topic cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ? in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

Bulletin_Board_Archive — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:40:00 GMT

Originally posted by: Kate on 28 May 2012

Hi there. I was diagnosed with major depression about 2 years ago & have been on antidepressants (SSRI) for most of that time. While they seemed to work OK for the first 6 months or so, they have made little difference in the past year and I have been alternating between weeks of being OK and then weeks of depression regardless of the dosage I have been on. I have started weaning off the meds as a result. My psych has suggested it is a cyclical type depression, but has also distantly mentioned bipolar 2 at times. I had always thought that Bipolar involved having manic episodes as well as depression - but can it also be periods of just being OK and then periods of depression? I have been recommended mood stabilising meds, which are used to treat Bipolar but am reluctant to take them, especially without a formal diagnosis. I was also told that it can take years before bipolar is accurately diagnosed - usually at the onset of a first manic episode - so am worried that this is where things might be heading. While I have read what usually constitutes a 'manic episode' and don't seem to meet that criteria, can it also present as periods of intense anger & irritability instead of the usual highs of mania? Thank you for reading. Kate

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

Bulletin_Board_Archive — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:52:58 GMT

Originally posted by: scott on 29 May 2012

Hi Kate As a sufferer like you with no real manic episodes i found when i went on my meds they have helped me to stabilise at the moment. It is good that you are talking to professionals about this. If it is cyclical are there any triggers that may set you off. To me while i had no manic episodes i found the irritability and anger kept rising so i was like a volcano ready to erupt and i dont wish that upon anybody. Good luck Scott

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

Bulletin_Board_Archive — Tue, 29 May 2012 08:39:19 GMT

Originally posted by: David Charles on 29 May 2012

Dear Kate, When your manic mind is having a manic phase or episode then your manic mind will think it is OK. If a partner, friend or family member that knows you inside out can monitor your moods you will benefit from their observations. Mabye even a GP or counselling visit with such a support person will see the question "And how are you finding Kate lately ?" pop out as a friendly gesture. I've had 25 yrs of bipolar so have trained myself to "spot" a manic phase and get help early rather than face weeks or months in psych admission. I guess you need to develope your own insight. It's not the best thing to get out of control manically and find a forced hospital assessment as the dreaded Sectioning by Police or Family takes it's toll. Such lack of control/respect/choice/treatment will invariably lead to depression later. Adios, David. PS A dose that works all round seems one solution.

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

Bulletin_Board_Archive — Tue, 29 May 2012 08:49:49 GMT

Originally posted by: David Charles on 29 May 2012

Dear Scott, To follow your anaology. Is a dormant volcano the equivalent of depression ? Bubbling control, searing heat of dark arguements, sprays of tangential manic thought, molton lava cruising across your personal environment being the manic phase ? And the blast of history's Krakatoa volcanoe sending sound waves 3 times around the world equivalent to the siren of Police descending on domestic mania in multiple units ? The Natural World certainly has it's own representations of bipolar. The Zebra Crossing being the most simple example. The On / Off switch ever present. Adios, David. PS I'm sure your namesakes' Polar Expeditions had his fair share or eruptive behaviour. Are we but adventurers in our own psyche ?

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

Bulletin_Board_Archive — Wed, 30 May 2012 09:08:20 GMT

Originally posted by: scott on 30 May 2012

dear David You got it 100% correct. Scott.

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

PrincessPenstar — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 11:29:59 GMT

I recently sought help for work situation and saw a psychologist, followed by my GP who has been monitoring my condition, as a result of Work cover, and she has just prescribed me with medication for possibly Bipolar Type 2.

What does this condition mean?

She suggested this site but whenI did the search, it came to those page.:-)

cyclical depression or bipolar 2 ?

Chris_B — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:46:19 GMT

Hi PrincessPenstar,

Thanks for joining the forums. beyondblue doesn't have a great deal of resources on bipolar disorder specifically, as our areas of work are chiefly anxiety and depression.

However, the Black Dog Institute has some information you may find helpful here:

http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/bipolardisorder/bipolardisorderexplained/index.cfm