[damomma1998]

Hi- I'm Diana and I'm not sure where I belong on these message boards but I know that I do belong somewhere on them. I feel that I may be suffering from Bipolar II. My old GP (he moved on me) had mentioned hypomania before but ha had never seen me when I was not on meds. I got started on them from my OB after I had my second child. We first thought it was post-partum depression but it didn't really get any better- I suppose it didn't help that the baby (nearly 5 now) has many problems including developmental delay, (suspected) autism and numerous health realted problems such as craniosynostosis and epilepsy. Anyway, I've been on several antidepressants which help the depression part but not the irritablilty which seems to be getting worse as time goes on.
I have just drawn a blank here and that's one of the things that is bothering me the most- I can't think straight or remember well. I often have what seems like 40 different thoughts in my mind all at the same time. I feel anxious and I can't sleep becaues of it. I am taking seroquel to help the sleep thing but then I am not ready to get up and go about my business in the morning and that makes me grumpy with my children and husband and then I feel bad about that and I am upset with myself then. I have noticed recently that I have been feeling happy and playful and really getting into my role as a mother and homemaker but then there are times when I am grouchy with the kids and could care less about the house work or making/eating dinner etc.-
Can bipolar disorder be disguised as or mistaken for severe PMS? That's what it feels like sometimes but it's not always at 'that time of the month' - often but not always.
what do you all think? do I sound like this is the place for me to be posting? Can any of you relate?
I go back to my GP on the 28th of this month and I will most likely be asking for a referal to a therapist so that I can get accurately diagnosed and on the road to recovery. My family deserves to have a better me.

[cherybery]

Diana! Welcome!
I post on several sections of this site and none on some. I think it will be good for you to get a referral for a pdoc. Are you on other meds other then the Seroquel? I ask because I don't think I have known anyone just to take that alone. I am going to start taking my Seroquel again this evening specifically for sleep. I have used it in the past and I know how sleepy it can make you feel. One thing I found with it was I started taking it earlier in the evening other then right before bed to avoid some of the "hangover" effects.
To touch on what you are feeling, Girl I think you are doing what I consider probably the toughest yet most rewarding job there is and that is being a in home mom. I did that for several years and as you probably know it can be very tiring. I think you have a great outlook on things in general because you want to be the best you can for your family as well as yourself. Your attitude will take you in a positive direction. I have Bipolar1 and my mood swings can be horrible, not just for me but others around me. Think the biggest distinction with Bipolar and PMS is the timing. Bipolar episodes for me can last days where PMS "swings" are pretty short lived.Thank God for meds!!
Sorry this turned into a bit of a ramble. I basically wanted you to know your not alone.
Cher

[damomma1998]

Thank you for responding
I am on Prozac right now but have been on EffexorXR, Zoloft and Lexapro in the past as well as another something to help the anxiety but I can't remember the name right now.
Funny you should mention the job thing. I am also babysitting before and after school for up to 5 other kids (depends on the day) and it's really wearing on my nerves. I will be taking a job this fall with a friend of mine who is setting up an after school program. It will be better for me because it will be structured and will not be at my home- I will get out of the house and see other adult people on a daily basis and I will still have my children with me so I won't have to worry about if Nathan is having a seizure or not.
Thanks again for responding. I really appreciate it!

[DaveyJones]

Hi Damomma,

I can relate TOTALLY to what you are talking about! Racing thoughts, lack of concentration, depressive episodes...these are all things i have had to live with, and still do to a degree. My meds do works fairly well for me now, I seem to be getting somewhat better, though my brain still goes out to lunch under stress.

After 10 years of being treated for depression, I was DX'd bipolar II last year. It took awhile to get my meds straight, but I'm doing much better now, and you will too!

DJ