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1) Do you have any co-morbid mental illness diagnoses with bipolar disorder?
At this time, no. My only psych diagnosis is bipolar disorder type 1. My psychiatrist also notes that my worst episodes (psychotic and/or very severe) tend to be mixed states, particularly mania w/mixed features, but I have also had my fair share of pure elated manias and pure depressions.
I was labeled with alcohol dependence/abuse, in the past. They gave me the code for them, but it turned out not to be bona fide alcoholism. My past abuse seems to have been linked to my bipolar manic states, particularly mixed states. For the past 6 or 8 years, I have been able to drink quite moderately without any risk of abuse. I suppose now, when in such states, I do substitute...meaning I grind/clench my teeth, perhaps have period of overeating, picking skin. I try to use positive coping skills.
During one hospitalization, they labeled me as having Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) along with bipolar disorder 1. Indeed, anxiety has been an issue for me, throughout my life. However, not always. It's more episodic. I think it is linked to certain bipolar episodes, but not all. Or stress periods.
I have experienced some mildly traumatic events that affected (and maybe still affect) my behavior, but was never labeled with a trauma. The issues either disappeared, or in one case serves as a social challenge for me. Like a unique and focused social anxiety...meaning I don't have it for every category of people.
2) In your opinion, does having the multiple diagnoses better help you understand or explain your set of issues and experience?
Well, if the diagnosis is legit, I think it's useful to have the label(s). However, I do think sometimes what I'd rather call an "issue" or "challenge" might be better. For example, my bp1 diagnosis is firm and surely permanent. The alcohol abuse was an "issue/challenge". I had to address it seriously, but I did not really feel that "alcoholic" should have been branded on me. It can be distressing to be told something you're not.
3) Just curious – is having a label important to you? I’m curious your perspective. As far as treatment goes – I’m definitely a “whatever works, works.” – to hell with whatever label you wanna give it. However, as far as feeling a sense of being understood and belonging, I do like having a label to help guide that discussion, but that is just my personal opinion.
I think what I wrote in #2 answers this, for me.
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