Hi! I posted in the introductions section as well. I am somewhat newly diagnosed, and have a bunch of questions that I am hoping a I can get answered in real life terms, not doctor. I hope that I am not bothering anyone by asking..... I recently read "Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder" by Julie Fast and John Preston. Here are the questions I have.

P.S. I will be asking my doc (psychiatrist) these same questions tomorrow.

1. Explain Rapid cycling and how it should affect me or could I not do it. I don't recognize any periods of extreme happiness. Usually I"m either depressed, okay(normal feeling?), or p*ssed off.

2. Is it a problem that I don't remember an exact a full onset of bipolar symptoms? I remember having always been a little off, but my first real "rage" moment was summer of 2011. That was when I said "Whoa, something isn't right."

3. What is the difference between Manic and Hypmanic? How do I know which refers to me?

4. I don't, and have never had suicidal thoughts or tendancies. Am I an exception to the rule, or should I expect them to pop up one of these days?

5. How do I know if my anxiety issues are that of a healthy person, or that of my bipolar?

6. What is the difference between cognitive/ADHD and Obsessive?

7. I have yet to experience any side effects from the Lamictal. Should this concern me? Should I be worried that only one drug is necessary versus the cocktail that I have been told most need?

8. What are some tips to fight hypersomnia. It is not uncommon for me to sleep 18 hrs a day.

9. I understand that the correct amount of sleep is imparative for a bipolar person. My husband works offshore for 3 weeks at a time, then home for 3 weeks, and the first night he is gone/home I get very little sleep which screws up any schedule I might have. If he is home then I want to go to bed early , but if he is gone, then I stay up until I am literally a walking zombie because I hate going to bed alone.

10. How does natural sunlight affect bipolar and what are the correct amounts?

12. How do I handle unavoidable environmental triggers? Family gatherings are always a breeding ground for stress and arguments and therefore are HUGE triggers for my episodes.

13. I understand that most bipolar sufferers have a leading statement. The one that is kind of a signal for each mood swing and each swing has it's own lead. But most of mine seem to be "I don't know what's wrong I just don't feel good". How can I change this and figure out what it is that I am feeling?

wow that seems like a whole bunch... Now I'm worried that I am aggravating y'all with useless questions....