View Single Post
 
Old May 10, 2009, 03:00 AM
Rebound's Avatar
Rebound Rebound is offline
Member
 
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
Posts: 487
Quote:
Originally Posted by ConfusedOne View Post
I am still in denial as to if I have bipolar or not. All I read says there is a manic state, well I don't have that. I am out of depression but not manic. I feel good. I just don't understand. I don't like labels. My idea of a bipolar person is someone who has extreme highs and lows. I am sp confused.
ConfusedOne
Hypomania was mentioned above. A little online research will hopefully clarify for you the difference between the full-blown mania of type I bipolar and the hypomania of type II bipolar. In a nutshell, those of us with the type II variety tend to be depressed much more of the time than we are manic, and then when manic are likely to be in that state for only short periods before lapsing again back into depression. Further, hypomania tends not to be as extreme a high as the common perception of manic behaviour and instead of feelings of being on top of the world, it can manifest as a general feeling of constant anger or agitation. In my case, for example, I tend to get a generally happy and grandiose attitude where for a while I think I can accomplish just about anything but before I actually complete anything I've started it quickly degenerates into a feeling of being pissed off at the world (like now). I expect a prolonged period of depression will soon follow.

As far as labels go, I don't care what my doctor wants to call me as long as he's willing to attempt to help me find a treatment that works. In my case I found a doc who thought of putting away the anti-depressants and took a shot at lamictal. I doubt I'd be here today if not for that because all antidepressants ever did for me was turn me into a zombie.

All that having been said, I think you should consider the following:

You said you feel good. Do you suddenly have ideas for half a dozen projects all at once confident that they'll all be spectacular? If not, I'd say just enjoy the good feelings and try not to worry about it too much. However, the best thing to do in this sort of situation is see a doctor if at all possible, and tell him/her what you are telling us here. I have found that I'm not capable of properly evaluating my own behavior until it gets really out of hand.

I hope this helps.

Take care,
__________________