Bipolar?

[mrsampersand]

I just started seeing a new therapist and he thinks that I might be bipolar. It would make a lot of sense, actually. I just don't know what to do. My "up swings," if that's what they are, are the best part of my life. I feel like I can do anything and for the longest time I thought that was my true personality. Free, expressive, creative. Battling depression I always thought back to those good times... but what if that's my illness too? I don't know what to do.
I want to get better but if everything I've ever known is a lie what can I do?

[Ballerina123]

I think it would be good for you to get a clear diagnosis so you know what to do next.
If it is bipolar medications and therapy can help you manage your moods.
I have schizoaffective bipolar type and medication and therapy have saved my life and career.

[tiptoes]

Hi there,

I have bipolar too, it is only in the last couple of years that I have been diagnosed. It was a bit of a shock at first that some of the times when I have felt fantastic were actually something wrong. I've had therapy on how to manage my moods and am on medication and things are much better. I still get mood swings but they are much more manageable, the lows are less debilitating and the highs generally stick at being pleasantly high. Just because the highs might be part of an illness that doesn't mean that they aren't also part of you.

Did your therapist suggest speaking to a doctor to get their opinion?

Do you have any questions about bipolar you'd like answering?

[mrsampersand]

I have an appointment with a psychiatrist but its been really hard to get in during this time of year. Its incredibly frustrating because I think that I'm on the wrong medication and its making me pretty weirded out...

[mrsampersand]

Welp, I did get diagnosed. Bipolar-unspecified for insurance, though she's thinking bipolar 1 since I've had such severe swings and some psychotic symptoms. We have further appointments to talk more...

I guess one my questions is how do you recognize when your highs are becoming a problem? At the time, all of my "mania" seemed completely rational but it has caused me a lot of problems with my school/work. I'm starting medication but I'm worried that I won't know when I'm starting to become irrational again?

What are some key signs that you guys are entering a manic period? Depression at least is pretty straight forward...

[sherlock holmes]

For me the key signs are that my thoughts start to race, I talk more- sometimes louder and faster, I fixate on certain topics that I get excited about to the point of obsession. I spend larger amounts of money sometimes on stuff I am convinced will change my life but I never use again. I have thoughts that my life is utterly perfect and amazing and I feel SO happy!

I'm glad you have more appointments. It would be a good idea to keep a mood and symptom diary so you can chart your moods and establish your warning signs and patterns.

[yoyogirl]

I wish to also point out that having high period can be okay but when things start getting out of hand to point that its affecting your work/school then it becomes a problem.