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...Bipolar 2 Disorder?
<< Back to: Bipolar Disorder FAQ v 1.1 (1 of 4)
Question by cher
Submitted on 7/23/2003
Related FAQ:
Bipolar Disorder FAQ v 1.1 (1 of 4)
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What is Bipolar 2 Disorder?
Answer by BLUE EYES
Submitted on 7/30/2003
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WHAT EXACTLY IS BIPOLAR 1 ?
Answer by yyy
Submitted on 8/1/2003
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"Bipolar 1" commonly refers to an illness characterized by intense periods of extreme mood swings from hypomanic euphoria to abject depression. The duration and cycling rate of these swings will vary from patient to patient and the manic phase may manifest as rage/irritability as well as or instead of euphoric hypomania.
Answer by m
Submitted on 8/17/2003
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bipolar one is diagnosed when a manic episode is experienced, regardless of presence of depression. most people with bipolar have periods of mania followed by extreme depression. bipolar two is diagnosed when moods cycles between depression and hypomania, or mania to a lesser extent. cyclothymia is yet a gentler form of this disorder where mood cycles between a dysthymic [milder, but chronic] depression and hypomania.
Answer by Bipolar 2 and living
Submitted on 9/15/2003
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Bipolar 2 is a disease that is hereditary and effects more people than you think. A person with this disorder cycles between lower forms of mania which includes but not limited to behaviors such as unexplained irritability, insomnia, unacceptable social behavior, ect. After a mania episode, you most likely reach depression or major depression. Bipolar 1 differs with more severe mania including but not limited to hallucinations, grandious feelings, increased sexual desire, ect.
Answer by RichardCD
Submitted on 1/7/2004
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Does BiPolar 1 or 2 come without mania? My wife has been diagnosed as BiPolar 2 but I have never seen her in a manic state. She's either depressed/angry/bitter or level headed, never happy, and says "I never laughed out loud, have you noticed that?"
Answer by Baby Girl
Submitted on 2/9/2004
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I have bipolar 2 and i always feel like am in a box and i am writing to you to tell you this cause i dont want anyone to know but the people who know what am going through
Answer by Braty
Submitted on 2/10/2004
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What is bipolar? Some kids say at my school and then laugh about. I've been diagnosed with depression and bipolar 2 and now all i think about is what would happen if the kids at my school found out and my therapist said i had this every sense I had got abuse. All my life i wondered if something is wrong with me but who doesn't think about that. Well I know that their is. Thank you for reading.
Answer by candilish3z
Submitted on 2/11/2004
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I'm a student in Australia doing the HSC and for my English Extension 2 major work, i am basing one of my characters having bipolar 1 or bipolar 2, if anyone has any stories they would wish to share to me it would be greatly appreciated.
thanks =)
Answer by Sleeper
Submitted on 2/25/2004
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To give you a completely untechnical, personal answer, bipolar two makes me feel very different from the rest of the world. Like I'm always a doctor and always a patient. Always monitoring myself. Even when my symptoms are under control for a few months, I can't just stay out all night for a few days like my friends. I can't live on fast food like some people. I have to avoid any and all stress on my body soul and mind and I have to learn to apologize a lot. Most of all I have to remember that I'm not the only one in the world who has a problem; we're all trying to make it through the day.
Answer by Emily
Submitted on 3/22/2004
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Hi...I'm 14 years old and i have been dignost with BIpolar 2...i think im to young to be told i have this because i am a teen. Teens are suppost to have problems with up and down highs...so i think i don't have it...i think its to soon to tell if im BIPOLAR!!~
Answer by pattyann4500
Submitted on 4/5/2004
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Being BiPolar for about 30 years, I have come to understand the constant ups and downs of it. I am a rapid cycler, therefore I must be ever vigilant to my changes.
Some BiPolar have violent moods such as anger, irritability, rage, and then the deep depression comes in with suicidal tendencies as well a desires to cause one pain.
Thankfully, I get extremely happy and annoying when I'm manic, and close to suicidal in my depression. My medication is stabilized now, so I don't have to worry much about my moods except the hypo mania that occurs in cyclic spurts.
My BiPolar illness is coupled with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) due to childhood trauma and a distressful marriage. That seems to be settling well most of the time. But then it does show its ugly head, it aggravates my depression unless I am ever vigilant and cautious.
I hope this helps someone out there. Pattyann
Answer by rose_of_sharon
Submitted on 4/14/2004
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I am 22 years old and I just found out that I have bi Polar 2. It is hard because I thought the problems I had were from other things. like my colitius and sleep apnia but I was wrong. The good thing is that I don't have to be on medication or in counseling. I can just live my life how I need to.
Answer by Allan Hodgkinson
Submitted on 4/16/2004
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I am 52 and was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about 3 years ago after being through some very difficult times , my therapist said that "PTSD" had brought on my illness !
I am now on medication and with the help and love of my familly and friends I am beginning to get my life back together !
Answer by anonymous
Submitted on 4/22/2004
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In response to the 14 year old.
While you may not expect it, and it may not be commonly recognized, there is such a thing as early-onset bipolar disorder.
Now, I wish that your psychologist had gone through a briefing process to help you understand your disorder and how it is much different than the normal "ups and downs" of adolescence.
So yes, you can be diagnosed with the disorder.
And also, one should never refer to themselves as bipolar, as much as you should refer to it as "I am a person with bipolar". You do not become your disorder. And nobody deserves the right to be stigmatized because of their disorder.
Remember that always.
Answer by 30 year old woman
Submitted on 4/26/2004
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the 14 year old.... I am just *realizing* that i had become "bipolar" at 12. my parents, under the impression it was just human and facts of life - but rate yourself, think of a line and above it being "happy" and below it "sad"... over days put a mark where you feel you are... if you are bipolar, you will almost never be on the line...now that i am on meds, i am able to look back... pictures of me at 11 differ greatly from those of me at 12, 13, and so on.... "what's wrong?" "nothing" I really didn't think anything was wrong, reasonably, but *felt* there was... just angry and sad, never normal. looked grumpier than i felt and sadder than i was mostly... if you are able to focus in school, i mean crystal clear, really focus in school, if you are a girl, and your periods don't upset you too much (pay attention to these and how they effect those around you) then don't do meds, but once your moods start effecting your loved ones, begin to worry, medications are NOT evil, and they WILL NOT make you a zombie if your doctor (M.D.) is working with you monthly. I'm more focused than ever (It has taken a year to figure out the right drugs) and wish i had this opportunity when I was your age. I fought physically with my father for no reason, who had to restrain me until I was 23. Hated my mother who loved me. My 8 years of college may have been only 4. best to you. You are fortunate that doctors are figuring things out. Get into the arts... you will be very welcome there.
Answer by Echo
Submitted on 5/25/2004
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I have a question, I would like to know some sights about bipolar 2. I'm 15 and I've been diagnosed with severe depression, insomnia, and ADD. Know I'm being told that i have bipolar 2. I'm having a hard time finding information on it. I'd apprectiate and help.
Answer by Mike
Submitted on 5/29/2004
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Well, I am almost 14 years old and we believe i am BiPoLaR 2. I am a very rapid cycler and i have almost killed myself during the depressive episodes and the manic ones as well. When im depressed, i will sleep a lot, hate to think, move, or even eat... i will become suicidal most of the time... and i will also hate the light, and sometimes, have a uknown fear. When im manic, i cannot have conversations, i will sometimes i have the feeling that i cannot be injured and i will jump of the roof or something and my parents have thought about taking me to the hospital a few times. I have yet to see a true therapist about these problems and they r getting more severe as i get older. If anyone has any idea how to keep from having these episodes, that would be wonderful. thanks.
Answer by melinda
Submitted on 6/11/2004
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I have BI POLAR 2 my DR keeps saying that I am like this becouse I was abused. So will it go away? How do I know if I have BI POLAR 1 or 2?
Answer by WendySue
Submitted on 6/16/2004
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I have always had problems mentally. I was a very quiet child and felt extreme guilt about everything. When I was a teenager, I was so depressed that I became Anorexic and Bulimic. After a few years I got better. Then after I left for college, I developed severe insomnia. I started seeing a therapist near my school. I was frequently anger/violent and depressed. I cried all the time, happy, sad, angry.. jealous.. everything. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past year. My grandmother was Bipolar (manic-depressive it was called in her day) and one of my Aunts is also Bipolar. I am ashamed to tell people now. I haven't even told my boyfriend. And as the seasons change, I think it becomes very apparent that my moods change with them. In the spring/summer, I seem to be more manic (angry/irritable/violent) but also my depressed states are intensified. I have the most control over myself fall/winter. It may seem weird but at this point I'm used to being weird. It has been so long since I have actually told the truth about myself. I am just getting over another bout with Anorexia and the thing I haven't told anyone at all is that I am becoming quite a avid Bulimic. I don't even know who I am anymore. I seem to be all labels. Maybe that is the real problem with us. We become what they tell us we are.
I don't even care if anyone reads this ever. It was just so nice to be honest, for once.
Maybe I could even stop lying to my therapist someday.
Answer by BIPOLAR MOM
Submitted on 6/23/2004
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HEY GUYS... THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INPUT... IT HELPS AND MAKES ME CRY AT THE SAME TIME... MY DAUGHTER WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR2 My son might have it also... Things are very different in our house and I don't feel so alone right now..My son started having problems at the age of six... And my daughter's problems showed up at the age of 13.. They would not make a full diagnoses the first time.. I have been torn to ribbons for years by every one I know.. See this dosen'trun in my family and I didn't know this stuff went on in my ex'snow I am getting a better picture for the first time in years.. Thank god for the new hospital and state who put it all together for us....
Answer by NotSure23
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Hi,
My Mom is currently in a mental hospital here in South Africa. They have just diagnosed her with Bipolar 2. She has had these crazy spells for years now and us as kids have had to deal with her abusive manner, guilt trips and depressive moods. She is convinced that I am also Bipolar 2. I do get irritable and annoyed from time to time but I can't say that I get into a deep depression and get crazy. I do get angry spells and "Fly off the Handle" from time to time. Would this be considered manic??
I am deeply worried about my temper though for the sake of my relationship with my girlfriend but I am also afraid that my mom is just saying these things because of the above symptoms that I experience. I feel that it is brought on by frustrations with her.
But on the other hand, I sometimes find myself getting very angry for things that are not such a big deal. Things that other people say they wouldn't get so "Passionate" about like I do. I am really worried that I am a problem for others especially my girlfriend and I don't want to jeopardise my future because of this.
If I can change it now then I might still have a chance for a happy life in the future when it starts to get really bad. How do I confirm that I have Bipolar 2???
Can Someone please help..............
Answer by patricia
Submitted on 7/15/2004
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Melinda, No it won't go away. And it is not brought on by abuse. BiPolar is neurological, but many people who have had overly-stressful situations in their lives do seem to have become bipolar. But as I said, it is neurological. There is an area in the brain that is like a gully. The brain's neurotransmitters (called synapses) must reach from one side of this gully to the other for the brain to work normally.
Although the BiPolar will not go away, there are many good medications that can help you to live a normal life. Your doctor will work with you over time to find the correct medication for you.
BiPolar 1 is the best if you must have one. We are happy to the point of others thinking we may be on drugs. We find thrills in everything. We may during that manic time be less responsible sexually, with our money, with our loved ones demanding that we be the center of attention. When we are depressed, we can feel worthless, suicidal, or just sad to the point where we may not be able to function well in society or even in our own homes.
BiPolar 2 is different in that a person may become violent with others. They may destroy things they normally love and not understand why. There may be delusions and a withdraw from reality if medications are not used regularly.
For either 1 or 2, DO NO EVER go off your medications without the doctor's orders.
God Bless and best wishes.
Answer by thoughtful
Submitted on 8/8/2004
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HI I was diagnosed bi-polar 2 and severe depression, at age 18 i am 25 now i am, still looking for the right kind of med to stabilize my problem .also just curious what kind of medications are out there that can be taken while pregnant if any.
Answer by mortine lebonn
Submitted on 9/8/2004
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The Australian HSC student might like to hear that I did Eng ext2 last year with undiagnosed bipolar 2 and blitzed it because I did it at the last minute, surfing a rainbow of hypomania! This year has been terrible until just recently when my meds have worked out - I've had to drop out of a law degree, stop working and try to control my terrifying bouts of violent anger with self-harm, depression with chocolate and euphoria with more euphoria. But I understand that bipolar 2 is more temperamental and less neurological than 1, and was told that my problems were triggered by a mixture of biology and childhood trauma.
But now the meds are finally working, and I'm confronting my apparently traumatic childhood, things are looking up! I start uni again next year, and my mind is so much clearer, I'm at ease and able to cope with my independence one step at a time.
You know, I'm only 18 years old, but I feel a lot older.
Answer by livitia
Submitted on 9/12/2004
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You can have Negative mania in bipolar one that is violent
Answer by renee
Submitted on 9/23/2004
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I always thought I had ADD. I finally went to see someone, and she said I had classic adult ADD. Then, near the end of our session I told her of my severe PMS symptoms and my fear of antidepressants because of my mother's adverse reaction to Prozac. She then asked me a few questions and decided I was probably bipolar 2 and that my mother was probably also bipolar. She said I needed to be on a mood stabilizer before taking anything for the ADD. I was wondering if I have both disorders or not. I'm confused because at first she said I was classic ADD. Are there any link or similarities between the two different diagnosis? Has anyone else had similar symptoms or experience?
Answer by Erin
Submitted on 10/9/2004
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I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 a few months ago. I think now that i know what it is, that i'vehad it for some time now. I don't have manic stages...some euphorias...but not manic. i go through stages of high on life and then utter depression. Knowing about this disorder definitely puts things in perspective for me. Get to know the signs and symptoms. It definitely helps.
Answer by smith
Submitted on 12/8/2004
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Melinda, don't be discouraged. I was just diagnosed with Bipolar 2 as well. I think I fought it for a long time--the diagnosis, that is. But I knew there was something out-of-whack in my body chemistry, something more than PMS or, now, perimenopause. I don't know how one can say that type 1 is any better or worse than type 2. They're different. My understanding is that type 1 is more overt, and it's easy to misdiagnose type 2 because the episodes are less extreme. But they're still there, and they still affect everyone around us and (mostly) ourselves. I felt for years that I would never change, I could never be totally in control of my feelings and responses. But now I have hope that my life will even out, I will gain self-control, and if it takes daily medication to do it, so be it. It's a biochemical condition (ILLNESS, my doctor says), so stands to reason chemicals will (hopefully) correct it! Be encouraged. It won't ever go away, but it is treatable, and I'm grateful for that. Getting someone qualified to really explain the biochemical situation for you will probably help.
Answer by Jeff
Submitted on 12/10/2004
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I have Bi-polar 2 and r4really hate it. I was just recently diagnosed and I am having trouble embracing it. I do not like the meds..they make me feel worse, but I do not want to go through life like a maniac. I get really depressed sometimes, and then in th next minute I am a pain to all my loved ones cause I can't shut up. Just venting. I am going to try the natural way and am going to go to a Naturopath doctor. The poisons of the meds are not worth the "cure".
Answer by Lana
Submitted on 12/18/2004
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I am 28 years old and was just diagnosed with Bipolar 2 a few months ago when my latest suicide attempt was almost successful and I had to be revived. As you can imagine, knowing that something was wrong with me but not knowing what it was was hell for me. The temper tantrums, extreme rage, extreme depression, suicide attempts, and drug and alcohol abuse was unbearable for my family and me. Being so impulsive and not thinking about the consequences of my actions has caused me financial and relationship problems. However, my doctors found the right combination of meds and now I am a completely different person and responding very well to them. I used to be terrified of myself and now I might have an actual chance at leading a normal life.
Answer by andie
Submitted on 12/25/2004
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the cat
Answer by courtney
Submitted on 1/12/2005
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hello im 14 and i was diagnosed with bipolar two disorder when i was thirteen. i know exactly what the fourteen year old is going through. my therapist in rehab told me, as if being in an inpatient intensive treatment program for your 'mental' health wasnt bad enouph!! lol but i guess you learn to live with it. u just have 2 remember that your disorder dosent run you, u run it. so to speak.
Answer by luvmylife05
Submitted on 1/27/2005
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Im bipolar, which one i havent ever asked, tx with lith and welbutrin, both i hate to take. Hubby takes about four diff meds daily, and faithfully. He cycles rapidly in one conversation when he does converse. I have step son of 15 with it, and my ten yr old out of six kids with bipolar on two meds, and currently not on any since the age of 7. It is possible to be bipolar as child. huge difference with meds like night and day for my ten yr old. Me too!!! I would say a manic person more so then depressed, but when depressed oh boy its pretty ugly complete with cutting. im thinking hubby is more the depressive state. I rarely see any highs with him unless he crashes to hospitalization point. Then comes out all happy and such flying really and will last for about a month then back to the depressive state. Like i said ME, im the positive upbeat irritating one of the bunch. I laugh outloud and try ot have fun everywhere, but im also good at isolating myself for lengths of time for no reason. I am an anxious person. Spent yrs as adult anorexic and constant state of worry. Now i clearly understand the life i grew up with, how i was and the why i was that way. So so miserable. I wish someone would have dx me back then thirty yrs ago. Maybe i would have had a real friend and not been so bad in life. However, i went thru the superwoman times and have accomplished wayyy to much in my adult yrs. been there done that and im tired is my motto. Its all weird, but i can honestly say that i have lived a full life at only 42 yrs of age. Its been at its best in the last yr with the right meds. thanks for listening
'
Answer by JJ_birdie
Submitted on 2/12/2005
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i havent been diagnosed with anything, but ever since my parents divorced, my head went. I am very hyper from time to time, i mean really hyper lol, i go OTT sometimes, but then at other times i just feel down, now i dont think theres a day gon past where i havent been hyper or depressed in the same day. think i should speak to someone, cos i also have panic disorder and that dont help
Answer by MelissaJelissa
Submitted on 2/22/2005
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My first time considering being evaluated and possibly being medicated I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. My doctor also said that there were signs of Bipolar II disorder but he was going to treat me for the depression and anxiety and we would talk more later about the bipolar possiblity. Bipolar II is different in the sense that your highs and lows aren't as noticeable but they are still there... I was put on lexapro and two weeks after starting the medication had my first real live manic episode. I didn't sleep more than 10 hours in a 9 day span. I spent all of my savings, dropped out of high school and started hanging out around a lot of drugs, all of this in NINE DAYS! because I was forced into a manic episode and felt so good and carefree that I was entirely focused on having fun and keeping myself extremely busy with possibly dangerous things. My doctor saw me on the 9th day of my manic episode and told me that I actually could not take the lexapro and I argued for nearly an hour about how it helped. My prescription was taken from me before I had a chance to get it filled and all of my sample pills were flushed down the toilet. I was fine for a day or two after that but for the past week I have been on the worst low of my life. I grew up dealing with depression with nothing but myself to not fall too far into it but NEVER have I felt anything like this low. My advice for anyone who thinks that they may have Bipolar II is to study it, look into it and make sure that if it is a possibility at all NEVER to take antidepressants unless having been seen by enough doctors who agree on what you need. To be Bipolar II is handleable but there is a reason that there are two different types. If you are not used to the ups and downs, anything that will bring you up enough to have any form of manic episode, I promise, will give you just as great of a low. It's unexplainable how I feel due to the drastic change. It was always there but never have I dealt with it on this level.
Answer by robere
Submitted on 3/21/2005
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What is bipolar 2? I am 58 years old and was recently diagnosed with bipolar 2. Finally! I have spent most of my life feeling weird, depressed, moody, angry, etc. without knowing why. I have been hospitalized twice for near suicide with the last episode resulting in the diagnosis of bipolar 2 with major depression. I have been married and divorced 4 times, and have alienated many other women in relationships that were doomed from the start. It took me many years to get my 4 year degree even though my IQ has been measured in the top 1%. My career situations were usually okay until this last year of unemployment. But being diagnosed is a blessing. I finally know what is happening to me, and there is hope of maintaining my life and sanity with diligence and some major drugs. What is bipolar 2? You tell me. I still feel weird.
Answer by lynn
Submitted on 3/29/2005
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I have had a close friend, who has been in college for 2 years now recently tell me he has Bipolar 2.
i have been diagnosed with manic depression, and nightmare induced nightmares.
he knows about what i have, and i him, but i am unsure how things Will be now. we stopped talking for a while and just recently when we started talking again did he tell me of his bipolar 2 development.
i don't know how to act, what to do, or how to understand it, but i will be spending a weekend with him and i need help.
Answer by Cookie
Submitted on 4/26/2005
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I have 2 doctors that think I may be bipolar HOWEVER, I do NOT suffer with the symptoms of depression (one doc says I do and one KNOWS I don't) except for seasonal depression. I have my "downs" but it's more like a catatonic state I go through. Then I have hypomania also. I am taking some meds they use for bipolar such as amitriptylin, xanax and valium which helps some...the valium seems to bring me to a more "normal" level and I am able to keep things under control better. I encourage emails with GOOD advice if anyone can help me at all. I just don't know what to do. I am an artist and all the antidepressants do is take away ALL of my creativity. I take them for seasonal depression only (which I KNOW I have) and therefore, no work in the winter. I TRY to keep my chin up but it's really hard some days and I'll go so far as to keep myself IN the house until any episodes are gone. I also TRY not to hurt anyones feelings by what I do or say and that doesn't always work either. I feel like I am being pulled at both ends here. I believe I have felt like this as far back as I can remember and Lord knows my family is messed up enough! Email is montanacookie55@yahoo.com and please put BIPOLAR in the subject line or it will probably get deleted. I wish all of you the best with your physical and mental health and God bless. Thanks for the option to "vent"!
Answer by Interesting you say God Bless-I'm still trying to figure what kind of God lets people go through this crap-Speaking from experience unfortunately.
Submitted on 5/3/2005
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I would like to know what kind of God lets people go through this crap-speaking from experience and don't care anymore.
Answer by ashley
Submitted on 5/8/2005
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Alot things on here i think are gonna help me.I'm not bipolar but my step mom is.But that's not who I'm dealing with i have a bf that is and i need help on how to deal with him he told me he is bipolar is he. Sometimes he's really happy and other times he's sad but doesn't even have a reason.He will get really mad over something stupid and won't talk to me for quite awhile and will say really mean things to me and usually after that when i start crying and he apologizes and says he doesn't mean it he can't help it when he gets mad and he says it's because he's bipolar can anyone help me,how i can deal with this?
Answer by rarbie
Submitted on 6/5/2005
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i have rapid cycling bipolar disorder. I remember the first time I wanted to die was when I was 15. it took me 15 years to seriously attempt suicide. It was he week before my 30th birthday and I had become sick of unrelenting depression, unemployment and not being like my peers who were all having their first babies. I am a Physiotherapist and am keen to hear how other professionals temper their moods at work?(I also have a anxiety disorder) I am finally back at work part time 7.6 hours a week. Unfortunately I have tried all mood stabilisers including litium, epilem, carbamazapine, tegretol and lamotrigine and am either allergic or they don't stabilise me. I currently take avanza, lexapro and seroquel for my manic times. I refuse to go back on olanzapine as i gained 15 kilos and was even more depressed. I am now at my goal weight and swear by my morning walk which I go on whatever mood I'm in. Any advice would be welcome. Cheers Rarbie!
Answer by Star
Submitted on 6/6/2005
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Have Faith In Hope
Answer by Cecile
Submitted on 6/8/2005
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Hello all! I am 35 and have been diagnosed with clinical depression. I have had depressive episodes that seem to cycle more frequently as I age. I have experienced irritability, rages, sleeplessness, and some real ups with a lot of talking and being the clown of a group along with long bouts of depression. Of course I only seek help when I am really down. I have discussed these episodes with professionals, but seem to get diagnosed with depression only. Of course I only seek help when I am really down. I have been in therapy 3 different times and have tried antidepressants, too. I went off of the antidepressants because I didn't feel like me when on them. I feel helpless and confused.There appears to be psychological problems on my mother's side of the family, but no one seeks help. I keep wondering if it is bipolar 2. Any one have any advice?
Answer by Ralopib
Submitted on 6/30/2005
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I just wanted to say that if you HAVE bipolar that doesn't mean that you ARE bipolar.
If you have cancer, does that mean you are cancer?
Answer by lala
Submitted on 7/12/2005
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my husband has bipolar II and i want to know how can i help him?
Answer by Beau
Submitted on 8/14/2005
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Is it possibly to have both bipolar 1 and 2?
Answer by Dylan
Submitted on 8/26/2005
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I'm Dylan and 17 years old. I was diagnosed Bipolar II about a month ago, and went through some major profound life changing events. I had found out I had been depressed for approximately 5 years which was finally followed by a hypo-manic bliss. The hypo-manic bliss slowly went away after about 20 days leading me back to my old self.
When I was depressed I spent almost all of my time worrying about everything, but now that is just a lost concept. I never worry about anything and I have the best mental healthy I've ever had in my life.
Answer by h347h
Submitted on 8/30/2005
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I have yet to go to the psychologist and be diagnosed but my family and I have suspected for a rather long time now that I have some form of Bipolar disorder, minus the hallucinations. And it does run in the family, my Uncle was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder.
The imbalance in my head, seemed to occur after one particular event. A few years ago when I was about 15 years old, I smoked too much marijuana. I had severe anxiety attacks for months after and felt depressed for about 8-12months experiencing onsets of the extreme highs, fast floods of thoughts/ideas and the "increased self importance" mind frame.
Also, my concentration and memory after this seemed to fail me. I can barely cope with life now, I am very awkward socially, my school work has crashed and burnt (I used to receive top percents in the state for tests) and I push away anyone who tries to get close to me.
The trouble is, my brain dips into other symptoms of other mental illnesses also, ranging from tourette syndrome and epilepsy - I say "dips" because I will have about half the symptoms of each disorder.
With ties between
epileptic tendencies (muscle spasms and brief losses of consciousness)
tourette's (irritation -the itchy thing-, social withdrawal, a.d.d, mild ticks).
And it's all been getting worse lately.
I'm very confused about all the mental troubles I am having. I feel like there is a bath of water in my head, slowly filling up and I can't find the plug. A sort of pressure.
My highs and lows are often changed by things like alcohol consumption (alcoholism also runs in the family), level of tiredness, film and music (which, some how, trigger a sense of nostalgia leading to either temporary bliss and a false sense of spirit flight or depression), peer interaction.
If not the above, the more common switch for me is just TIME. As my mania can be either ephemeral or last quite a few weeks before I will alternate to my low. So I can't say that I am a rapid cycler or not, it just changes.
I often use the "bliss, spirit flight and flood of ideas" to create music, writing or paintings. Because I am good at expressing myself I can work up an idea of what my head is going through and come up with a metaphorical picture or description of it.
This is when I feel that I have some sort of "godly" ability and increased sense of self importance. Like my understanding of the world and life are different and are much higher grade than anyone else. I have to read threads like this to bring me back to earth and realise I'm just a manic.
I also get very paranoid - I'll think of all sorts of conspiracies, think everyone is out to get me and I won't trust anyone.
If I went into more detail about the things I am feeling here, in your opinion, is it enough to make some sort of answer?
Answer by momma
Submitted on 8/31/2005
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i am 25 years old and was diagnosed with bipolar 2, ocd, and social anxiety a few years back. all my life i had wondered what was wrong with me, always feeling different. i never felt comfortable in my own skin and often i still dont. ive always been more on the depressive side and i forever remember feeling like i was supposed to die and having an obsession about killing myself. i was more sensitive than most kids and still am even though i am now a woman. i am also a self- mutilater. i have been since i was a child as well. i would get so angry that i would slam my head against walls, stab and beat walls, cut or burn myself or punch myself in the head. i never showed my anger to other people and instead always took it out on myself...i am still very much that way. i was overweight for most of my childhood and in high school became anorexic after a big weight loss. in my early 20s i became bullemic and was still anorexic... i then started doing a lot of drugs...i refused to go to the doctor for so long, thinking that there shouldnt be anything wrong with me, but my loved ones had it with me and my crazy lows and highs all the time. i finally went and was first misdiagnosed as being severely depressed and was given an antidepressant which immediately sent me into mania. when i went to rehab for drug abuse i was finally told that i was bipolar 2 and was a very rapid cycler... i was so relieved to finally have an answer...but i was stil irresponsible and started to do drugs again and wouldnt take my meds. drugs make it so much worse..i wouldnt suggest it...i was on a medicine that made me very heavy but finally im on something different that helps me so much with impulse control and the cycling...i still feel the cycles so i have to be careful to check myself but i am not always able to control how i act or the way i react to things quick enough...like i said im a very sensitive person with serious deep seeded anger that ive never let come out so i have to be careful to take good care of myself and always be aware of my disorder and just accept it and live my life with it. i cant express enough how important it is for me to be sober and dealing with bipolar 2 because it is so much harder and this allows me to get to the deeper issues so that i can recover somewhat mentally.
Answer by kidd
Submitted on 9/3/2005
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I'd just like to say a few things... i've been diganosed w/ many things... i believe that doctors are out to make money n' get people to believe they are sick when they arent... people have mood swings... people get depressed, n' people are unhappy... for whatever reason... i'm sorry but a complete stranger cannot ask u questions and then decide if u are manic or not... i kno personally... yes, i don't feel right a lot of the time... but it's my own fault... i'm 21 n' have lived like this since i can remember... years back there was mania, depression, or bi polar... there were just crazy people... n' people w/ these "disorders" are not crazy... they are just looking for a quick fix... there is nothing wrong w/ us... people just have different emotionals... just like every person looks different... u have to deal w/ the cards u are delt... some people deal.. other people run to others for answers because they can't handle the pressure of deciding on their own... like i said... medication will just make u feel like a zombie... thats all it is... a stimulant... there is nothing wrong w/ us... some people just feel more/ or less then others... God made us a way for a reason... we don't need medication "drugs" to make us what society thinks we should be...
Answer by steph
Submitted on 9/7/2005
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NotSure23.... i know its been a long time since you posted but i hope you get to read this and got the help you needed when you needed it.
just because you get "passionate" about something does not make you bipolar. anyone can tell you that you are bipolar but in the end that is something only you can know for sure. it is possible that your mom was feeling isolated and lonely and was trying to find someone in her life that she could identify with in terms of her illness.
my advice to you would be to find out as much about bipolar disorder as you can and closely monitor your moods and keep records of your moods and your sleeping patterns. also, if you can, try and see a therapist. With records of your moods and sleeping patterns and you having a good understanding of the illness the therapist will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Answer by notquiteright
Submitted on 9/28/2005
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I am 39 years old now. My father committed suicide in 1986. In hindsite he was bipolar and self medicated with alcohol. He also had some anger issues. paranoia ect. My father was very intelligent so we believed everything he said. I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist 3 years ago with bipolar 2. I was in denial up until about 4 months ago. My psychiatrist put me on antidepressant Lexapro ect ect and ambien because of the insomnia i suffered. I never was straight with my doctor because I was terrified he would take me off of my xanax. I tried to committ suicide 2 times in the nineties. thought about it daily. This last summer I took a whole months perscription of xanax in less than 2 weeks. I tried to go cold turkey and ended up having convolsions in front of my children. I haven't drank in 10 years but all the sudden i decided I needed 3 bloody mary's and 3 ambien so I could sleep. My son called 911. I ended in mental health ward for 3 days. DX severe depression. Well perfect time my sister threated to take my kids from me, Ruin my nursing career. So I cut my wrist soon after that. She came over and dumped my xanax along with my ambien. I was up for 4 days straight, auditory hallucinations, delusional, thought my phone was tapped. My exhusband eventually got custody of my children. This last month I went to see my doctor earlier and told him everything. I am now taking depako and seroquel and effexor, and xanax for my anxiety. My family are in denial so I have had no contact with them. The hardest thing to get over was this has nothing to do with intelligence. Within two weeks of my new medication I have felt more normal than I have ever felt.
Answer by TRIPOLAR
Submitted on 11/1/2005
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just wondering .... i may have bipolar2 so says the doc but how in the world can anyone be sure of what the problem is. doesn't alot of it depend on how well i can articulate myself? i am such a mess that i am not sure i am or can get my points across. how ever will the doc know what's up?
Answer by heather*
Submitted on 11/20/2005
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Hi everyone!
I've been living with bipolar for almost ten years now (I'm 23). My wonderful diagnosis is early-onset rapid-cycling bipolar II. This disorder (and I hate to use that term since there is such a bad stigma associated with it) has impacted every area of my life: school, family, personal, work, financial (ya my credit card company got a little suspicious when a 700 dollar transaction went through at Sephora... hey I REALLY needed 5 mascaras, 15 eye shadows, 3 facial moisturizers and 4 lipsticks... did I mention I don't even wear makeup? haha). I have been on and off medications for years because every time I get sick, I take them, but then I get better, decide I'm not bipolar anymore and stop taking the meds. Needless to say, it always comes back; and each time, it seems, with a vengeance.
I just wanted to write this to let people know that it's normal to be confused with your diagnosis and even to struggle with its acceptance. Educate yourself. Become an expert on your disorder... it helps, really. Just remember, for all the darkness associated with this disorder there is also something very beautiful; some of the greatest thinkers and creators in history were either bipolar or thought to be. To name just a few... Einstein, Newton, Plato, Beethoven, Van Gogh...you. :)
Peace and love.
Answer by BlackMage
Submitted on 11/21/2005
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The major difference between Bipolar 1 and 2 is that with 2 you don't usually get high manics. However you can get more crippling lows (some argue this is Bipolar NOS).
I have had one major manic episode in my life, but I have SEVERE DEPRESSIONS (some lasting weeks in which I can barely leave my bed).
I was diagnosed my sophomore year of high school. I ignored it and by my senior year I attempted to commit suicide. Thank god my brother skipped practice. I say this so that you will know, that you shouldn't ignore how your problem, it can get worse.
Answer by jazzman
Submitted on 12/5/2005
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Hi folk
I'm a 38 yr old male was just told that I have bipolar 2. I think it is very hard from a new people to get thought. I'm asking this question how do you and your spouse get thought everything
Answer by the mother
Submitted on 12/11/2005
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my son has been diagnosed (24) with bipolar 2..how do you live with him without driving you or him nuts>
Answer by Abstracto
Submitted on 12/15/2005
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I'm 18 and have been diagnosed with Bipolar 2. I am currently trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I thought I had some idea when I was doing my HSC, moved away and went to Uni, but have since come back because my mind was going nuts and its easier back home with my family. Racing thoughts is my biggest flaw.
Answer by rogue-saint
Submitted on 12/16/2005
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I've recently been diagnosed with bipolar 2. I didn't understand how that could be with only my understanding of Manic-Depressive Disorder. My Grandmother had it. I didn't even know that there was such a thing as bipolar 2. After researching the disorder,and after reading your stories and answers, I understand why they have diagnosed me with bipolar 2. I feel no euphoric stage. I wake up feeling agitated,irritable or even "evil". I take my morning dose. Clonazapam 1mg. and Lithium 300mg ER, go back to sleep and wake just before my next dose time, about 3 hours later. Then, still feeling aggressive and dangerous,yet controlled, I take my next Clonazapam and my anti-depressant Effexor 75mg. After those take effect, I calm down. I'm more amiable but slightly depressed. I'm used to that feeling. I was diagnosed with Major depressive disorder with reoccuring panic attacks three years ago. My panic attacks are so violent that they have been compared to seizures, except I'm usually aware of my surroundings,and have some control. Sometimes I can talk, othertimes I can not. I also can feel them coming on and how severe they will be 95% of the time. Weird huh? I'm 34 years old. I've been dealing with some sort of health problem since I was 16. After all these years of being in and out of hositals, and mental wards, I've adopted the word "NEXT" to be my battle cry.... Life closes a door, God opens a window.... My Faith, Hope, sheer will, family, and friends are what keep me going. It can always get worse, I know, I've been there. I've tried to commit suicide. I've heared voices telling me to kill myself. I've been suicidal since I was 6 years old... With the help of good Dr's and medication, I no longer have to put up with that torment. Now, I can be in control of thoughs thoughts...... So, now I have BiPolar 2. BRING IT ON!!! I'm ready. NEXT!!
Answer by Shar
Submitted on 12/23/2005
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I am not sure if i have bipolar 2 disorder. my psychiatrist thinks i might but i never had a problem with mood cycling until this summer at age 17. i feel as though this developed all of a sudden and its strange cuz i never had problems like this before.
it is a pretty steady pattern..in the begining of the week i am so depressed. i end up cutting myself and i really wanna kill myself. i get really tired and i am really quiet and in a bad mood around my friends and i feel as though everything i say is stupid and i have nothing to say to anyone
then later in the week on Thursday and Friday i get really happy. i am in a wonderful mood. everything is just great..i start doing amazingly on tests. i am really talkative. I feel like i have so much to say and i feel like all the right things come out of my mouth. then it kinda worsen and on Sunday and Monday its ok but then i get crazy depressed on Tuesday