diagnosed with bipolar help?

Question

i was just recently (last week) diagnosed with bipolar disease. i searched on the internet what this actually meant and it came up with manic depressive disorder. i do not feel depressed half the time and i get really happy sometimes. the doctor did not explain this but what do bipolar - people do thats 'unnormal'

Answer 1

Hi...

I have bipolar disorder, too.. It used to be referred to as manic depressive illness, yes. These days, not so much.

Bipolar disorder is classified as a MOOD disorder. A person can have depressive episodes, anxiety, and then some normal phases. You can become "happy" or "manic", as it is referred to in the medical books -- sometimes mania comes with agitation and sometimes it comes with impulsive behavior (some examples are spending too much money, talking a lot, lack of sleep, drinking <-- please try to avoid drinking, it makes us worse!)

I think that the first GOOD thing that's happened for you is that you have a diagnosis... so you know why your moods swing around... and now you have a better chance to get a handle on it.

There are many websites for self-help, and forums for bipolars, too... forums are great in that we can post our thoughts and feelings, make friends who have the same issues and problems.. and get support and sometimes good advice!

You are also welcome to join the mental health forum in which i am a member -- it's small, and the people are caring and supportive... all ages from teens to people in their 50's. It is www.mentalworldhaven.com.

If you do a web search on BIPOLAR DISORDER SELF-HELP you will find a lot of good information!!

take care.... and let me know how you are doing from time to time?

[e-mail]

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder means that you switch from being excessively happy (or irritable) and very depressed, but that doesn't mean that you are depressed or happy and nothing else. In fact, people with manic depression/bipolar disorder do experience periods of stability even years of stability (with or without medications). To get a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you just need one manic episode (lasting at least a week) and probably at least one depressive episode (lasting at least two weeks) that's all! That means if only three weeks out of your life you were 'crazy' and you've lived 30 years, you can still have bipolar disorder! Although, it's more likely you're episodes have lasted longer or happened more frequently... Having four or more episodes per year is rapid cycling.

Right. I do suggest you ask your doctor about the diagnosis he's given you. I'd ask her why and I'd ask her for some recomendations for books so that you can learn more about your diagnosis and what exactly it means.

Good luck! (I'd also consider a second opinion. It's an overly diagnosed illness and you're better safe than sorry when it comes to medication side effects etc.)

Answer 3

In a nutshell, bipolar disorder means you can go from being very sad, to very happy, to very angry in a matter of minutes. Its a chemical inbalance in your brain. Even though you might not notice it, people around you probably do. Once you are on your meds for a month or so you might feel a little more mellowed out. Anyhow hope this helps ya.

Answer 4

Bipolar disorder is manic depression.
It basically means that you switch between being depressed and been manic, although you can have lesser episodes (Bipolar II) which means you have hypomania, which is less than mania, but still get the depression.

Answer 5

"Bipolar Disorder" is just another name for being human. No-one in their right mind is going to be happy all the time ... things set you off, things unconsciously remind of unhappiness, and it happens all around you with most people. The medication prescribed for bipolar numbs you, dulls your senses, which results also in feeling less happy. I know it's become popular to be labelled with psychological disorders and I know (and don't care) that what I'm saying is therefore unpopular, but what you haven't been told, is that when the doctors prescribe drugs, they get financial kickbacks / rewards (trust me, they'll deny it). And also trust me, I've seen (and had to treat) the patients of psychiatric drugs. I suggest you get some fresh air, get regular excercise (or at the very least a good daily walk), eat healthy food, get enough sleep and take a few health supplements (especially vitamin B1).

Answer 6

These sites might help.
http://www.mcmanweb.com/bpfaq1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bipolar_disorder
http://www.bipolar-lives.com