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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meandthebeast 04/07/2010

I am usually on the depression board but have come here to ask a question.. I am almost sure that I have bi-polar as I have the major ups and downs.. the roller coaster effect.. But here is my big problem..

I have a very addictive personality. I am an alcoholic and have been sober for over 8 months now.. I am very proud of that.. That is not my biggest problem now..

When I am on my down side, I cant even think about shopping far less even going out to even think about buying stuff.. But when I am on the high of the roller coaster, I spend thousands of dollars on jewelry.. Things I dont need but feel I have to have.. In the last six months, I think I have spent $20,000... Now I had the money from an inheritance so it didnt go on credit cards, but it really should have been left in savings for when I am older to live on..

I am feeling really awful and I dont know what to do.. Does anyone else do this or something similar and what advice do you have for me.. Please help.. I am really in a bind and feeling guilty.. Thanks for reading.. thebeast

deleted_user 04/07/2010

Have you discussed all of this with a psychiatrist? I think you need to address it with a professional. *Some* of this stuff sounds like BP, but it could be a lot of other stuff, too. Like I said, I'd definitely talk to a psychiatrist and even get a second opinion because if you are BP, you could be given meds that will help you and be of benefit. Good luck.

meandthebeast 04/07/2010

thank you for the advice. I havent seen a psych for quite some time but I have had major depression since I was about 8 years old. I may need to do that.. Last year I bought a Harley and the trailer for $30,000. I seriously need help or there will be nothing left.. It scares me to death

deleted_user 04/07/2010

Yeah, talk to a psychiatrist and maybe even get a second opinion. You could just have a spending addiction, but you could also be spending during hypomania or mania. It's hard to know.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

Make an appointment asap. Like Terminatrix said this really needs to be addressed. Bipolar Disorder can be misdiagnosed as major depression and is a common mistake. If it is BP you could very well be on the wrong medication that could be making things worse.

meandthebeast 04/07/2010

thank you.. i guess I really need to do this.. Its like going to Las Vegas and gambling till I cant see. But when I am really on the down side, I cant even pull myself out of bed no matter what I do..

I have always used some kind of addiction to make myself feel better. But the high doesnt last that long.. Im really suffering.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

As the others have said, you really need to make an appt with a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis. For a long time I "suspected" I had BP but I didn't do anything about it because I was afraid. All that time I could have been on some meds that could have helped me.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

If I were you I'd
talk to my doctor. I have done similar things in my Bipolar adventures.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

I am sorry you are feeling so bad but it sounds like you have been going through this for way too long and there is help out there. Ok I am a nibnose and just read your profile. It says you were diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 years ago. What gives? You need to start getting it treated and take care of yourself. Hugs

deleted_user 04/07/2010

Something that also concerns me is that if you have major depression, but really are bipolar, the anti-depressants you are on will trigger mania. I would suggest you start tracking your mood and meds, sleep and exercise, on some kind of monthly calendar. You can probably find a "mood chart" if you google it.

Then when you see your pdoc you can show him the ups and downs, and where you spent the money. This sounds quite serious, but there are other symptoms that need to be in place, too. Only a pdoc can tell for sure. I was not diagnosed for 20 years, and I did a lot of damage to myself during that time.

deleted_user 04/08/2010

Talk to pdoc about this for one. Perhaps consider having someone very trustworthy in your life to have power of attorney for your affairs/$ decisions when high? It can really lead to ruin, you're right to be concerned..have met people who have blown everything in mania..so protect yourself as best you can from hereon in. It's inevitable (going by one's history) that poor judgement will again come to the fore- and that this is beyond control..so plan for it, to dodge that bullet!

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