Hi,

Is it possible for someone to have one episode of mania in their lifetime and then go into a cycle of hypomania and depression?

I have thus far had one manic (from my own reading and reading bipolar resources, I am convinced it was a manic) episode in 2004/05 and since have multiple high-energy (hypomania?) followed by long periods of super-low depressed phases over the last 14 years.

I have been fluctuating in body weight and having significantly physical transformations over these last 14 years, so have been associating my high-energy good moods in the phases when I am in weight-loss journey or having achieved ideal weight, being comfortable with my body, wearing clothes that I am happy about and my perception of looking good phases.

And then there is a trigger, and it's a downward spiral of binge-eating, gaining weight (up to 55 lbs) over a 6 to 8 month period and then I hit a point where I cannot tolerate it anymore and start on a workout regime and lose all the 55 lbs gained over 3 to 4 months period. I have been doing this cycle for the last 10 years easily. This is a vicious cycle and I can't seem to break out of this.

More recently earlier this year, I have had one episode of high-energy and high-productive phase which lasted 4 to 5 months and then a super slump and depressed phase up until now.

I have written more long and detailed posts which should provide more context and background here:

https://forums.psychcentral.com/depr...ards-life.html

and

https://forums.psychcentral.com/depr...epression.html

I was originally posting under the depression sub-section thinking what I had was depression until recently, thanks to another member (singer47) who highlighted what I have could potentially be bipolar 2 or cyclothymia.

I have also finally after all these years, decided I need professional help and met my GP and have been referred to psychiatry and am awaiting the appointment.

I am just researching on my own now and it is not self-diagnosis but trying to sincerely find more information on my own.

It's all too much information to digest and accept tbh, but I am determined to fight this off and seek help.

So yes, is it possible for someone to be bipolar I and then followed by bipolar II?

Thanks,