Hi, I have never been diagnosed as bipolar. I have som traits, however , that make me feel OK by self-diagnosing myself as "Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorder" (DSM 5). This diagnose includes "do not meet the full criteria". I feel that I have more control when I use a mood-chart and a daily routine chart from the Cyclothymia Workbook. Are there other people here who try to chart mood and/or routine? I have skipped that for the last weeks, but hope to be able to take up the habit again today.

[hoping76]

I have suspected for years I have a form of bipolar. I took it upon myself to do a mood chart this month. The new T said make sure u show the psychiatrist. There are definite manic episodes. I say do a mood chart for a couple months and see what you come up with. If you see a therapist or dr. Show them the results.

I love charting my routine, it keeps me balanced.

[Pikku Myy]

I dont chart it anymore so to speak... i did when it was necessary. I am now so brain washed to having and needing a routine, i would chart the atypical events.

Tanks for all the answers! I did restart charting yesterday, but forgot to follow it up during the whole day. The routine, however, seemed to go by itself as soon as I started to think in terms of routine. For me the best with routines is that I have to follow is that it gives a balance between activity and rest. It doesn't allow me to skip meals and it takes care of my needs for physical training. What do routines do for you?

[leomama]

Hi, I'm not bipolar, I have PTSD however I find charting my moods with imoodjournal really helps!

I am not formally diagnosed with bipolar either and probably never will be. Not every single trait can be put in a "box" and given a name. Often there are a few traits that can fill some diagnostic criteria, but there are to few of them to be given a formal diagnose. The person who is not given a formal diagnose still suffer from these "few traits" and has to develop coping mecanisms for them. That's my point.