Hey guys!
I'm new to the forum, but not new to bipolar disorder. I was finally diagnosed 4 years ago after reading an article in a tabloid (yeah go figure eh?). I had always experienced extreme mood swings since I was 11 but always associated it with pree-teen stuff and teenager moodiness (and I think my parents did too). All through high school I was pretty depressed but would be happy with my friends, but very moody at the same time. I would go high to low about 10 different times in 30 minutes, depending on the situation.
By the time I brought it up with my doctor, I was already diagnosed with depression but I never mentioned mood swings. I was hurting my family, my husband and myself with my episodes. My doctor originally started me on Celexa but I felt like a zombie :S So he switched me onto Litium which I have been responding very well to.
I don't like to let a lot of people know I deal with this problem because it's not very well-known and people usually think that people with the disorder must be nut-cases. It's a shame that most people aren't diagnosed until they're adults and I really wish there was more awareness out there for parents and individuals. You see the commercials on TV and the ads in the tabloids, but are teenagers going to pay attention to either?
Anyway, just thought I'd say Hi and introduce myself!!! 