[sassymck]

Hi. I'm new here and new to a bipolar diagnosis because my 'mania' is 'anxious' mania rather than an elevated mood (though I can get that). It was always diagnosed as OCD and anxiety mixed with depression but never responded to SSRI's or tricyclics. Now they are saying it has been discovered that OCD is a soft indicator for a type of bipolar disorder. Does anyone out there have such a bipolar where they struggle with OCD and anxiety?? I feel like I don't fit anywhere exactly. I don't feel like I fit a particular profile to a tee. Even my OCD is more like body dysmorphia as it always pertains to bodily things like hair and skin (I was anorexic many moons ago), although it can relate to tasks and such. My anxiety is related to objects of my OCD and to being separated from my husband--maybe being alone in general; also to going out. I'm all over the board I guess. I don't know where to post exactly. I appreciate any guidance from those who have more experience with the diagnosis and with this forum, etc. Thank you so much. Looking forward to getting to know you guys better. It's always tough being the newbie. I'm sure you guys are great though.

[Clinte89]

Welcome to this end of the earth, non of us fit a mold so don't worry about that. I can't really answer your questions as I'm pretty generic but so have anxiety and know that sucks. But keep your wad up and hang with us and you'll figure it out.

[~Christina]

Hi Sassymck

I have yet to meet a single person that fits a mold of any kind around here. I have learned so much about how to treat handle cope and enjoy life more regardless of what challenges I face daily.

Glad you found us ! Everyone is friendly and helpful and offers amazing advice here.

Welcome to PC

[BipolaRNurse]

Welcome to PC, Sassymck We're glad you're here!

Like the previous posters said, no one around here really fits a "mold". There is no such thing as a textbook bipolar sufferer---we are all different and process things differently, and we have different comorbidities (associated illnesses) that spice up the chemical stew that is the human brain.

Anxiety is an extremely common companion to BP. OCD is another. If you research this forum, you'll find lots of folks with similar illnesses, and to be honest, I don't think there are very many BPs who don't have anxiety, even if they've never been formally diagnosed. (I'm one of them, though I carry only a bipolar diagnosis at this point in time---that's why I'm on Ativan.)

That's an interesting theory about OCD possibly being part of so-called 'soft' bipolar, although it's a new one on me, and I study this stuff all the time. FWIW, I feel the psychiatric establishment may be trying to push more and more illnesses into the bipolar spectrum that may or may not actually be bipolar; I'm not sure of the reason for this, unless it's got something to do with the way doctors are reimbursed for treating mental disorders.

Sorry about the BP diagnosis; it sucks, but at least you've found a group of people who live with it every day and know what you're going through.

[usbusi]

I think mania only comes in two forms, elevated or irritable, not anxious:

"Mania is a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, arousal, and/or energy levels" from Wikipedia mania page.

[Victoria'smom]

Anxiety, OCD, and eating disorder seems to be very closely interactive with my BP. Anxiety is usually the precursor to my hypomania. I'm sorry of your diagnosis bur I'm glad you found us. Welcome.

[JaydedLayde]

Hi, Sassy! I'm new here, too, and I'm 'so' glad you posted because I thought "Oh, thank goodness, someone else sounds like me!" I'm BP I of 25 years, OCD, and agoraphobic with panic attack disorder. For me, the anxiety comes from needing to talk to people, to socialize, to not feel so alone...and yet I have this debilitating fear of people and the outside world. I wish I had some good advice for you but I'm struggling myself.

I'm glad you're here and I hope you find the answers you're looking for so that your load is at least a little lighter. Good luck and remember to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how bumpy the road!

[BlueInanna]

Hi and welcome.

hey and welcome to our corner of the forum!

nice to have you

[JohnKelly]

Hi Sassy,
I just joined last night. But, I was diagnosed BP 10 years ago. I always like to say that it describes behavior. It is not like doing a pathology report on a type of liver cancer. Maybe someday, in about a 100 years, they'll strap something on our brain and say.... It's this!
Right now we deal with groups of symptoms, if you have a group then you can name it! Hey, if I look like a Doberman I must be a Doberman. The key is getting and staying healthy.
John

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