Are these symptoms of bipolar

[lagatta]

I've always been an overly-sensitive, people pleaser who experiences a lot of guilt for things that I shouldn't.  I have a hard time taking care of my needs because I put other people first.  Is this part of being bipolar or is this just a characteristic/learned behaviour?  Also, when I talk about sensitivity I'm not only refering to emotional but also physical (ie. to pain, hunger, etc.)  

[jimgreg]

there are sooo  many  difft bipolar that ive found out..people live there lives everyday and work..then things stat  happening to them and there spouses,friends etc..then they realize that something is wrong..guilt plays a heavy role in this mental bp..just keep on posting here..you will get what ur looking for....good luck too you my friend  james

[lagatta]

I read up on the "highly sensitive person" and it describes me to a tea.  I certainly wish I had tougher skin!  Is there a pill for that?!    

As far as assertiveness goes, it's difficult to be assertive if you don't have self-esteem!   And yes, I do feel my feelings very intensely.  

[therese83]

Yes

There are highly sensitive persons.  I can see it in the kids I teach, others have an 'easier' time, the ones with the thicker skin

I would love some thicker skin, I really would!

[bioclock1]

there is a phenomenon known as HSP (highly sensitive persons). Google it and read what comes up about it. Some will find that such information perfectly describes who they are, others won't relate at all. In either case, its interesting to read.

[Jester2005]

I have to say that hubby often tells me that I'm "over-reacting" to things and now I know why - Thanks everyone! I feel better knowing that I'm not the only one, hehe...

I also try to treat others as I wish to be treated, and sometimes it's treating them as they wish to be treated... but most often now it's "treat them as they treat me"... kinda.
If you're mean to me, like a co-worker, I'll just ignore you and think nasty thoughts to myself, LOL...

[bernie40]

I've always lived by the rule, treat others as you wish to be treated.  I have sadly had to alter my way of thinking over the years in order to "protect" myself.  I remain respectful of people I meet but if they treat me bad then I let them know.  

I really don't understand why so many folk find it so hard to be nice to others.  This is a very judgemental world we live in.

I would rather be over sensitive than have no sensitivity at all.

[irishwriter]

yeah, been told i'm hypersensitive all the time. i just don't get why people have to be  mean! very 'pollyanna' of me I know but it does make it diffiuclt to stand up to bullies who have over the years make my life miserable. (and i've taught assertiveness classes! the problem is the people who don't seem to realise that other people have the same rights they have!) maybe there should be a course on 'how not to be mean'!!!!!

btw lagatta, have you been diagnosed with bp?

[Narnia41]

Hi, from all the info I've read about Bipolar it seems that it's true that we all have an increased sensitivity to any emotion, good or bad...and that's why we sometimes overreact in the way that we do!  So 'hyper sensitivity' appears to go with the territory.

[monkeyc]

Yeah join the club, Id have a happy marriage if it was not true...

[bernie40]

aadel, that is a very interesting point regarding heightened intensity.  If I had a pound for every time I've been called over sensitive I'd be a very rich woman indeed. :-)

[aadel]

I find this thread really interesting because I have lived with hypersensitivity for all of my life.  If this is the only thing that plagues you, then, yes, perhaps you don't have BP.  But maybe you're in the same boat as I:  The hypersensitivity tends to heighten the intensity of the symptoms we experience.  

You should investigate further.

[bernie40]

There should be a pill that makes everyone a nice person ;-)

The difficulty with being nice is that folk tend to take advantage of you, especially when you feel the need to please people.  It is worth getting a professional opinion just to be sure about what's going on.  If you are lucky and have no diagnosis then it may be worth joining an assertiveness group and learning to "put yourself first".

[lagatta]

Aww, thanks guys!  I appreciate your kind feedback.  And yes Boise, it is really difficult  to be so sensitive. Is there a pill for that?  Ha. Ha.

[Boise Idaho]

I have very similar characteristics.  It is hard when you are such a sensitive person.  I was diagnosed as BiPolar over 3 years ago.  I am not sure if the two go together.  Please, go in for a consultation - you are asking important questions.  You may not have a chemical imbalance.  Either way, I do recommend dealing with the issues of being so sensitive now - it will make life much easier . . . you do sound like a very nice person.  I wish you all the best!

[GeorgiaAnnie]

you do sound like a nice person...remember to be good to yourself, let go the guilt, and enjoy life.

Things are getting better..
Ann

[bernie40]

This doesn't sound like common symptoms of BP to me, it does sound similar to some of the symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder - but I'm not a psychiatrist or psychologist.

On the other hand it could just be your personality - you sound like a very nice person :-)

[ILADVOCATE]

Could be both. "Feelings of guilt" are a typical part of the depressive phase of bipolar. However, there still could be psychological issues as well.