I've just been told by my mother that talked to my doctor that I am having a "manic episode". I know that means a break through of some sort. I haven't been sleeping well and I've had a lot of energy when I should be dead tired. My emotions are all over - BUT THE TRUTH IS I FEEL FINE! Like, I don't feel bad or icky or anything. My doctor says I may be Bipolar. What do I do? I'm afraid now people with think less of me. I'm actually scared...
Any advice on how to handle this new life change?
And please no mean comments. I posted this question elsewhere and ppl were really insensitive and I don't need that.
2006-07-26 03:57:37 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
If you are bipolar that's nothing that's your fault. There are medications that can help with this condition. You should not be afraid if this is the case. You would have much more to fear if this condition wasn't diagnosed.
2006-07-26 04:02:10 · answer #1 · answered by clarity 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOTS of people are bipolar, or have some other kind of mental illness, so there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. The only people who are going to "think less" of you are people who are stupid -- and who cares what those idiots think, right?
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. But the good news is, bipolar disorder can be treated, and there is no reason why it has to control your life any longer.
A manic episode isn't really a "break through" -- it's one of the dramatic mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. It's the UP or HIGH mood swing, when you have an extreme boost in your energy, become restless, can't sleep, are distracted, etc. One of the symptoms of a manic episode? DENIAL -- hence your statement above that you "feel fine."
The opposite side of the disorder is the depressive episode, when you may suddenly feel overwhelmed by sadness or anxiety. You may feel hopeless, guilty, restless. You may lose interest in everything you used to enjoy doing. This is the LOW or DOWN stage of bipolar disorder.
There are a variety of very effective medications out there to treat bipolar disorder, including lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Neurontin, Topamax, and other mood-stabilizers. Talk to your doctor about what treatment is right for you.
Most importantly, though, know that you are NOT alone in this -- there are over 5 million people in the United States alone who have bipolar disorder. And as soon as you find the right treatment, you'll be on the path to getting better. Hang in there!
2006-07-26 11:06:24 · answer #2 · answered by Meg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Manic means that you are wide awake, firing on all cylinders, and doing well. The only problem comes when you are not manic - then you come down with a bump.
Nobody has to know you are manic. Ask your family to let you know gently if you are bothering them. Otherwise, get as much done and have as much fun as possible during the "manic episode" (Sounds like a particularly gruesome soap opera, doesn't it).
As for the other end, the depression stage, you may need some meds for this part. Don't feel bad about asking for them. Then when you hit the high point again, don't take them.
Most manic depressives would be quite happy to continue the manic part, but would love to lose the depressive part.
Your family will probably want you to see the doctor. Be honest, and be nice, but tell him that you feel fine, and would like to continue to feel fine.
2006-07-26 11:09:34 · answer #3 · answered by Delora Gloria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youll be fine. Im pretty sure no one thinks less of people for having an emotional disorder. Just try and handle it as well as you can. You dont need to tell people that you have bi-polar. Only close friends who might understand why you sometimes act the way you do.
Take it one step at a time. I know it will be hard... But I bet your a strong person. You can get through it.
Theres no need to broadcast it to people ...They dont need to know...And they probably wont think your a freak either. I doubt it.
Life is tough. But it is also what you make it. Good luck sweetie. =]
2006-07-26 11:13:44 · answer #4 · answered by allhopelost6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People that are bi-polar do have manic episodes sometimes they last a short time and other times they can last for months.The down side to being bi-polar is that when you are not in manic mode you can be in deep depression.Medication can usually help reduce these symptoms of bi-polar disorder.People that are bi-polar can lead normal lives despite of this with therapy and medications.I know when you are first diagnosed it is scary and you don't want to feel different but noone needs to know but you what you are diagnosed with.Good luck!
2006-07-26 11:17:44 · answer #5 · answered by daddysgirl92280 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that is one of the symptoms of being manic, where you feel fine (in fact, even great) even though you shouldn't be.
Don't be afraid or scared of how people will treat you. You need help and you're getting it. Listen to your doctors and take their advice. I'm sure there are lots of websites and support groups online who will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Good luck and stay strong!
2006-07-26 11:03:04 · answer #6 · answered by mikah_smiles 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not matter what others think only your happiness. Read this whole page that is about you. It actually explains that your happiness is the most important thing in the universe.
Plus it explains your true relationship with others. Also last 2 sentence have more info on getting help with bipolar for people who have it with natural healthy things they can do to help it with advice from MDs.
http://phifoundation.org/happiness.html
2006-07-26 11:38:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't panic, many people live with conditions that are monitored with medication and live perfectly normal lives. Then again the doctor could be wrong, time will tell. Stay calm and maybe do a bit of research. Patty Duke wrote a book about her life with this it is called "Call Me Anna", your library should have it. Good Luck to you.
2006-07-26 11:08:08 · answer #8 · answered by Maria b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel fine, why do you think you would have bi-polar. I dont know if they can actually test you for it. But remember, it's a doctors job to find something wrong with you, even if theres nothing wrong. Your emotions could be playing up for a number of reasons-- hormones, stress, diet etc. I would get a second opinion before you go labelling yourself.
2006-07-26 11:06:34 · answer #9 · answered by Jimbo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sort of went through the same thing, I was on an emotional roller coaster, I slept at tops about 3-4 hours a night, I have alot of engergy as well, the first thing I had done was my Thyriod levels checks. if was off, which caused the roller coaster ride. I cann't hope you as far as the rest of your questions. But to get my self to rest, I started writing poems and relaxation as well. It couldn't hurt. it helped me. good luck
My best wishes are with you.
2006-07-26 11:48:28 · answer #10 · answered by RAINBOW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋