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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Question on Bipolar Please help

cls1988
cls1988
I seen my counselor today and was telling her how i have been with my moods lately (up and down). I told her I even thought about hurting myself one night and lately anytime someone says something i dont like i want to hurt them. It could be over nothing. I just feel like i am losing control. Very depressed as well. Her response to me was that i dont have bipolar because she dont see the mania in me. She said I am not staying up 2 to 3 nights in a row. I do have trouble sleeping but no I dont stay up that many nights in a row. My question is this true? All of my other symptoms point to bipolar. Anyway I see the doctor thursday morning at 9am to see what they are going to do for me. She gave me the option of checking myself into mental health but I told her i dont trust them. I felt she was not even listening to me today when I was pouring my heart out and stating my medicine is not working. Please any advice before I go see this doctor. This will be my first time seeing this doctor as well. I am taking someone with me so that they can tell the doctor what they see me do and act like as well as be there to help me understand everything.
Thanks
dancingd
dancingd
Bipolar comes in several degrees .

BP I...you can experience Mania , and then perhaps escalate to psychosis

BP II, is more of depression, NO mania ,but a lesser form of mania , Hypo-mania

Google the Mayo Clinic site on BP. Excellent info there , and it covers the spectrum of BP disorder.

Maybe a second opinion is needed
deleted_user
deleted_user
There are many symptoms of Bipolar. I'm not sure how long you have been seeing your therapist, but a lot of bipolars can go a long time without having a manic episode if meds and treatment options are working and they avoid triggers. I would look at your symptoms very carefully and write them down - go back like three, four, five years. No one here can tell you if you are or or not Bipolar.. but you do need a doctor that listens. I think it's a good idea to take someone with you and take any symptoms you have on paper so you don't forget anything.
cls1988
cls1988
Thank you both for the information. This makes me feel a little better becaues i let her office feeling like i was going crazy because of her saying it was not bipolar. I am going to research it more before seeing the doctor on thursday. I have been on several anti depressants with no luck. Thats what makes me think I need a mood stabilizer.
dancingd
dancingd
Many people with BP, can not tolerate anti-depressants .

Reply # 2 gave you some good info.

Think back on your life and look for patterns of mood swings

Good luck
GinaWonders
GinaWonders
Why would you WANT to be bipolar?


Psychiatrist need to diagnoses - therapist, not so much : )
GinaWonders
GinaWonders
PTSD and social anxiety - have lots of the same stuff.....

All the meds are the same, treating symptoms - there is no "Bipolar medication" not available to you with your current list of Dx's...

No offense intended - wishing you the best of luck, and great people here! Whether dx'd or not : )
cls1988
cls1988
Gina I dont want to be bipolar!!! I went in for help and with hearing everyone around me tell me that is whating i am acting like and people that i have talked to on here have said the same thing. It was just very depressing to hear her say that because i thought maybe there was hope of getting treatment that would work. I have been on 15 different meds in the last 24 years with no luck. Sorry if I come off too strong but I dont wish any of this. Just want to know what the hell is wrong with me.
dancingd
dancingd
Only..and I stress ONLY a Psychiatrist can DX bipolar...NOT a Therapist, NOT a Psychologist .

I hope you can get some answers that you are looking for .

Not knowing and feeling like you are being strung along , must be awful.

See a Psychiatrist, the procedure is usually a few written tests , a COMPLETE mood History, maybe even a second visit to talk over the findings

Best of luck
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Sometimes it can take quite a while for a diagnosis to be made but the symptoms can be treated..
I'm glad you see your doctor soon cls.. I hope things go well for you on Thursday
Great big hug for ya...x
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can relate to how your feeling. I was diagnosed over 14 years ago with a diagnosis of bp. I have been to different pdocs and all have agreed I am bp. Recently, unfortunately, I attempted suicide, long story short, I ended up spending a week in a psychiatric hospital. The pdoc I saw, told me he wasn't sure I was bp, said I had a mood disorder, but said that let me quote his words, "You need to make the diagnosis, you are smart, you can read and be able to diagnose yourself." I was confused and frustrated at the same time. Its not, believe me that I want to be diagnosed with bp. After a couple of days, this pdoc called my reg. pdoc, and then said I spoke with your pdoc, and he said he's seen you manic before, so your diagnosis is bp. Truthfully, I don't care what my diagnosis is, I just want to feel better. The hosp. pdoc highly recommended me having DBT(therapy). I have been on many med combos over the years, and unfortunately, have never been stable. I'm hoping I can work through my emotions through DBT, and become better able to cope with this emotional rollercoaster I ride. Good luck, I hope the new pdoc can help you. hugs,tedi
polarbare
polarbare
I agree that you must get a dx from a psychiatrist since they are the only ones qualified to do so.. Having the support of a friend at any session is a good idea to share what you are going through. Once you have a dx, then you can begin the journey to wellness.. ((hugs)) polar
deleted_user
deleted_user
1. Only a Dr can dx as was said.

2. Even BP1 can not have the classic mania that people think is BP. I am like that, and it took a long time for the Dr. to figure it out. For me there were other underlying factors and a personality type that "hide" the mania, but it sure was there when you looked close enough.

3. Talk to the Dr. be open with EVERYTHING. Dx can change over the years because of the more information the Drs get. Its not because they were "wrong" but more information, the better the dx.

Good luck on your journy to being "normal".
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