people with bipolar disorder?

Question

how do you feel when you are diagnosed with this and what are some of your feelings/actions when you are manic?

Answer 1

For me when I first found out in a way it was a relief to finally have a reason for being/acting like I do. When manic I talk to much get these great ideas of how I will do this and that. I feel basically on top of the world like nothing could knock me down again. take care good luck

Answer 2

Initialy I was upset but then I was very relieved. It explained some some of my behavior that I did not understand. It made be feel less shame and guilt to know I was "sick" as opposed to "bad".

The fact is that bipolar is one of the most treatable conditions and once a person gets a correct diagnosis, faces the relaity, and gets the right treatment such as an effective modd stabilizing medication like lithium, life can be great again.

When I was manic I did 4 of the most typical manic bipolar things: 1. I was hypersexual, 2. Overspending and crazy financial behavior, 3. Impulsive words and deeds without understanding other others would perceive and respond, 4. very irritible and grumpy about little things that did not realy matter.

Please visit the link below and you can read my story and about treatment and other peoples stories in some detail.

Bipolar is a "spectrum" disorder. There are different forms and some ppl are very mild - not at all extreme or like the bipolar stereotype. Some stuff you will relate to but other things probabaly won't apply at all. There are many faces of bipolar so definitions quoted out of textbooks may not be something that you relate to. There are some great rela life stories published by celebrities like Patty Duke and Kay Redfield Jamison - sometimes these are easier to get a handle on.

Don't worry - I know the initial diagnosis is a freak-out but things really can get better :)

Answer 3

I know that some people feel relief while others are in disbelief. That typically determines who will work to find the right meds and who won't. I am not bi-polar, but have observed the feelings and actions up-close and personal. It really depends on the degree of the disorder you experience, but some are so severe that they will actually drive someone nuts when they are manic. It can range from being a bit compulsive with eating, gambling, shopping and can balloon into compulsive spending to the degree that they put themselves into bankruptcy. Manic can manifest itself into sexual extremes or it can be as simple as someone who walks around smiling and joking all the time - even when it isn't appropriate. As for the feelings, it can create this overwhelming happiness that is euphoric. A lot of bi-polars self-medicate and abuse drugs or drink heavily. The ones who drink heavily are often more bingers than steady drinkers.

Answer 4

Bipolar disorder, is a very extreme disorder, and one that is often misdiagnosed. True bipolar people will go from one extreme to the other within a matter of days when having a bipolar episode for example, they will go through a manic phase, they will go through a manic phase where they will experience extreme adrenaline, or extreme happiness, they may stay awake for days on end without being able to sleep etc and then suddenly they will be at the oposite end, very depressed, possibly suicidal, sluggish, lazy, possibly in a comatose state. So people are often misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder simply because they have mood swings. Bipolar disorder is much more severe and extreme than a simple mood swing that anyone could have, most bipolar patients will end up spending some time in a hospital, because as long as their bipolar disorder goes untreated they are very dangerous to themselves, and possibly even others when they are experiencing a manic phase, there are medications and treatments that are used very effectively to treat bipolar disorder, and once they have been in the hospital long enough for the medication to really take effect they are often released and able to live fairly normal lives for as long as they stay on their meds, but as is the problem with many mental illnesses, the people get out and see how much better they fell since taking the medication and think they don't need them anymore, stop taking them and then end up in the hospital again. I hope I've helped some, if you have anymore questions feel free to email me.

Answer 5

i kind of knew, so the Rx really wasnt a surprise.

when i am manic, nothing bothers me. i am happy and patient. i get a lot done. i have no problem working out and being with my family.

when i cycle down, i can't hardly get motivated to get out of bed. i grow quiet and withdrawn. i can feel each coming and going, but nothing stops them much. with time and recovery, i have learned to counter it somewhat, and on the oustide people see a more consistant me, but inside i am the same. i just manage it better, and the meds help.

Answer 6

i dont know but the series house once did an episode with a guy having a bipolar disorder

Answer 7

i'd read up more about this condition and prepare myself mentally when the extreme moods swings by.

take care

Answer 8

do not ever label yourself as mentally ill - it is very damaging to label yourself. if other people think you are - then they can think that -but never label yourself.

Answer 9

I'd never marry a bi polar again

Answer 10

I think you should read this. Pretty well describes it.