I have been living with mental health issues for so long I have to think back.......my original dx which was made by a internal medicine Dr. and a psychologist was Anxiety and Depression - my first symptoms was a full blown panic attack.
I have seen many therapist up until 8 years ago when my Dr. recommended a Psychiatrist. My current dx is Anxiety with a touch of OCD, PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.
One time during a particularly tough time I ask my Psych Dr. if I could be bipolar II ?
" Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over time.
However, in bipolar II disorder, the "up" moods never reach full-on mania. The less-intense elevated moods in bipolar II disorder are called hypomanic episodes, or hypomania.
A person affected by bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic episode in life. Most people with bipolar II disorder also suffer from episodes of depression. This is where the term "manic depression" comes from.
In between episodes of hypomania and depression, many people with bipolar II disorder live normal lives.
During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria (feeling "high") or as irritability.
Symptoms during hypomanic episodes include:
- Flying suddenly from one idea to the next
- Rapid, "pressured," and loud speech
- Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep
People experiencing hypomanic episodes are often quite pleasant to be around. They can often seem like the "life of the party" -- making jokes, taking an intense interest in other people and activities, and infecting others with their positive mood.
What's so bad about that, you might ask? Hypomania can also lead to erratic and unhealthy behavior. People in hypomanic episodes might spend money they don't have, seek out sex with people they normally wouldn't, and engage in other impulsive or risky behaviors." Resource: WebMD
After talking with my Dr. I had to say no to any of the above behaviors even one time.
The things I thought might fit bipolar II were normal things that we all experience.
So I remain a person with Anxiety/Depression; mild OCD and PTSD.
Life is what we make of it so never give up.