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I'm trying to figure out if I'm bp

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 3/9/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
I know I go through depressions. And I have problems sleeping. I was just recently dx as having Fibro.

5 years ago a theripist dx as me as bp. But I was going through alot back then. My ex and I had just slipt and him  and my daughter, his step daughter got together. To me that would drive anyone over the edge.

But before that I had bouts of depressions and trouble sleeping. But I know I've been through alot in my life.

I even wrote a book and had it published. But that was before Fibro Fog.

I have up days where everything is great and then theres those days that everything isn't so great.

I'm classified as a cutter but I have been known to moer than that. I haven't done anything in awhile.

What are the true signs of bp?

Roni

Note: I edited your post to comply with forum rule #1: serafena

Post Edited By Moderator (serafena) : 3/10/2008 11:08:20 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/9/2008 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
Having Read my previous post you will realise I have a growing interest in Bipolar Disorder and really want to help anyone I can after failing the one person who needed me most... The best answer to your question will be from a fellow sufferer (God I wish you could speak to my ex-partner she would answer all your questions lol) but from a clinical point of view I think most Mental Health Proffesionals would be looking for the following before giving you a dx -

Experiences of manic and depressive episodes.... Roller-coaster mood states (euphoria, irritaility, depression), changes in energy or activity levels, changes in thinking and perception, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems and impulsive or destructive behaviour.

The official diagnostic tool that most Psychiatrists and Psychologists rely is the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' DSM-IV, It is very complex but to put it simply the DSM-IV Subtypes of BP are:

Bipolar I Disorder - At least one lifetime episode of manic or mixed disorder, Although not required for the diagnosis at least one lifetime episode of major depressive disorder.....

Bipolar II - At least one lifetime episode of hypomanic disorder, At least one lifetime episode of major depressive disorder....

Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling - Meets criteria for Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorder, Four or more episodes of major deppressive disorder, manic disorder, mixed disorder, or hypomanic disorder in any one year.

Bipolar is so hard to diagnose and similar to other Mental illnesses when broken down into it's symptons..... I hope someone with the same dx replies to you and can answer your questions

Goodluck x
Posted 3/9/2008 11:42 AM (GMT 0)

Hi there LadyBug,

I think Frankie has given you a pretty detailed description of the clinical requirements for BPD but I think its important to bear in mind than none of us here are professionals. I have read your post a couple of times and I cant see any evidence of 'mania' which is compulsory in BPD. Mania can come in different forms. For example: Some people go on spending sprees, some people binge drink, some people get very irritable etc... This is not an exhausative list but gives you a fair idea of what sort of things to look for.

I hope this helps you and gives you some kind of ideas.

Darren

Posted 3/9/2008 12:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi again Ladybug,

Darren is very right in his signs of Bipolar, from a partners point of view I saw many types of change as my partner was in her deepest depths of fighting the illness. Here are a few that I experienced and noticed in my partner that opened my eyes that this was not just another depressive eppisode. Dangerous Binge drinking to try and climb out of thre lows along with massive spending spree's. Broken sleep and lack of sleep, severe depression, rapid cycling of moods (ranging from hours to days), increased emotions (more affectionate but for shorter periods), very angry and verbally agressive, hurtfull to those close to her, ability to hide the pain to outsiders and friends decreased as time went on. Self harm started again after a long period of years being able to control it. Finally Phycosis found it's way and addmission was the only option. In my own experience the lows of bipolar were the noticable sign to the outsider, what with the need to produce a fake stability through alcohol.

Hope it helps looking at my personal experience and answers some questions. Darren helped me a lot on here and really is very supportive and knowledgeable, you could do a lot worse than listen to his advice lol.

Take care...

Posted 3/9/2008 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
My b/f comes hme every night to me but yet I accuse him of cheating on me. Not all the time depends on my moods.

I'm on deprission pill due to fibro but I still go through depressions and mood swings. I take it at bed time to help me sleep but lately it's not working. I might sleep a couple of hours and then I'm awake again.

Winter time things are harder on me less sun. I asked my b/f about spending sprees and he said I deffently do that. I cry for no reason sometimes and sometimes there are reasons. I can get verbally aggrisive at least that's what b/f says I don't see it.

Does any of this help. I have also been dx with ptss.
Roni

Reason for edit:

Im sorry but we cannot allow discussions regarding self-harm because there are legal implications as well as the fact that we have minors who use the site. (See Rule #1: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=46&m=106997)

Post Edited By Moderator (djdaz_1985) : 3/9/2008 11:21:42 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/9/2008 3:29 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Ladybug,

I want to suggest that you make an appt. with a psychiatrist to get  properly evaluated ASAP. If you are dealing with all these symptoms, and want to get healthier, you need to get the ball rolling.

Good Luck!

Posted 3/9/2008 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
The self hurting, it's been a little while since I've done that but have thought about it not to long ago.

The problem I have with getting into see psychiatrist is no insurance.

Roni
Posted 3/9/2008 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I was just reading up on bp and it said something about hearing voices that aren't there. I hear music sometimes I think it's from my neighbors and I listen to the wall and it will super quiet. I also have to have a fan on at night. I hate quietness when I try to sleep.

Any one experience this?

Roni
Posted 3/9/2008 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again Ladybug,

I'd agree with sukay on this one... Don't put it off get your bum down to the support network that you already have inplace and speak with them and explain your symptons... It will help you right from that initial visit and in the longterm believe me it will help your boyfriend lol. It is hard to watch your loved one suffer if you don't go to your doctor for you then do it for your bf. You can do it and the end result will be them getting to the route of the cause making life easier to live. Take another look at that letter I wrote and find that motivation girl lol.

Keep in touch and fight for your future x
Posted 3/9/2008 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I will talk to my dr about this and see what all she has to say.

I know over the weekend I have been in an up and down mood. I'm having trouble sleeping at night but I want to sleep during the day. I am also thinking about giving up my in-home childcare to work on the outside. I'm thinking maybe that will help with my moods.

Roni
Posted 3/9/2008 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
I can't pretend to imagaine how hard it must be, but I know there is an answer waiting for you and with the professionals help you will be just fine. See what your dr says and make sure you tell her everything so she can best help you! Smile and never stop believing in yourself...

Tunny
Posted 3/9/2008 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Roni,

Please talk to your Dr. and try to get some help. There was a short period of time where I too did not have insurance and that kept me from seeking help as well. But in the end, I could not handle things on my own and had to seek help. It was a bit pricey, but it was worth it in the end.
Posted 3/10/2008 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so it has helped some. Like I said I'll talk to dr and see how she can help me.

Roni
Posted 3/10/2008 9:39 AM (GMT 0)
For me when I go into mania I can stay awake for days or survive on 3 hrs of sleep a night. I halucinate and very sensitive to certain noises. I also have energy to completely clean the house and plus I feel good when I am in a mania
Posted 3/10/2008 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Glad ya doing ok and found bit of help from everyone here.... Your never alone just got to know where to look hey lol.

Good luck

Tunny
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