Quote:
Originally Posted by dark_heart_x
Even though they call it a "mood" disorder, I think really that's a misnomer. Like, what is happening to you may effect your "mood" but really there is a lot going on that effects your functioning.
I agree with Newtus that it's important to know little details. For example, you may have bipolar but do you have psychotic features or not? Do you have more lows or highs? Are you rapid cycling or not? There's a lot to it and the more you know about how it works for you specifically gives you more tools on how to work towards wellness. It's like GI Joe used to tell us every Saturday Morning "The more you know!"
Some things may be for insurance but other things help because if one doctor looks at your dx and then passes it to the next, it gives them clues into what to expect. That's the whoel point of language, so we can understand ourselves and each other.  |
I do plenty of research. I do know the details of how I work. I do not get psychotic. I have lots of mixed episodes and they scare the Hell out of me. They entail sui and sometimes homi thoughts, but I never lose touch from reality. I feel like choking people. My mind races so fast I can't stop it. I feel depressed but have tons of energy. I become pretty paranoid. I can't sleep. The mixed episodes are horrid for several days initially, then they are there for 3 weeks until I get some sleep, then it is horrible depression for a long time. The worst mixed episodes always come about 2 days after a major event in my life. I have quite a few more lows than highs. I have more than 4 a year so that would make me rapid cycling. I know my triggers. I see my psych every 5 weeks, once a week right now. I see a psychologist -same one for 3 years, that helps me with the thought process. I read as much as I can and communicate with professionals as much as I can. I try to get enough sleep. I get exercise every day. Sometimes when I am outside running and getting exercise I get sui thoughts. So despite the language, I think I know myself pretty darn well. I have been dealing with this crap for years. So the splitting hairs part doesn't matter so much to me. I have Bipolar Disorder and an Anxiety Disorder and that about sums it up for me and works best for me.
We are all unique individuals that is for sure!