Aa
Am I Bi-polar ? How do you really know ?
I had a visit with my doctor a few weeks ago and he suggested that I may be bi-polar. But I'm middle aged now - so why haven't I been diagnosed earlier in all of my other doctors visits? I have moved around as well, and none of the other doctors I have seen in my life have suggested this. The definition of bi-polar seems to be not necessarily vague but rather subjective - depending on ones observations. Can you just suddenly become bi-polar? I have a highly stressful job and have experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the years because of it. I have also recently gotten clean from a pain killer addiction - so I know after years of abuse - the emotions experienced during withdrawal can fluctuate wildly as well. I just don't really know what to think. Doctors aren't perfect and he may have made a mis-diagnosis. I am going to get a second opinion from another specialist- but can anyone here help me with this? Do you just know you have it - or do you just go with what the "expert" doctor says?
Wow, thanks for your heartfelt and enlightening response. Im glad you could relate to my situation. I think I will take your advice and get a copy of DSM-IV and analyze its content to see if I exhibit some of the characteristics. It must be difficult for anyone to accept the diagnosis - you are positively correct, it connotates a negative bias to the misinformed majority. Are you able to divulge the medication you find appropriate for the treatment?
I saw your post and wanted to reach out to you. I might have a little bit of a different perspective as I have bipolar disorder (atypical because I have had mixed episodes) and I also work in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
I'll talk about my experience with being diagnosed first. I went through years of chronic anxiety, agitation, aggression, euphoria, depression... everything under the sun of emotions. They all were really intense and it wore me out to the point that I missed most of my senior year. My mental health was affecting my physical health and vice versa. Finally I met a wonderful psychiatrist but it took me going through a terrible relationship with another psychiatrist beforehand. When I met my current psychiatrist seven years ago, "Dr. C" talked with me about what I'd been feeling and we met several times. We talked about my spending sprees, rapid speech, erratic emotions, etc. When she came to her conclusion of me having Bipolar Disorder, she didn't label me but rather did something that I wish that ALL individuals in the mental health field would do: she told me to go home and read up about Bipolar Disorder and see if I felt like it was fitting. The next session we looked at the DSM-IV and based on the ability to check off a certain amount of symptoms I had been experiencing, I was able to gently accept the fact that I did indeed have Bipolar Disorder. So that may be a good way for you to go about researching what you feel like you might be living with. I recommend going to a bookstore that has a copy of the DSM-IV and NOT self-diagnosing but rather, just mull over what you read about the various types of mental disorders, starting with Bipolar Disorder.
In my experience with working at this drug and alcohol treatment program, I've noticed that many of the clients have used drugs to self-medicate underlying mental health issues (as you've noted). One trend that I've picked up on is that a lot of women choose drugs that give the opposite effects of their moods sans drugs. I have many friends in recovery as well as family members and all of them have curiously chosen drugs or alcohol to counteract their other extreme natural tendencies. Again, this is not something that I would say is "expert advice," but it is something worth looking at.
There was a long time where I wasn't ready to start taking medication. I had excuses and reasons that were valid only to me. I wasn't ready to accept that I had Bipolar Disorder at first either because it had such a negative connotation in my mind. After years of emotional pain, though, I caved. As soon as I got on the medication that was right for me (took a couple of tries with different medications), I felt like my true Self. I didn't feel sedated, I still had moods, and I was able to get through the day without feeling like I was going to tear my hair out. Best said is in an analogy: I went from flying back and forth between the Arctic and Jamaica to living in a place that had all four seasons. And I'm much happier here.
I hope this helps!
Positive thoughts, warmth, and light...
I'll talk about my experience with being diagnosed first. I went through years of chronic anxiety, agitation, aggression, euphoria, depression... everything under the sun of emotions. They all were really intense and it wore me out to the point that I missed most of my senior year. My mental health was affecting my physical health and vice versa. Finally I met a wonderful psychiatrist but it took me going through a terrible relationship with another psychiatrist beforehand. When I met my current psychiatrist seven years ago, "Dr. C" talked with me about what I'd been feeling and we met several times. We talked about my spending sprees, rapid speech, erratic emotions, etc. When she came to her conclusion of me having Bipolar Disorder, she didn't label me but rather did something that I wish that ALL individuals in the mental health field would do: she told me to go home and read up about Bipolar Disorder and see if I felt like it was fitting. The next session we looked at the DSM-IV and based on the ability to check off a certain amount of symptoms I had been experiencing, I was able to gently accept the fact that I did indeed have Bipolar Disorder. So that may be a good way for you to go about researching what you feel like you might be living with. I recommend going to a bookstore that has a copy of the DSM-IV and NOT self-diagnosing but rather, just mull over what you read about the various types of mental disorders, starting with Bipolar Disorder.
In my experience with working at this drug and alcohol treatment program, I've noticed that many of the clients have used drugs to self-medicate underlying mental health issues (as you've noted). One trend that I've picked up on is that a lot of women choose drugs that give the opposite effects of their moods sans drugs. I have many friends in recovery as well as family members and all of them have curiously chosen drugs or alcohol to counteract their other extreme natural tendencies. Again, this is not something that I would say is "expert advice," but it is something worth looking at.
There was a long time where I wasn't ready to start taking medication. I had excuses and reasons that were valid only to me. I wasn't ready to accept that I had Bipolar Disorder at first either because it had such a negative connotation in my mind. After years of emotional pain, though, I caved. As soon as I got on the medication that was right for me (took a couple of tries with different medications), I felt like my true Self. I didn't feel sedated, I still had moods, and I was able to get through the day without feeling like I was going to tear my hair out. Best said is in an analogy: I went from flying back and forth between the Arctic and Jamaica to living in a place that had all four seasons. And I'm much happier here.
I hope this helps!
Positive thoughts, warmth, and light...
I think so but what is the true def. of manic? I have an extremely stressful job and have people working under me - sometimes I get thinking so fast and get angry It's like I'm on cocaine or meth or something (although I've never tried that so who knows) Some situations I feel like I can take on the world and get really egotistical and sarcastic. But am I just overconfident? I don't stay in these "elevated" excited moods for long - just during times of stress. Don't we all?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Bipolar Disorder Community
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
