him.

How much sleep per night are you getting during these periods? It can be a big indicator.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a problem with spending money when I know I shouldn't. If your account ends up negative and you always end up with a ton of overdraft fees...thats a problem. When I shop...I have to have it right then and there.
I can't wait to get it.
If I dont have cash, I usually end up getting a credit card from that store...I have 5 Im paying off right now because I can't control my spending. I shop when Im depressed, and when Im extremly happy. But thats my life. I rarely have a middle mood.
each card had at least 200 left to pay off
Do have trouble sleeping every night?
I can't sleep until 3 or 4 in the morning every day...the medication Im on now is making me sleepier earlier than normal, but its still late. If it happens often, then maybe, but see a specialist before you worry
deleted_user
deleted_user
I started getting myself into "debt" since I was old enough to open a checking account.
I use to bounce checks all the time to the point where I couldnt write them anymore.
and when I was approved for credit cards...it was all down hill from there...;p
deleted_user
deleted_user
It doesn't sound like normal happiness or classic mania so I would bring it up with your doctor if you are concerned, because not always are symptoms classic.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have no idea. Maybe hypomania? Maybe not? In mania you lose total touch with reality. Call your doctor.
polarbare
polarbare
Maybe a med is working correctly for you.. as depression does get better with the right treatment... as for being bipolar, like the others say you need to discuss with a psychiatrist to make a formal dx... good luck ((hugs))