Hi everyone,

I'm just wondering, for anyone who is Bipolar I, or who knows someone with that dx (I am only Bipolar on a technicality, I don't get manic) - when you are in a full manic state, do you know you are manic? Can you tell that you are, for example, behaving in a rude manner? Or that you are being louder than normal?

My boyfriend is in a manic state, and is clueless...so I'm just wondering if it is too much to expect for him to be able to recognize it himself?

Thanks,
StarCat

Star,
I've had people tell me, (doc included), when I was manic...but I didn't have a clue. My hubby detects it and usually says: "slow down, I can't understand what you're saying" and "I'm not deaf, bring it down a few notches." I don't see myself talking that fast or loud.
If we go somewhere, he can't keep up w/me and insists that I slow down. It bores me to death...I feel like I'm moving in slow motion and want him to keep up with me.

Does that help answer?
bev

Hi Star,
I know when I am in a manic state but I get louder because I think no one is really listening or can really hear me. I talk a lot faster because I think that if I slow down I will not be able to get my point across. I am not trying to be rude, I just somehow feel that the louder I am, the faster I talk, that I will make more sense.

I have learned that if I can slow myself down before I get to that point that it is better of course, for me and everyone else, but when I'm there, it's harder for me to calm down but I can calm down. It just takes me awhile.

I have told my family & friends that when they notice that I am talking louder & faster to just CALMLY point that out to me so I can slow myself down. That doesn't always work but I am getting better at it.

Hope this helps you.

Brenda

bconn,
I think you explained it better than I did. I REALLY am not 'aware'- until someone points it out to me.... then, I become 'somewhat' more aware but not totally. I do try to slow down and bring the pitch down but if I don't watch it...I'm right back up there and as much as I hate to admit it....it kind of makes me mad to be corrected - just not - as much as it used to. I sort of resent anyone 'interrupting' me when I'm in that state,(even tho' I know they're right), but it stirs some anger because I'm so intent on whatever it is that I'm trying to say.

bev2,
I guess the trick for us is how we are told to calm down. If I feel that I am being criticized, I will not calm down as quickly because then I am guilty of being "bad" - again. Same thing as being told I am wrong. I'm not sure why that happens but if I am told in a non-threatening manner (calmly?) I do much better and am so much more tolerant. Then I can control myself. I also know when I am wrong and can accept being wrong but not if I am on the defensive... Hell of a problem sometimes, huh? Now if I could only figure out who's problem it is! (That statement is with a smile)!!!

bconn,
I hear ya, on 'how' I'm told to calm down. If it's done with the right tone and in the right manner I'm pretty much okay with it. It's when I feel like I'm being treated like a child or it's done in a condescending way.....now that will bring the mercury up!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/mad.gif
I got your last statement. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif You made me chuckle. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Are you familiar w/the graphics/smilies? I guess it's silly, but somehow, they help me make my point...and - I just think they're cute!

Hugs,
Bev



[This message has been edited by bev52 (edited 09-14-2002).]

Bev52 (& Starcat...)

I think I like you!

Smilies are fine. They don't interfere with your message at all. Do what makes you feel better & keep trying to get your point across!

Brenda

Hi
To start off with I have been searching and searching for someone to offer insight on this condition with honesty and straight forward oppinions. I hope I have finally found it. The past post are my daughter exactly. she is 10. took her to dr's.( notice lowercase) diagnosis every thing from ADD/AD. manic depressive but never bi polar. some of the dr's said she was add/adhd and ext. some said she was not couldnt decide but readily put her on meds. after a yr. of this I said no more. my daughter said these meds. didnt work for her and she didnt want to take them. but any way that wasnt my question. On the issue of being loud could you give me a better way to let her know she is being loud with out sounding condecending or hurtfull to her, I'm not meaning to sound that way and for a 10 yr old every thing is always wrong to them even though you are just trying to be a parent and correct them and do better. I understand she has a problem and I have tried to teach her that she has to think before she does because of her problems. I am at a standstill here.I dont like to ground her most of the time because she takes it wrong. that could be because of her age also. but i tent to think it is from her way of thinking. any way I could go on forever because I am lost on how to help her at this point but I feel every little soulution that helps can cut down on some of the frustration she feels. THank you in advance

Dear me-ta,

Welcome http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

First of all, "manic depression" and "Bi-Polar Disorder" are exactly the same thing. Bipolar is just the new name. I hope that helps.

Second, I'm sorry to say I have no insight on how to deal with a 10 year old. I'm 25, and I still take things the wrong way and feel people are being condescending to me....

I hope someone comes along that can help you more.

Best of luck to you and your daughter,
StarCat

Welcome me-ta,
I also just found this board but am dealing with Bi-Polar also but welcome!

Since we have all have different words that will help us calm down, maybe the best thing to do would be to ask your daughter what words she can hear (when she is loud) and in what tone of voice you could use them so that she doesn't take offense. It is hard to get through to anyone that is in a manic state so allow that she might have times that she won't be able to calm down. But you can remain calm and that will eventually help her.

10 years old is really young for this, isn't it people? I haven't ever heard of anyone that young but maybe others have.

Keep reading and researching - something will work but it won't be easy from everything that I have heard from people I've met that are dealing with this also.

bconn