[Jacksoncat]

Hello,

I've received different opinions from doctors ... BP, just depression and OCD, anxiety. My wife finds I go on "benders" after times of stress ... behaviors such as being snarky, sleeping in the afternoon, overreacting to things, not eating health food, obsessing, being quiet, etc. Last weekend, for example, we drove 12 hours in two days to buy a car. I know this might not be much for others, but it was stressful for me. Since then, my wife has noticed me to quiet, argumentative, etc. What are your thoughts? Is "bender" the right word here? Could it be BP? I'm stressed over this.

Thanks!

[bizi]

you say doctors, any of them psychiatrist?
Only they can diagnose.
Episodes usually last more than just a few days.
bizi

[Moose72]

Its hard to say. I agree with bizi: see a psych doc. Meanwhile read the link in my signature. Its my bipolar blog. Its even searchable. Might give you an idea what being bipolar can be like.

[~Christina]

Most Pdoc’s look for episodes lasting at least a full week.

Best thing is see a Pdoc and see what he/she thinks , it often takes months to a year or more to get diagnosed Bipolar ( you don’t want that label unless you truly have it)

Meanwhile a Pdoc will treat your “symptoms “ there are many meds that might be helpful.

When did you have a full physical with blood work done ? Your thyroid can be off and that causing problems. All possible physical ailments need to be ruled out.

Meanwhile learning coping skills can help you manage stress. A Therapist can help you learn many ways to help yourself.

I hope you find some answers

[Jacksoncat]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. The different diagnoses have come from mental health professionals. The BP diagnosis came within my first appointment with a psychiatrist, and appeared to result from me mentioning that my wife thinks I "cycle." The psychiatrist has a reputation for that diagnosis, but I wonder if the other professionals (RN, counselor) are just telling me what I want to hear. The "benders" seem to last a couple of weeks, and then I snap out of them. I am on Lamictal, Sertraline, and Wellbutrin.

Thoughts?

Thanks so much.