I am always trying to get a better handle on how bipolarity expresses itself in me and I find asking others how it affects them can shed some new light.

I am finally recognizing that whenever I get into a depressed state, my social anxiety goes through the roof...and it always has. I never separated it from being bipolar and wonder if it is a bipolar symptom or another underlying disorder in me. When I am "even" or leaning towards hypomania, I don't have any issues in social situations (I actually seek out interaction with others) but when I'm leaning towards or flat out in the middle of depression, SAD hits me hard.

By hitting me hard I mean family, friendly neighbors, going to the grocery store, phone calls, etc. all make me incredibly anxious to the point that I do whatever I can to avoid any interaction with others. I find myself isolating from others and home becomes the best place to be.

I am seeing my pdoc this afternoon to discuss this in length and will certainly share with you all what her thoughts on this are.