[sw1mfast]

Yesterday my psychiatrist diagnosed me with Bipolar 2. I'm in my 30s with a 10 year history of 5 episodes of severe depression (2 of which I were hospitalized for). Two and three years ago, I had periods of about a week of really high energy, a little less sleep, but definitely not mania-- just very hyper and a little euphoric. Now, it has been at least 12 days since I've slept over 3-4hrs, and yet I have tons of energy. My thoughts are logical, but my thinking is super fast...I'm extremely productive at work and experience no mental fatigue. I have that sense of happiness and connectedness with others that I feel whenever I've had 2-3 drinks, but I also feel very sharp--like if I played ping-pong, I could see the ball's every move and win every round. I notice I'm very outgoing and talkative, but I am also assured that I'm not acting bizarre, just very happy and hyper. Does this sound like Bipolar at all to you? My doc prescribed lithium but I'm afraid to take it. I feel fine, I'm definitely not manic, so, what's the big deal?

[Coffeee]

You sound like you are in hypomania which can turn into mania if you don't take the lithium. Yes you sound like bipolar 2 to me.

[sw1mfast]

Originally Posted by Coffeee

You sound like you are in hypomania which can turn into mania if you don't take the lithium. Yes you sound like bipolar 2 to me.

Aren't I too old for a first manic episode? What if lithium yanks me down into a depression--that's what I'm afraid of.

[franz kafka]

Lithium can help with depression too. I'd follow your doctors advice.

[sw1mfast]

It took me like 10 yrs to finally get comfortable with taking an SSRI, and now all of a sudden I'm told I need to taper off it immediately. I've seen a manic person; I'm not manic. I'd rather wait to think about starting lithium when I get back to my usual self. This is all happening too fast, and I'm sure it'll dissipate in a few days?? I know depression inside and out but feeling amAzing like this is mostly new.