Mostly, I self- identify as a depressive, and over the years I've had Dr.s give me the usual "Do you experience manic episodes as well?" third degree, and my answers always been "no." I always thought, "no, I'm way too mellow and low-key to be considered "manic"." I couldn't really ever get a straight answer to what Mania really feels like, and I kno now that my ideas of Mania as a tweaker-like,...well...Mania, is an oversimplification. Transitioning off of Paxil right now, I've been in a place of heightened arousal, a constant internal buzzing, uncontrolable shivers, and a racing mind that keeps me talking a mile a minute, and unable to fall asleep at night. I know the Paxil withdrawal is a b!+€h...and maybe it's that that's tipping me into the Mania, but I also recognize this feeling and am realizing that the BP denial may have done me more harm than good.
Do any of you good folks know the real difference between straight severe depression and BP? Is the medication prescribed different? Has anyone else gone thru this "oh sh!+, maybe I am BP" realization?
Thank you, and I apologize for any misinformation or labeling that might offend...I am still pretty clueless about the facts on BP disorder.