I can only explain it as having clicical depression and them having a manic stage (whick feels some what like being on those no doze type pills. It can happen all in one day or long periods in between. I also have severe anxiety doing some of this like now. I did get meds for that right now and feel better. The mind just will not shut down. It is almost impossible to sleep because your thoughts just will not let you. You think ALL the time. I hope this helps some.

it does help. would you say those are panic attacks?

It\'s like the Roller Coaster from Hell. Out of control like the March Hare on speed for days, trying to make up for lost time and driving everyone crazy around you...and then POOF!...the \"bottom drops out\" and getting out of bed or answering the phone are difficult tasks. Needless to say...it doesn\'t \"Fly\" on the job. People think you are crazy, stupid or high on drugs and so far for me, meds have been a complete disaster...I get WORSE instead of better. That\'s my story and I\'m sticking to it. Time to make some coffee and try to get normal.
RamRJ

I look at bipolar in many ways, which probably explains why is was the \"diagnosis\" of the 90\'s. It\'s made up of severe mood swings, from deep depression (some lean more toward the depressive state than the manic state). Then there\'s the hypomanic state which is mania to a lesser degree. Mania can be characterized by hostility, irritibiltiy, delusions of grandeur, to full-fledged psychosis. I\'ve been diagnosed bi-polar many times and over many years. I\'m not sure, nor is my therapist, if that\'s an accurate diagnosis. Those are my thoughts on bipolar disorder/manic depression.

I saw that U have trouble sleeping.. I ahev had that too for a long time. Until I found meditation. I listen to it before i go to bed to calm me down. and try to not do anything for like an hour before I go to bed. It is terrible when the thoughts wont let u sleep. Many times it ends up with me taking sleeping pills and wish that its gonna be gone next day.. But maybe U can try to do Yoga too, that calms the body too, even if it feels hard to do and u really dont want to it helps , at least a lil, i makes u focus on something else. and it relaxes your body. I ahev tried just about everything that u can try and I have found things that works for me.

Hope U can start sleeping better soon!

Wish you the best!

I\'ve just dug out a few library books (12 of them) and started reading. I have resisted this for years, and at the same time, desperately trying to find out what was wrong with my picture.
The main difference, from what I can tell so far, between depression and BP is the swings in mood. If you have episodes of depression, when the depression lifts, if it does, you return to a relatively normal, balanced state. If you are BP, you may return to a relatively normal state at times, but you also experience manic phases as well. Most people think depression manifests itself by loss of energy, sadness, lack of intest, withdrawing, etc., but it can also manifest by being too busy, irritable, sleep disruption, weight gain or loss, etc. These are similar to manic phases, but if you only have depression, you should only have one set of symptoms.
Bipolar disorder can itself manifest in many ways with varying degrees of severity. Usually the symptoms worsen over time. It will usually cause a great deal of disruption in a person\'s ability to have close relationships and to be gainfully employed for any length of time.
The two main ways Bipolar disorder presents itself, is (Md)-which is more manic than depressive, and (mD) which is more depressive than manic. Add to that the possibility of having coexisting disorders, including depression (which often masks BP because the mania is not recognized until antidepressants are taken and that catalyzes a manic phase) or schizophrenia, and you can see why it is difficult sometimes to diagnose.

hello...
this is an interesting discussion you have begun! i was misdiagnosed with major recurrent depression with psychotic features and anxiety disorder...for 10 years! a few months ago i had a severe, extended manic episode which caught the attention of my psychiatrist...tho i had symptoms in past of BP, the doc just saw the depression and i did not read up on it until recently myself...something he said during my last appointment struck me, as i had another short manic episode recently (a few hours)...he told me that i never let myself release any anger or frustration for years (repressing the mania somehow) and thus i had major panic attacks and deep depression...not exact quote, but much of it is what he said...anyway, the thing is after mania i feel very down on myself, depressed & almost nauseated...i do not know how this all will connect with your discussion, but i wanted to share it.

the mood swings are the essence of bipolar disorder. i happen to stay more on the manic side but have had depression that lasted a year. at the same time, i can cycle in and out of moods rather quickly at times. that is called rapid cycling.

to treat it you have to stabilize mood: depakote, lamictal, lithium are mood stabilizers. you may also add something for depression: anti-depressants and something for mania: anti-psychotics like zyprexa.

let\'s not forget a more holistic approach to treatment: include psychotherapy (priceless if you have a good practitioner) and lifestyle such as good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, low/no stress and a diet rich in omega 3s.

and the best ingredient for good treatment is an informed consumer with a big mouth who asks lots of questions and advocates for themselves. it makes a world of difference. that way you dont ahve to put up with meds that give you ridiculous side effects or that dont work.

*BUMP*

I Hate You, Don't Leave Me Or for those friends or family of bpd Stop Walking On Eggshells.

I Hate YOu Don't leave Me,I found it a lot more informative than BPD demystified and it fits right in my purse. I keep it handy when I'm feeling impulsive to remind me it is just a disease and the crisis will pass eventually.

If you experience depression lots you should see a specialist make sure it is not "manic depression". Many bipolar people are misdiagnosed some like me for years. You will notice the "manic" mood swings that can last for days or even years. High then low. If your life becomes a yo yo please see someone in this field. You can also go to search and punch in bipolar and depression. There are many types of bipolar and only a specialist can properly diagnose you. All the best to you and your family. Love and Prayers Ramona oxoxox

www.mixednuts.net/bipolar.html

I was diagnosed with major depression at 29 yrs. I received effective treatment with antidepressants.

I was not diagnosed with BP until I was almost 40 yrs. old and had a secere manic episode.Why?I only sought treatment over the years when depressed. I lived hypomanic most of the time, but I just thought I was a very happy person.

I have euphoric hypomania and mania. Which I love.

The hallmark symptom used when diagnosing my BP was sleep deprivation. I stayed up for 2 entire weeks, resting only for about 40 min a day.
Anyway, I am on meds now as I have had the dysphoric, suicidal, dissociative, psychotic mania. It was hell!
Good luck to you.

bump.