[ChaoticSymphony]

I was diagnosed bipolar (cyclothymia) a few months after a traumatic event in my life. Because I didn't react typically of a (normal) person I got this diagnoses. I believe I just don't have good coping skills. My misdiagnoses led to my sisters misdiagnosed. She became paranoid and depressed and believed her work was setting her up to take a huge fall. She wSnt tho. It was just in her head. They said if a sibling has this then it is genetic. We both have bad coping skills with depression. Not bipolar. I've never been manic. I've had up periods where I paint several paintings a week. But beyond that I sleep and hate missing sleep. I may get hyper sexual. But that's a good thing. It makes me feel alive.

[~Christina]

Whether you have any form or Bipolar or not , Coping skills for anyone on the planet are important. It's good that your aware that your current coping skills aren't as helpful as they could be.

Please don't feel you need to leave this forum... Your a great person Its nice to have you here and your kind words

[Velouria]

Originally Posted by ChaoticSymphony

I was diagnosed bipolar (cyclothymia) a few months after a traumatic event in my life. Because I didn't react typically of a (normal) person I got this diagnoses. I believe I just don't have good coping skills. My misdiagnoses led to my sisters misdiagnosed. She became paranoid and depressed and believed her work was setting her up to take a huge fall. She wSnt tho. It was just in her head. They said if a sibling has this then it is genetic. We both have bad coping skills with depression. Not bipolar. I've never been manic. I've had up periods where I paint several paintings a week. But beyond that I sleep and hate missing sleep. I may get hyper sexual. But that's a good thing. It makes me feel alive.

Interesting...when my paranoia was in full force, before I went on my AP, I though work was setting me up to take a huge fall.

I haven't been dx'ed as BP, still figuring it out, but my paranoia's considered one of my BP "elements." It can get bad.

I have periods where I write and write and write...and then nothing at all, for months. It kinda sucks, I hate the down period without the motivation to write.

I also get hypersexual. But I get it and sometimes act on it in certain ways, and shouldn't because I'm in a relationship. And yes, it does make me feel alive.

Sometimes traumas do trigger BP, though. But, regardless, we want to keep you here so please stay.

[wiretwister]

Originally Posted by ChaoticSymphony

I was diagnosed bipolar ......... a few months after a traumatic event in my life. Because I didn't react typically of a (normal) person I got this diagnoses

I'm with you....pdoc's are lazy and narrow minded .... bp is their catch all.....I hope you find peace..a dx means nothing..you mean everything.....

[ChaoticSymphony]

Ya I switched pdocs recently and she has never indicated any type of dx. She just medicated symptoms. Then I took a test thing at the therapists office and it said only slightly above average for bipolar. So I am certain that the old pdoc was off his rocker that day. What a **** tho. The ripple effect of that dx was detrimental on both me and my sister's head.

I am so glad you guys said stay. I can't relate with the mania but can definitely relate with the depression. Thanks for your understanding everyone. Hugs

[Homeira]

Symphony, I have enjoyed a lot of your posts. So if you stick around here I would be glad. You know what BP is about, and you can offer advice coming from your experience. I am really happy for you and your sister that the mis-diagnosis was discovered.

It is fantastic that you have identified what has caused your symptoms - I think that is a good thing to then find the right treatment and coping skills for yourself.

I have absolutely no doubt that many of the people on this forum are not bipolar but the support and skills we can share are helpful for anyone with any type of mental illness, personal issues or crisis support. Personally I think this is the best part of the forum, so please continue using it for support.

[yanks7]

Genetic doesn't mean you have bipolar because your sister is bipolar. it just means that there is a susceptibility to develop the disease and that susceptibility runs in families. I spent 20 years thinking it was poor coping skills till I found meds that worked and only now I'm I starting to understand what mania is and how often I was manic. Sorry don't mean to come off like a know it all it is just what I am going through right now as well thanks for everyones support

Isn't getting a second opinion a wonderful thing!? I'm glad you found your diagnosis that "you fit". Only we know what's really us. At least for some of us that is. Yes, you don't need to go because we all still get depressed, we just go over the top too. We still get you and you us.

[everythingistaken]

I believed for years the doctor was wrong an dstopped the medication because they all had horrible side effects, but now I'm on an antidepressant and seroquel, which is a light antipsychotic. I have to say it's not owrking for my mania. That became worse later in life and lead me to believe in my dx. You may change your ind about it, but knowing yourself helps. Knowing when you are up or down helps. But the depression takes all that away and I hope you stay in a good place.