[bpinOk]

Hello all I'm newley diagnosed bi polar.... Just have a question about when others ask you how are u doing and to be honest u cant explain how your doing... How do u go about explaining your thoughts and feelings to someone who doesn't understand?

[BipolaRNurse]

You don't. Most people aren't nearly as intimately acquainted with bipolar as we are, and you're right, they DON'T understand. So what you say is "I'm fine" and move on with your day.

By the way, welcome to PC! I think you'll find the Bipolar forum a sanctuary where understanding is always just a mouse-click away. Almost everyone who posts here either lives with bipolar or cares about someone who does, so there's plenty of support to be found. We're here whenever you need us.

[DivineB]

hey well im ok how about yourself and she is totally right i've been living with this illness and it's complicated enough to make you sick but not our fault I understand it takes some strength to open up and admit to yourself and others that it does exist and if anytime you feel the need for support we are all here for you.... if you feel angry or even just need someone to understand message me or anyone and you will receive... plus this is my primary support in dealing and acquiring coping methods..... it just takes a day at a time...

[Victoria'smom]

The only ones that I explain my thoughts and feelings to is T and my husband who is bipolar also. Everyone else gets: "I'm okay" is me saying I'm not good, "Good" is good, "I think I'm getting sick" or deflecting with "How are you?" are really really depressed and "Awesome" hypomanic.

I use spoon theory to explain Bipolar in general.
"Limitless" the movie to explain hypo-mania.

[cocoabeans]

Unless my husband or a good friend is asking me how I am and it is part of a serious conversation, my response is always that I'm doing good, then I say something funny or friendly and ask how the other person is doing.

Faking it actually makes you feel better.

Besides most of the time when someone asks how you are they don't want the truth nor is it needed.

[bpinOk]

That makes me feel better about just saying fine and moving on....Thank you so much for the reassurance

I've had my whole life knowing learning how to answer that. Did your onset just happen?

[bpinOk]

Originally Posted by landskaperdan

I've had my whole life knowing learning how to answer that. Did your onset just happen?

Its been going on about 10 years, but just now seeking help... I didn't think that there was anything wrong with me, but at times I still think there is nothing wrong

[bunnifoo]

People close to me want to know. I try to explain the racing thoughts like trying to run on a treadmill that's going to fast. Or when you see a gerbil scrabbling at the corner of a glass aqauarium trying to escape - that's kind what it feels like. But it's more than that, it's not being able to stick with one thought so it's like having a radio on. And another. And a tv, all the thoughts racing and over lapping.

Trying to explain what it's like to get things done when i'm panicky or whatever I usually use this http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/ar...-spoon-theory/

[~Christina]

The general public and friends get the standard "I'm fine" ... My husband seems to only ask if I seem "off" and depending on my mood he might get a "I'm fine or maybe a "not a good day"

The only Persons that get a real honest answer is my Pdoc and my T.

[twiddle]

Welcome. Well sorta cause none of us really want to be here. I just joined a couple of months ago and everyone is super nice and super supportive.

Unlike most of the others I tell it like it is. I'm feeling kind of down or I'm a little manic today or I'm good or I'm not sure (when I'm feeling mixed) but I have little contact with anyone other than family or close friends so I just tell them.

Yeah, I know that "I really don't think anything is wrong with me" feeling. I still get it now and again but I've had 4 hospitalizations for mania or mixed episodes so yeah there's something wrong with me.

Anywho as I said welcome.

Oh and thanks to whomever posted the link for the spoon theory -I had never heard of it before. It's perfect!

[rossiv46]

I don't t ell others as well. I once told a boss because he saw the scars on my arms and it was a big mistake. After that he didn't trust me with things at work and it was a mess until he fired me. I learned my lesson and keep quiet.

[bpinOk]

Most of the time I don't know or understand how I feel... How do u guys n gals handle that?

[Clinte89]

I don't try to explain to people how I feel it's just a simple good or bad. I keep it that simple. Cause like you say sometimes we don't even understand what's going on with ourselves.

[~Christina]

If I really don't know how I'm feeling .. I just wait for the next day and hopefully I'll figure it out then.

I do not let myself become obsessed about "what mood I am in " ?

[bpinOk]

Originally Posted by morethingswrong

If I really don't know how I'm feeling .. I just wait for the next day and hopefully I'll figure it out then.

I do not let myself become obsessed about "what mood I am in " ?

I know what ya mean... Just frustrates me sometimes and I view myself as not normal then

I'm always fine and i always justify whatever is happening into fine. it's a justification game.