I've never posted in this forum so please be nice

I've been questioning my diagnosis a lot lately and bipolar is beginning to enter my mind as a possibility. I was diagnosed with BPD about a year and a half ago now but I really don't agree with this anymore. I never have fully accepted it and it seems even less likely to me now.

I don't think I have ever been manic though which is why I'm not sure about bipolar either. I go through phases though of being severely depressed and suicidal which lasts for weeks-months and then I will wake up one day and just feel better. I can suddenly feel happiness again. These phases last a few weeks generally before I inevetiably crash again.

I guess what I'm asking is if its possible to have bipolar without full blown mania?

[wildflowerchild25]

Yes, it is considered bipolar 2 and you only experience hypomani, which may be indistinguishable from what you would consider just a good mood. Check out the resources here to get a better understanding.

[Nightside of Eden]

It sounds like pretty classic Bipolar 2 to me also. That's my dx and I've never had a manic episode. Are you able to talk to your doctor about the dx, or perhaps go to a different doctor for a new evaluation? The treatment for bipolar is very different from that of a personality disorder.

[Fuzzybear]

[FaithlessCat]

Yep I have bp II . I'm the opposite to you thou I go through phases of hypomania with a history of only a couple of depressive episodes. I never knew I was being hypomanic I just thought I was very open minded and adventurous. Rather poetically prior to my diagnosis I always described myself as the epitome of diversity.

[renie1022]

I think its the cyclical nature of your moods that makes me think that it could be Bipolar 2. In Bipolar 2 you USUALLY have more downs that ups and the ups are less serious than in Bipolar 1. Also something to think about, I've seen Bipolar described in terms of three facets of your experience: MOOD, ENERGY and COGNITION. If they are all elevated, it is mania or hypomania. If they are all down, it is depression. Do you notice yourself being mentally sharper, and having more energy, in addition to being happier when you are on one of your upswings? The answer might help to answer your question.

[Victoria'smom]

Before my husband was properly diagnosed we thought he just had recording depression. It never accord to us that when he woke up feeling better it was actually (hypo)mania. I. Think you should get a reevaluation by a new psych. Without telling them you've had any mental health treatment at all.

Thanks all I will definitely look into bipolar 2 and also hypomania to see how much it fits.

Originally Posted by Nightside of Eden

It sounds like pretty classic Bipolar 2 to me also. That's my dx and I've never had a manic episode. Are you able to talk to your doctor about the dx, or perhaps go to a different doctor for a new evaluation? The treatment for bipolar is very different from that of a personality disorder.

Yeah I am considering seeing a different pdoc for a new evaluation. My current one seems so set on it being a personality disorder that I just don't know how to go about changing her mind. She brings out the worst in me and I think it's definitely time to start seeing someone new!

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Before my husband was properly diagnosed we thought he just had recording depression. It never accord to us that when he woke up feeling better it was actually (hypo)mania. I. Think you should get a reevaluation by a new psych. Without telling them you've had any mental health treatment at all.

Thanks, yeah thats what I was thinking of doing. I figure if I go in to someone new and don't mention any past diagnosis then they will not be influenced by anything so I can hopefully get a truer diagnosis.