[LilMissMichael]

I have posted here before asking people if what I have sounds like bipolar. Answerers and a friend who I told have said it sounds like bipolar. I know I can't get a diagnosis online but I wanted to see what others thought before speaking to anyone like a counselor. The people here insisted that I see a doctor, and others telling me specifically what they think I have (Bipolar II, after looking it up it does seem so much like me)

But here's my question;
I go through the depressed and happy stages (possibly depression and hypomania) but also go through stages where I feel both empty and great at the same time ( it's hard to explain, and I'm not going to bother trying) and through stages where I feel 'normal', as in what I feel feels 'right' and seemingly what other people feel/how they act.

But when I'm in a period of normal mood or sometimes even a mixed mood, I sometimes forget how bad the other moods are. Like, I think back and think I'm just overreacting or it's normal. These normal or mixed moods usually don't last very long , and the majority of my mood is at the depressed side... And when my mood crashes back down I realize again how back the feeling is.
The reason why this is a problem is if I am to go and speak to someone about this, I want to go when I'm in a normal mood, because It would be easier to talk to someone and I'm more focused and open, and not one sided. But if I think this way while I'm in a normal mood how can I bring myself to get help? And how am I supposed to give accurate information if it all seems 'distant' ?

Anyone on here with bipolar or knowledge of bipolar can you please let me know if this a normal frame of mind for someone with bipolar?

Also, only recently have I been thinking i could have bipolar.
For a few years (3, maybe?) I'd been thinking I suffered from depression. But the thing was, I'd go through times where I don't feel depressed, some times actually being genuinely 'over the moon'. I was so busy looking at each individual detail (feeling depressed *full stop* feeling okay *full stop* feeling great *full stop*, never putting the sentences together)
I recently took a step back at looked at the big picture, and put it all together. Is this normal for a *possible* bipolar sufferer? If you don't understand this question don't worry about it, I'm more here for the first part, just thought i'd add this in while i'm here.

Thanks in advance.

* this is only briefly described, if you want more information on a certain part that I have written feel free to either comment or message me

I think it would be better actually to see someone if you are experiencing a mood episode currently. What kinda crazy things do you do when manic?

go see a psychologist or psychiatrist. no sense in driving yourself crazy over it. better to know now than to wait and wonder.

[treehugger727]

I'd agree with Dan. Sometimes it is a long process; getting a dx. For me, I had to go through an intake person (an hour and 15 minute interview; basic stuff.) Then I had to go through and interview evaluation with a case manager on another day, four weeks later. She asked much more indepth questions, we talked about medical history, past episodes, family history, etc. This took about two hours. She then scheduled me with a Psychiatrist three weeks after that. Then, I met with pdoc. She looked over all of my intake, interview info then asked me her own questions as she took notes for 45 minutes. Then, concluded the meeting with her suggestions for a treatment plan and a dx of BP, she suspects Bipolar II.

If you feel like you will benefit from treatment of some sort, you need to schedule an appointment and get the ball rolling. Good Luck, lil miss.

[Victoria'smom]

My intake was 3 hour. It took me 3 weeks to see a therapist to finish my intake. Then another 2 weeks to see a pdoc.

[LilMissMichael]

Originally Posted by TheHighPriestess

I think it would be better actually to see someone if you are experiencing a mood episode currently. What kinda crazy things do you do when manic?

It probably would, I just don't know if i'd have the concentration or anything.
Well lets say if I was bipolar I don't have full blown mania, more like hypomania. It's mostly my energy level is off the scale and I laugh and talk heaps etc..

[LilMissMichael]

Originally Posted by treehugger727

I'd agree with Dan. Sometimes it is a long process; getting a dx. For me, I had to go through an intake person (an hour and 15 minute interview; basic stuff.) Then I had to go through and interview evaluation with a case manager on another day, four weeks later. She asked much more indepth questions, we talked about medical history, past episodes, family history, etc. This took about two hours. She then scheduled me with a Psychiatrist three weeks after that. Then, I met with pdoc. She looked over all of my intake, interview info then asked me her own questions as she took notes for 45 minutes. Then, concluded the meeting with her suggestions for a treatment plan and a dx of BP, she suspects Bipolar II.

If you feel like you will benefit from treatment of some sort, you need to schedule an appointment and get the ball rolling. Good Luck, lil miss.

I didn't realise how long the process was.. lol
So, do you experience hypomania instead of mania? I'm guessing so considering she suspects BipolarII. What are your hypomania moods like? I'd like to compare from a real persons point of view, if you get what I mean?
Thanks

[treehugger727]

I pmd you;-)

You must be from a country outside the U.S., LilMissMichael.

Here, all I ever did was pick up a phone and call a psychiatrist. I'd probably lose interest in seeking help if I had to go through all that you've been through. No
wonder you're asking for opinions!

I'd accept the psychiatrist's point of view having been through all that you've experienced. You'll be fine once your medications kick in, so look forward to some pleasant and comfortable times ahead.

Take care of yourself first.

Genetic

[manic most days]

I saw my nurse practitioner life long Dr... She diagnosed me at 13, I did go in for treatment until 30 she started me on Seroquil. I then went to mental health, it's a process and sometimes BS but I love my counselor

[BipolaRNurse]

Ye gawds, what some of you have to go through to see a mental health professional!! I had to wait too, but only for about 4 weeks after I was referred by my primary care MD. Around here that's a very short wait, and I was grateful for that because I really was in a lot of trouble then. My first visit was almost 2 hours and I received a diagnosis the same day, from a doctor who's actually very conservative when it comes to diagnosing bipolar disorder. I can't imagine going through several interviews/intakes before finally getting to see a psychiatrist, psych NP or Psy.D.---I think I would've gone over the edge if I'd had to deal with that before I could get any help. My hat's off to all of you who had to trudge through layers of bureaucracy before you got any real help.

Originally Posted by LilMissMichael

It probably would, I just don't know if i'd have the concentration or anything.
Well lets say if I was bipolar I don't have full blown mania, more like hypomania. It's mostly my energy level is off the scale and I laugh and talk heaps etc..

Hmmm possibly cyclothymic. I'm type two, experiencing hypo not full-blown mania and during my hypo stints, I blow through money, drink, I cheated on my hubby, left my husband and kids, didn't sleep, get violent at times. Are you suicidal when you're depressed? If you're concerned though, go get checked out. Sorry if any of what I've said is offensive to anyone.

[HurtingFML]

Anything is possible Ive actually experienced alot of what you're talking about . But I remember a few instances when i had to actually call people and ask when the last time we had smoked mary j (which had been years prior to incident ) because I really felt good and high for a minute or so. Never realized it was one major sign, but it happen many of years. Id ask myself dam when did I last smoke, and sometimes wish I had something to smoke. lol If you ever felt that right there described hey, even more reason to get checked

[HurtingFML]

Originally Posted by TheHighPriestess

Hmmm possibly cyclothymic. I'm type two, experiencing hypo not full-blown mania and during my hypo stints, I blow through money, drink, I cheated on my hubby, left my husband and kids, didn't sleep, get violent at times. Are you suicidal when you're depressed? If you're concerned though, go get checked out. Sorry if any of what I've said is offensive to anyone.

Yep im type 2 and experienced all but one of these .. This is a great list for indication ...

[LilMissMichael]

Originally Posted by TheHighPriestess

Hmmm possibly cyclothymic. I'm type two, experiencing hypo not full-blown mania and during my hypo stints, I blow through money, drink, I cheated on my hubby, left my husband and kids, didn't sleep, get violent at times. Are you suicidal when you're depressed? If you're concerned though, go get checked out. Sorry if any of what I've said is offensive to anyone.

When i'm in an "up" period I don't think I do anything that could harm myself or someone else.. But as I said in the post, I haven't really paid attention to those times.. More so concentrating on the "down" times.
No, well I won't ever be able to commit suicide. I haven't seriously though about it but I have thought of things like what would happen if I did (or what peoples lifes might be like if I passed away, not by suicide), but that's different. I could never/would never actually do it.