[BreeVanD]

New here, first post after lurking around for a while..

I understand that a professional diagnosis is ultimately what I need to get, but I’m interested to hear from others who are bipolar or know someone who is having had the firsthand experience.


So, do you think I am bipolar?

It occurred to me last year that I had a year of terrible decision making, with high and lows which made me think I might be bipolar. Put with the previous 10 year history I have of up and downs, self-harm and an eating disorder I felt like it was the missing piece of the puzzle.

Last year I had two main ‘highs’ of two weeks each where I felt I was buzzing and then smaller highs that lasted for a day or two. In the highs I drove recklessly, drank too much, slept with inappropriate people (had a threesome), always the ‘life and soul’ of the party, did really, really inappropriate things that my sober self would never do (e.g. make out with opposite sex in a bar in front of friends even though I am straight), decided I wanted to be in politics so applied to all these political parties, decided I could write a book and told everyone and wrote half a page, spent $1000 on sewing equipment that I have used once, spent $1000 on jewellery that was meant for rent, got piercings I didn’t realised I wanted until I walked past the shop, cut my hair, met a guy at a bar once and flew to visit him in Iceland for 2 weeks. All of this stuff was on a whim. Don’t feel like eating, so much energy, so many thoughts, all these plans I make and ideas and so, so happy.


Then the lows where I can’t stop crying, feel suicidal, etc. etc.
Getting to the point now where the above is negatively affecting my life in terms of health, socially, financially, work wise and family-wise (they are constantly worried about me).

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

[bioChE]

Like you said in your intro, we can't diagnose you. Find a decent professional and have a conversation with them.

Based on what you said in the rest of your post, you definitely have issues. Whether or not those are linked to MI is an assessment for a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.

[Nammu]

Definitely get a professional opinion.

I agree -- a professional opinion is really important.

Sorry that's not the answer you're looking for, but I think that's the best you can do at this point. There are a lot of things that can mimic bipolar symptoms, for example, thyroid issues (e.g., Hashimoto's, Grave's disease), Borderline Personality Disorder, etc. Literally, it could be any number of things. That's why sometimes it's not so straightforward, and why you need a professional opinion.

Best of luck, whatever it turns it to be!

[BreeVanD]

Hahah, I definitely do have issues!

Thanks for your replies, I am booked in to see a health professionals but I was thinking maybe someone saw themselves in some of the things I mentioned and could shed some light onto it.

[bioChE]

I definitely see a lot of myself in your description.

Based on what you've written only, I can see why you are concerned and why you believe it could be bipolar. Bipolar is diagnosed based on symptoms and you've checked off more than just a few boxes in this post alone. Get a full physical to rule out any illness. Good luck.

Well as a reminder we are here to be supportive not to diagnose.

With that said your words do ring a bell of familiarity. Except, my own experience is the manic periods lasted for months not days.

[MBM17]

I agree with Elsa. It's clear why you're wondering about bipolar. From your post, it sounds like you have a LOT of the bipolar symptoms from the DSM.

[BreeVanD]

Thanks again for your replies everyone - just reading that other people feel similar things and have similar experiences relieves me so much. I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone. I've just never met anyone that can relate so thank you.