Bipolar II

I am BP II. I feel like crap most of the time. I hide it well. I am certain I have been BP II since forever. I was once diagnosed as Borderline. But my Dr. said the two are often confused. I have been on every medication known and nothing has worked.

My "mania" manifests itself either as severe anxiety or violence towards myself, things and even my poor husband.

I am 40. I have 2 kids. If it were not for them I would not be here.

BP II is taking me away from the life I wish to lead.

Hey nycgurl- I loved reading your post....I am also 40 and just diagnosed but feel that I have been this way as long as I can remember. I don't have the violence or agitation but I did awhile back, now I have more sad and disconnect; but I often wondered about being Borderline.
If it wasn't for my son, I would not be here either and because of that I constantly worry that now he will be taken from me somehow.

Please remember though that you are not alone.....it seems that everytime I read someone else's posts I can relate. I don't even know what the life I want to lead is anymore...I'm so disconnected from reality and "normal"....hang in there-

Sounds like you're bipolar with the shopping spree - I've tried lithium and it did not do anything for me so don't be surprised if it doesn't work out. Keep trying different meds though - eventually one will work and you can stick with it and feel lifted and normal and not weepy anymore - you will know when you've got the right med.

Hello, all. I'm a new member to this site, and I'm so glad it's available! I've been diagnosed with BPII for over 20 years. It has been a rough ride, but I've been able to live a fairly stable life. I've learned to put my trust in the doctors that I've had, take the meds and pace myself. My current meds are lithium, lamictal, citalipram and seroquel.

How long does lithium take to work? I began on June 30 with 600 mg for 3 days, then July 3 began 900 mg per day.

I've suspected bipolar since people kept putting the label on me at college and at work. I made a thread here asking opinions but of the 3 that commented nobody seemed to agree (and I certainly was in denial at the time). Maybe it's because with my aspergers I'm totally **** at explaining how I feel :/

Anyway. Was diagnosed about 3 months ago during my 4th stay in a psychiatric ward. It was a 11 week stay and since i arrived they started assessing me but couldn't be sure if it was cyclothamia, BP1 or BP2. Well here I am, Bipolar 2. And I'm comfortable with the diagnoses.

I hate being bipolar and I admit I pity myself and have a great amount of sympathy with anyone else diagnosed. It's awful.

At least now you can get the treatment you need. ♥

I feel like my dog was the only one in this world who ever understood and loved and accepted me all at the same time. She is with my ex-husband now, and I have fantasy thoughts about dognapping her sometimes. When I move into a house with a yard I will get another.

I used to work in Child Welfare. Families whose children have been removed from their care for one reason or another (abuse, neglect, drugs). If you have fears or concerns about having your child "taken" from you I am sure I can help alleviate your fears. Just let me know.
We can be mentally ill and care for our kids. They can't be taken from us just because we are sick. It doesn't work that way...thankfully. We'll be okay. Just keep on keeping on...

I am 26 and was just diagnosed with bipolar II within the last couple of weeks. I just started Topamax on Friday. The bipolar family members I have are all I's and I agree that it is hard to relate because the symptoms and effect seems to be much more extreme for them.