Bipolar II

Hi. I was searching something to other day and stumbled across a Depression survey to figure out and identify which type of depression you have. And as I took the test, the result came back saying something very surprising, that my type of depression was Bipolar disorder type II. It said I was still in the depression phase. And when I read more about it , it made sense. Before this I hadn't known there were two different types of Bipolar disorders. Does anyone know what they experienced or anyone experiences during the depression phase of the disorder? How long does this last before the manic stage? I also have fibromyalgia, and am unsure how seriously I should take this survey response. It would explain why the antidepressants I was on for months not too long ago really made me worse. I thought it was just the depression getting worse. I still have extremely dramatic ups and downs but they are much less frequent now that I've gone off the anti-depressants. Do you necessarily need to feel as though you want to kill yourself at times to have Bipolar Disorder, because I've never felt that hopeless, just really down. I hope I have stereotyped this disorder too much, I am looking for facts and personal experience, something I know I can find on this site. Thanks.

Auroara,

Allow me to provide you with a couple of links which describe the differences in Bipolar I and II:

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml
www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=2

Both of these show that bipolar exists on a spectrum. Some people have much more high manias and some more frequent and low, lows. Bipolar II's (I'm bp II) tend to be more depressed and our manias aren't as high or as dramatic. We tend to get irritable and angry when manic. Suicide is a symptom of depression and bipolar and not by any means necessary, any more than any other symptom. Your next step, if I may suggest, is to talk to your doctor. If you are indeed bipolar, taking anti-depressants alone isn't a great idea, and can make your symptoms worse. You'll need different medications to make the depression lift.

I hope this is helpful. Feel better soon.

serafena