How to tell if youre bipolar?

Question

The other week, I had an appointment with my doctor, and she told me that I might be bipolar. I hadn't told her a lot of the facts though.
But for the past few months, Ive felt miserable. Crying over nothing every night, and just laying in bed all day and not having any motivation. But then recently, about two days ago, everything changed. I wake up early, exercise, shower, try to eat healthier, and I have a smile on my face over nothing half the time. Its pretty weird because its a drastic change.

Answer 1

Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively ‘high,’ overly good, euphoric mood
Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
Racing thoughts and talking very fast
Jumping from one idea to another
Little sleep needed
Increased sexual drive
Spending sprees
Poor judgment
Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
Extreme irritability
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Denial that anything is wrong
Lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
Change in appetite and / or unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic pain or persistent bodily symptoms not caused by illness or injury
Thoughts of death or suicide / suicide attempts

Answer 2

If you go to the site below you can do a free professional online bipolar test that is exactly the same as a psychiatrist would administer. Test yourself and see if it gives you more insight.

If you are bipolar think seriously about seeing an expert - your local doctor may not know all the latest info and all the subtle nuances involved.

But most of all - please don't worry. I am bipolar and went through a very bad time, but now I have the right diagnosis and meds everthing is great again. Hang in there, take some tests, and don't freak - it is a treatable condition and everything will be fine.

You have already taken the right steps and shown a great attitude by being proactive about your health and starting your research. Good luck :)

Answer 3

It doesn't sound like bipolar, in my opinion. Suddenly waking up early and having the motivation to eat well and smiling all of the time is not mania. Sounds like you definitely have depression, though, but in your case it sounds like you don't go from low to high, but from low to normal. Maybe you should have your thyroid checked; a low thyroid can cause depression and loss of motivation. Clinical depression is defined as lasting two weeks or more, but I don't buy that. Depression is depression and it should be treated. Being depressed sporadically, for say three days in a row and then having a few days of normal mood and then going back into depression is just as disrupting and upsetting as so-called major clinical depression. But of course, your doctor knows more about you then any of us on this board, and for her to think that you might have bipolar, well, then, you must have some of the symptoms. I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 4

it sounds to me that you are that's the exact description, but don't sweat it it becomes easier once you get an understanding of it and figure out when you're manic or depressed and know when you're over reacting or making things out to be worse when you're depressed and about to do some crazy extream act or making a big change or commitment when you're manic.
the medication isn't supposed to make everything go away just gives you a boost while you deal with your problems, but not all medications work the same and make things better some makes it worse and you need to tell your doctor so he'll put you on a new one, I learned medication is like marriage you have to find the right one. and what ever you do never stop taking your medication completely,it'll make you worse for a while afterwards you have to slowly decrease it let the chimicals slowly fade and sneak out. but don't feel bad about yourself and feel like you won't ever be successful, bipolar ppl tent to have a very high IQ. here's some ppl.

http://www.bipolarsupport.org/famous.html

http://www.mentaljokes.com/famous_manic.html

http://www.geocities.com/coverbridge2k/artsci/famous_people_depression.html

Answer 5

Hi
I am also Bipolar 1, severe and I can't agree more with Bratster's answer. Their answer to me is the most informative and accurate one.

Please, Bipolar or not, depression or something else, please make sure you are monitored properly by a doctor it is vital.

From what you are describing it is textbook depression.

Answer 6

Well, bipolar occurs in cycles. Low (depressive) cycles and high (manic) cycles. Perhaps you just changed from cycle to the other.

Answer 7

It's quite possible. Keep in touch with your doctor and maybe keep a diary of your symptoms and moods. Good luck. 2D

Answer 8

Yep, sounds like you're bipolar. Why didn't you tell your doctor everything? They can't treat you correctly if you're not honest.

Answer 9

RABBITS description of being bipolar is textbook ,i think you should read BRATSTERS answer IS PROBABLY THE RIGHT ONE.GOOD LUCK.

Answer 10

i would record your daily mood swings and keep a note to show your DR on next visit please [note a test on web md for more info. on the subject] it can help with any questions you might have , it helped me help my dr. with the options for treatment .good luck