I have a question

It was established by my stay in the hospital that I have some form of Bipolar Disorder. But I had a question as to whether I experience a 'happy' state closer to mania or hypomania.

The first time I was in that state, I was full of energy, euphoric, had racing thoughts, was easily distracted and didn't think anything was wrong. It felt good. I wanted to go outside and be with other people but my mom wouldn't let me. I was frustrated but not to the point of screaming or breaking dishes. When this state first started I also talked faster than usual.

Then I had a few more through the cyclical mood swings that were similar. I had one major one at the hospital where it never really felt good, but I had so many ideas. I didn't want to slow down, so I went out in the hall and played with a ball to boost my energy. This was very stimulating but I suddenly felt tired. Which made me feel awful. I sunk onto the floor almost crying. I suddenly rose and said, "Take me outside!" I speeded through the hall and was impatient when I had to wait. When I got outside (which is surrounded by fence. I was shocked. Then I turned to my staff and said "Let me out. I can't slow down, I don't want to slow down. YOU'RE slowing me down!" I proceeded back in and commented on how the walls trapped me. Eventually this "happy" state descended into anger, very energetci anger where I hit the walls. I simmered down as I always did, down to flat. I never really remembered what happened, but the Lithium helps that.

But I need to know if it's more like mania or hypomania. As I've mentioned in other topics, my dad had Bipolar I Disorder and one of the specialists told me that I have the form of Bipolar Disorder that my father has.So, I really am at a loss of what to think and say. Is he right? Am I right? (I say what have is Bipolar II Disorder.)

It sounds to me like it's possible that the doctor is right, but my experience of bipolar disorders is limited.

The one suggestion I would make, and this is based on your obvious intelligence and willingness to find out what's wrong is to take your time to find the answer. I know it's frustrating but taking the right course of action will help you massively in the long run. Even if it means taking the meds for now, which you clearly don't want to do. Even if you don't have a bipolar disorder, if the lithium is helping the symptoms it could give you the headspace to concentrate on finding the right answer.

Good luck

I've seen three different specialists, two of which worked at the hospital and they agreed that what was going on is Bipolar Disorder. Consensus, you could say.

so what is your queston then...sorry I am not following.
Your recent story of the hospital seemed like a mixed state, or of dysphoric mania, with agitation and anxiety too.
What matters is feeling better.
I wish you well.
bizi

The question was whether the euphoria I experienced is more like hypomania or mania?

Phil heres a link to a site that goes some way to describing the difference between the two :-

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorde...mania-symptoms

Sounds to me like you may have symptoms of both. Hopefully you can find part of the answer here. Like I said im no expert, but if theres anything I can do to help.

Sorry that you experiencing this.
I hope that I didnot upset you with my question....
I was jsut confused about what you were asking.
Hypomania can run for weeks at a time and gradually or quickly turn into mania which could be jsut the hypo symptoms exaggerated...greater intensity.
When it starts to interfer with your job or home life then it has probably turned into mania or if you are having false beliefs or hallucinations..psychosis for sure.....what triggers you may be different than anyone else. Stress usually plays the biggest part of hypomania for me...I get overly stressed during the holidays and when ever I am going on vacation.i am going to take geodon prophalactically now a month ahead of time to help ward off the hypo mania before the holidays.
It can be a hard call since we are all so different.
Good luck and make sure you keep the lines of communication open with your pdoc.... Hopefully your most valuable asset in helping to manage your symptoms.
I wish you well.
bizi