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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Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Just Diagnosed

deleted_user
deleted_user
I was just diagnosed yesterday as being bi-polar. Up to that point I was being treated for depression/anxiety. The doctor has switched me from Prozax and Klonopin to Lamital and Zyprexa.

I didnt really get a chance to ask a lot of questions during my visit so I will ask here.

What is the major difference between being bi-polar vs depressed/anxious?
deleted_user
deleted_user
bi-polar has highs known as mania as well as the lows known as depression.
can be mixed between the two also
deleted_user
deleted_user
Its kinda similar but theres mania in there as well... I have just been diagnosed this week also and I can explain how I am now... Its like I am hyper manic, can't keep still... but also am anxious and depressed all at the same time.... its really mixed up and confusing. I am currently on quiet a few drugs... lithium is the new drug I am on now. Its too soon to tell if its working or not, but I have to have a blood test on Monday.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, bipolar can present that way...like anxiety and irritability....it means mood stabiliser medication should help with htat, with keeping calm.
deleted_user
deleted_user
as others have told you..manic highs.sometimes you will be hyper..anxious a lot.but most important sometime during manic high you will do risky things that you normaly wouldnt do.sometimes life threatening.watch out for that.
and im sure you understand lows(depression)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was just diagnosed with BiPolar II today, so I know exactly what you're going through. I thought that I might be bipolar, so I did some research a couple of months back, but now that I'm diagnosed I'm doing even more research to learn all that I can about it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Not everyone with bp get 'manic highs'...a lot of people experience hypomania which is milder.
deleted_user
deleted_user
That is very true. I have hypomania.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have never experienced any manic highs. I just have experienced depression/anxiety. Shouldnt I have at least 1 manic high to be considered bi-polar?
deleted_user
deleted_user
That would depend on if you were diagnosed with bipolar I or bipolar II. So the answer to your question is, not necessarily.
deleted_user
deleted_user
No, bp2 has mild highs/hypomania that can present as anxiety/irritability....you may not have been aware how you were talking etc something the doc may have picked up on...see if the meds help you then maybe get a second opinion.
deleted_user
deleted_user
So what is the difference between BP1 vs BP2?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Bp1 more severe.
deleted_user
deleted_user
has full blown manic highs etc.
deleted_user
deleted_user
BiPolar I is more severe than BiPolar II, but neither is a joke.
deleted_user
deleted_user
nope, no joking here.
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