Bipolar 2
 

Hey everyone.

I was diagnosed a few months back with Bipolar 2. I was just wondering what everyone else's experience was with it and if I could find out a bit more about the disorder.

I have found out a bit from reading the information the guy gave me and from what I've been told from people, but I don't know, It's not really sinking in.
I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety disorder as well as dissociative disorder (which is being investigated further :ermm: ).

anyway, thank you for reading :-)

I'm afraid I don't know a lot about bipolar II, though I'm sure others will! From what I understand, it is diagnosed after at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, so like if you've had a period of being depressed at some point, and also a period of hypomania (high energy levels, elation, etc- like mania but much less marked) then you could be diagnosed with it.

You've mentioned dissociative disorder which I do know a lot about as I care for my partner who has DDNOS, but not sure if you're wanting more info on that, so just putting it out there that I can ramble about dissociative disorders if required!

I dont believe I have bipolor either. They think I have bipolor rapid cycling.
It sucks I know.

Thank you both for your replies.

Narcissa - the psych who diagnosed me said that due to the severe depressive episodes with the mainly hypomanic episodes in between that he believes it is bipolar 2, though the full manic episodes are a cause for concern and will be monitored. Thank you for your offer a ramble :)

Lauri Lauri - It is not really that i don't believe i have bipolar as the evidence and what the psych and others doctors have said make it hard to refute, i am just not that clued up on it. thank you for you support :)

I am Bipolar and for me, I guess, it seems to have such an individual pattern for each person it is hard to plan for or get a good grasp of. I have read some articles on it but they are so vague because of the variability of the disorder they aren't too helpful.

Sorry that was probably a rather pointless post but that is how I have found reading up on it.

Thanks StoicNight :) I think I am finding the same thing. everytime i try and find out some information, it seems to go round in circles sometimes.
Thank you for replying :)

I have bipolar 1 but with medication I only ever go hypomanic.

I'm not totally sure what info you want so if you have some specific questions I can answer them but now you have been diagnosed you are one step closer to being treated.

When I was first diagnosed I found the book "bipolar disorder for dummies" really helpful.

thank you, i will look at that :)
I am not sure i have any specific questions, maybe, just like what did you find the hardest?

For me the hardest thing is the depressions.

I go manic on anti depressants so am kind of stuck so to speak.

That said I have worked with my care coordinator over the last three years and I have got a lot better at looking after myself and am slowly rebuilding my life so there is a lot of hope out there!

thank you for replying, I am finding the lack of consistency difficult and as the treatment is still in its infancy I feel like im being pushed from pillar to post

I am diagnosed with bipolar 2 but mostly I doubt it..especially now. I guess I have been hitting lows more than highs for quite awhile and my highs were never really super extreme when I got older.

I find with meds I am mostly stable. I find the depressions the hardest to deal with.
I found mood diaries helpful at first and noting signs and symptoms.

i am finding it hard to adapt to taking the mood stabilisers as they are making me feel so awful. It also doesn't help that my anxiety has shot through the roof. thank you so much for all your replies :)

It took me awhile with mood stabilisers and finding the right med/doses. Ring you cmht if I gets too much and they will try and sort the medication out.

Thanks, I think ill have to do that soon :/ I know this won't be a quick fix but it is quite reassuring that something is happening to help