Maybe supplement that talk with your doctor with a second opinion? My most respected doctors treat second and even 10th opinions like a valued collaboration.

Gentle support, whichever way you take it, Ello.

BiPolar II doesn't have Mania as a symptom, just hypomania which is quite different. Still though if you've never had any kind of "up" episode, then maybe it's time to get a 2nd opinion. If your Pdoc has made his mind about your DX it may be difficult to get him to change his opinion. Are you on BP meds and are they helping?

I experienced the same thing for a long time. Right before my first diagnosis I had an episode where I could not sleep for many days. I have been told a friend of mine with BD 1 that manic episodes make her feel like she is invincible, euphoric. I never experienced that. What I had was a hypomanic episode. It was accompanied by severe depression and anxiety, but I did not feel GOOD. (Which does happen with a manic episode, as I understand it.) I fought my doctors for years insisting that I didn't have BD because of this. BD 1 is so VERY different than BD 2, I have come to find out. I agree that a second opinion is always a good idea. I have had many doctors over the span of almost 20 years, and they all agreed that I have BD 2.

https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-forms

Thank you. I might have type 2, i am not sure how to go about getting a second opinion though? Do i need to see a new doctor or a psychologist? Really confused as to what my next step should be

The only real Dr. that can diagnose BiPolar is a Psychiatrist, so you'd have to go see a different Psychiatrist, that's the only way to get a 2nd opinion.

ellomalley, do you have a GP? Just a regular ol' doctor? I believe you have to have a referral to see a specialist. So you would probably have to get one from your GP? Do you see a psychiatrist now? And are you on any BD meds?

Yes you should talk to your dr and if he disagrees you could seek a second opinion. No harm in that

Do you ever have times when you are not depressed, and get excited about life? Not saying you go off the wall, but just a little busy, for a depressed person. You might want to get a mood chart on line, and keep track.

As for anxiety, it seems like many with bipolar disorder have that! It also goes with depression, another thing you might want to ask the second doctor about.

Not all Insurance Companies mix Medical and Mental Health matters, i.e. you don't always need a referral from a GP for a Mental Health visit to a Psychiatrist. Check your Insurance and what they require before wasting an appt. to a GP who can't help you, they don't have the expertise to Diagnose BiPolar or other Mental Health Disorders.

I have been listening to you. And it sounds to me like you need to do a little homework and research bipolar 1 and 2 but. I can tell you. I was orginally diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and later on they realized that somethings changed and I am now Bipolar 1 . When i was first diagnosed my highs were not as high as they are now. I am a very bubbly person so it was a little harder to tell with me. I am also a rapid cycler. When I am not taking a mood stabilizer that works properly my moods can switch from manic to depressed very quickly. Anyway Bipolar 2 doesn't get mania they have something called hypermania which is a little sped up but not as much you might just feel like you are happy or chiper. I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist and I go to a psychiatrist on a regular basis. I am on medication that seems to be working well for me. A psychologist is someone you can talk to that understands mental illness but they can't prescribe medication. It is good to see a psychiatrist and a therapist or counselor if you need counseling and therapy services. I went to therapy. I stopped going to therapy now but I see the psychiatrist and discuss how my medication is working and how I feel every month. Health insurance will cover the cost and services of a psychiatrist and therapist. If you don't have health insurance there are free government programs and non profit organizations that can help you to get the treatment that you need. I wouldn't say that your diagnosis is wrong at this point. You just might not know enough about it to know if it is correct. Research first then if you feel that your diagnosis is still not right then get a second opinion. And don't be afraid to go back to the doctor that told you you were bipolar 2 and let them know that you don't agree with the diagnosis and see if they can explain to you a little better why they diagnosed you as bipolar 2.

thanks all. i am going to talk to my psychiatrist.