Another Newbie - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

KateMonster · 01-16-2008, 01:44 AM

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'Ello all. Yes, another newbie here.

I'm looking for some help, first of all, in figuring our what sort of bipolar I have. I've checked the primer, but I feel like I exibit symptoms of all three classifications. I'm a rapid cycler who experiences deep depressions and hypomanic periods, however, on the rare occasions I become truly manic I tend to be a bit on the paranoid side. Any help?

Thanks in advance. I'm glad to find such a caring community that actually updates frequently.

FallenAngel2007 · 01-16-2008, 09:26 AM

Kate, I understand your frustration hun i really do. The sad thing about this illness is there are so many different degress of it. And it's different for everyone! You may be bipolar 1, hypomanic with occaisional depression, or you could be bipolar 1 full blown manic with psychotic episodes, lol. Varying deprees of bipolar 2 as well, and throw rapid cycling into the mix? Oh forget it, lol. You bounce so much no one can figure it out, lol.

I have been diagnosed bipolar2 rapid cycler, that was after i began seeing a psychiatrist to confirm my primary doc teling me i was bipolar, no further explanation just bp, lol, and my therapist teling me she doesn't believe in "labels" or medication, lol, just do yoga and take omega 3 acids and you'll be fine, lmao.

What i would suggest is do a mood journal, don't worry so much about the specific diagnosis, do a mood journal to help you track your behavior, realize warning signs that you are headed in one direction or the other, spot triggers that may cause you to bounce, etc. Understanding ourselves is of utmost importance.

Best of luck to you, take care

Angel

steamrollhehe · 01-16-2008, 03:38 PM

Welcome to the boards, Kate!

I think you will find this a warm inviting environment, I certainly do!

I am 17 and have been dxed when I was 14 and I've been around the block a couple of times, what with hospitalizations, long term facilities, and finally regular life. So, I know a thing or two, even though I'm young.

I am an ultra rapid cycler, but my pdoc says it doesn't matter what I am, he treats the symptoms not the label. I wouldn't get too caught up in what you are, just how you are feeling. Yet, at the same time I understand what it feels like to just want a name for this horribleness. (is that a word?

)

I agree with Angel, a mood chart is a great idea. I have one, and although I haven't done it in a while, it is helpful and worthwhile. I have also found that exercise, eating right, and most importantly a regular sleep schedule help. It sounds like Duh I know that, but I think it's harder than it sounds.

Welcome, and feel free to post when you want or need and the wonderful people here are always full of advice! Can't wait to hear more from you,
--steamroll

fineanddandy · 01-17-2008, 01:43 AM

Hi Kate (I doubt you're monster, so I won't use that part!),

Welcome to the board. My doc says pretty much the same thing as steamroll's. That is, it isn't important to figure out which type of bipolar you have; it's important to treat it. The different types are treated about the same so the distinction is really pretty irrelevant.

Glad you found us,
F&D

klyn07 · 01-17-2008, 11:32 AM

Hello. I can understand the trying to understand it all part. I know I have been this way for years and years, but having the label to go with it now has me second guessing every thought. I need to start a mood journal to track the ups and downs. Can't wait to get to know you better.