[hamster-bamster]

My problem has been mania and hypomania, at least until recently when I was put on an effective mix of drugs (Lithium, Geodon, Depakote, Lamictal; Kloponin PRN and Trazodone PRN, infrequently for both). I have for some reason low energy for basic self-case and house-cleaning, but that is not depression, it seems based upon our discussions here prevalent in bipolar regardless of the phase. I had a suicide attempt on a whim and in general from a manic place rather than depressed, as people generally assume. My whole life has been between manic or hypomanic and plateau. During youth, manic was very cheerful mood, all boys in love with me kinda things. Later on, dysphoric, angry mania.

I know this is still bipolar - it satisfied DSM-IV criteria for which even one manic episode is enough to give you Bp I, but I wonder how many people here are like that? I bet in the minority.

[TRNRMOM]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

My problem has been mania and hypomania, at least until recently when I was put on an effective mix of drugs (Lithium, Geodon, Depakote, Lamictal; Kloponin PRN and Trazodone PRN, infrequently for both). I have for some reason low energy for basic self-case and house-cleaning, but that is not depression, it seems based upon our discussions here prevalent in bipolar regardless of the phase. I had a suicide attempt on a whim and in general from a manic place rather than depressed, as people generally assume. My whole life has been between manic or hypomanic and plateau. During youth, manic was very cheerful mood, all boys in love with me kinda things. Later on, dysphoric, angry mania.

I know this is still bipolar - it satisfied DSM-IV criteria for which even one manic episode is enough to give you Bp I, but I wonder how many people here are like that? I bet in the minority.

you may consider me in the minority. was diagnosed bp2 about 35 years ago, more hypomanic than manic, and only experience depression regarding situations which may trigger depression. i've been on low levels of lithium for these 35 years, take 1/2 klonopin daily for the anxiety and agitation, and use an entire klonopin, or amiben or a small piece of seroquel when needed for sleep. being hypomanic is not fun and i don't know if it's `better' than have depression....bipolar disorder is still very difficult to live with and difficult on those closest to me, but i know my triggers, try to avoid them as much as possible, comply w/taking my meds faithfully, and just `deal' w/this illness. i am very open about it as my means of educating/informing others and accept that it will not go away. sadly, as a female, and having it as long as i have, and knowing what i know, it has gotten worse as i have gotten older.

[mokie]

I deal with little depression myself. Although this has just been in the past year after I forgave myself for all the things I did in my manic phase of the illness and not knowing what I had.

I still get down phases but not to the extreme of unworhty thoughts, suicidal, and such. Just not being able to get out of bed at times, low energy, but could also be due to my fibromyalgia.

[bipolarmedstudent]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

My problem has been mania and hypomania, at least until recently when I was put on an effective mix of drugs (Lithium, Geodon, Depakote, Lamictal; Kloponin PRN and Trazodone PRN, infrequently for both). I have for some reason low energy for basic self-case and house-cleaning, but that is not depression, it seems based upon our discussions here prevalent in bipolar regardless of the phase. I had a suicide attempt on a whim and in general from a manic place rather than depressed, as people generally assume. My whole life has been between manic or hypomanic and plateau. During youth, manic was very cheerful mood, all boys in love with me kinda things. Later on, dysphoric, angry mania.

I know this is still bipolar - it satisfied DSM-IV criteria for which even one manic episode is enough to give you Bp I, but I wonder how many people here are like that? I bet in the minority.

I have been like this for the past 2 years. It seems like I just go from one manic/hypomanic episode to another, with no depressions in between!

[EverythingNothing]

Forgive me, I'm a little out of it due to being sleep deprived as a result of a "real" sickness right now. I'm a bit confused as to what you're asking.

I'm sure there are bipolar individuals without much depressive symptoms to worry about. But I'll say one thing, looking for the "norms" of bipolar related symptoms will get your head spinning in a bad way.

There are no norms as far as I am concerned. Too many variables.