Do I have bi-polar

[Happydays88]

Hi all,

I am new to this page as a member although I have used the facilities in the past for information and help. About 3 years ago I fell into a severe depression and entered a mental health plan, started medication etc. my psychologist was great and managed to really get on top of the worst parts of the depression that was affecting my work, and social life.

Although I felt there have been some minor bumps which I have managed to keep in check using the cognitive therapy I really focused on, as of the last 6 months the feelings of emptiness and lack of motivation/sleep have really stopped my life. Last month I lost my job and have financially damaged myself, as someone who has a mortgage and maintained a relatively comfortable lifestyle with my job and pay. I'm really feeling this snowballing. of the last 3 deeply paralysing episodes I've had ie not leaving house no contact with family friends etc both have ended with a significant burst of energy, positive feelings and ideas to fix the problems that seemed impossible to overcome only a few hours earlier. theres are few other characteristics which do suit some of the mild symptoms of bi-polar or hypermanic depression.

My question is, is bi-polar or hypermanic depression something that can develop? Or happen in what feels like such a short time? I am prepared to fight this along with my psychologists help but I really want to talk to someone who has had a similar story, to confirm with my psych as we are both trying to diagnose or figure where my depression is leading

thank you

[Happydays88]

Thank you mspurple, this has given me some insight. I am also halfway through that documentary now (thank you again) I have full faith in my GP and psych it's just the time between visits that im really trying to learn what I can from actual scenarios as it seems so broad. While my symptoms seem somewhat 'mild' compared to some I have read about. I am still focused on beating this as it has really started to hinder with my standard of living. all this has helped settle the confusion I have been dealing with in recent weeks

thankyou again

[Kazzl]

Hi Happydays, I'm glad we've been able to help you. I strongly endorse you reading and learning as much as you can - I've done that over the last six months or so and it's really helped me come to terms with my diagnosis.

A lot of what you'll get on the web is clinically based (ie not lived experience), so if you want to read more on the actual experience of living with bipolar, I recommend a blog from the US called Bipolar Burble, by Natasha Tracy. She's a writer (Huffington Post) who is considered a subject expert on the condition and is very readable. She has bipolar type 2. She's also just released a book which you can get as an e-book.

Just another thought, you mention your symptoms being mild ... there is another form of bipolar called cyclothymia, which is a milder version of bipolar 2. Perhaps read up on that and talk with your doc.

Very best wishes to you - let us know how you're getting on.

Cheers

Kaz

[Nikkir]

Hi Happydays88,

That sounds great, you have a plan 🙂

Good to hear, well take care and we are here for you!

Best Wishes

Nikkir x