How do you know you have Bipolar disorder?

[scotty 1]

Hi! Can someone help me? How do you know you have bipola disorder?

My boyfriend thinks I am depressed, but I don't think thats right. Some days I just feel so overwhelmed and sad, I just cry, I get tired, and just go to bed and want to lie their all day. But this isn't every day, the next day, I might feel fine, and ready to go take on the world.

It worries me because I hate being so up and down all the time. I am trying so hard not to let the sadness win, but I hate those days

[Jord 28]

As someone having bipolar it's difficult to say. The common perception by some people about the disorder is kind of off, there's certain variations and even mania can vary from person to person. Sounds like you've got some symptoms of it but only a psychiatrist can accurately say for sure. I tagged a post in the forum above with various symptoms of bipolar depression and mania. I'd look at that and see if you have manic symptoms. Mania is what seperates bipolar disorder from anxiety or depression. And then if your concerned I'd show your symptoms to your psychiatrist if you currently see one. Do you have periods of weeks on end with severe depression?

[Gilly 1086]

Doesn't sound like bipolar disorder to me scotty. Sounds like becoming overwhelmed battling anxiety. But if you are worried I would speak to your doctor. A couple of our members have bipolar disorder, I'm sure they will have a little more advice for you.

Edit: And as I posted so did iowa lol

[rymick 0]

Scotty I have similar occurrences, more so in the winter. On days I let myself get too far into the rut, it's almost impossible to climb out until the next day, but I find if I take steps to resist it early on, like going out, talking to someone, exercising, etc. there is a chance I can dodge the bullet. ...Something to keep in mind.

[b00ts 16]

Bipolar is a tricky thing. Iowa and I were both diagnosed Bipolar fairly close to each other. We suffer the same in a lot of ways but ours is also very different in drastic ways.

For me I'm Bipolar 2 which means I'm more depressive, I also can cycle rapidly, I'm hypomanic (no psychotic symptoms), etc.

I always thought this is just how I am, I'm an affective moody person. But my husband and friends pointed out that I wasn't the same as I used to be and that I was getting increasingly worse. I won't lie, I began to suspect it too.

It turns out that it seems the Bipolar was touched off my childbirth (my oldest is almost 10), has increased with each child (my youngest is almost 5), and is strongly affected by the seasons. So Seasonal Affective Disorder throws my Bipolar into and epic hissy fit.

Bipolar usually ends up being a diagnosis of exclusion, much like the anxiety spectrum. It takes several psych evals and visits, lots of observing. Even then, if you're like me with rare and hypomanic symptoms, it wouldn't be too easy to tell. My psych suspected some kind of mood disorder, but wasn't totally sure of the bipolar diagnosis. But since starting me on Lamictal my moods have been much more stable, I have more energy, i'm more outgoing ETC. So, the conclusion has been made indeed I am Bipolar.

If you suspect it, personally, I suggest started with closest friends and family. Ask them, have you noticed anything off about me or my moods? Then go to your doc or psych if you have one and be outright and detail the symptoms that concern you.

[scotty 1]

Thanks guys! I think in the end it is something I am going to have to go to my doctor with. I find myself overwhelmed with panic so much of the time, and as a result I cry, I think you are right, I think it is more anxiety that anything else. My boyfriend has commented on my moods day to day and says he thinks I am depressed, but I think it is more complicated than that.

I think I need to learn to not get overwhelmed by it all, and know it will be ok.

Easier said than done!

[b00ts 16]

I just want to let you know that on top of Bipolar I also have Panic Disorder. And sometimes it's hard to tell the difference

[prescott911 1]

Scotty I have similar occurrences, more so in the winter. On days I let myself get too far into the rut, it's almost impossible to climb out until the next day, but I find if I take steps to resist it early on, like going out, talking to someone, exercising, etc. there is a chance I can dodge the bullet. ...Something to keep in mind.

Yea, same here. The winter and gloomy days produce an anxiety and depression for me. It may also be due to the fact that my mother is bipolar and would have her most extreme bouts of the disorders and physically abuse my siblings and myself the most during the winter. I think I may just conditioned now to feel that during gloomy/overcast days and the winter.

[spadille 0]

Doesn't being bipolar mean that you feel 2 opposite extremities at the same time? For example, a bipolar person feels very happy and very sad at the same time. I don't know how this can be possible but this is how it was explained to me. I stand corrected.

[shaun 6]

Everyone has ups and downs, some days we don't feel like getting out of bed and other days we feel quite good. There is a difference between feeling fine and mania. Judging by wat you have told us, you are not showing signs of mania. Ultimately you need to consult a specialist to find out.

[BonnyC 1]

I don't know if that really sounds like bipolar disorder. But, like others said, you need to see someone to figure it out. It sounds more like you're dealing with some depression/anxiety and then you're okay, but not manic. Mania, or even hypomania, is pretty definitive even though it can effect people differently. I hope that you can find the answers you're looking for.

[b00ts 16]

Doesn't being bipolar mean that you feel 2 opposite extremities at the same time? For example, a bipolar person feels very happy and very sad at the same time. I don't know how this can be possible but this is how it was explained to me. I stand corrected.

What you're describing is a mixed episode which can happen in Bipolar, most of my episodes are mixed. It's state where you're keyed up and even irritable and your thoughts are firing rapidly but at the same time you're depressed and feeling worthless, etc. Many of the s*****es from Bipolar occur in this state, it's one of the most dangerous of episodes for the Bipolar.

[KTH 0]

You know you have BP when your psychiatrist assesses you and tells you you have it.