[icreateidestroy]

Hi,

Is it possible for someone to have one episode of mania in their lifetime and then go into a cycle of hypomania and depression?

I have thus far had one manic (from my own reading and reading bipolar resources, I am convinced it was a manic) episode in 2004/05 and since have multiple high-energy (hypomania?) followed by long periods of super-low depressed phases over the last 14 years.

I have been fluctuating in body weight and having significantly physical transformations over these last 14 years, so have been associating my high-energy good moods in the phases when I am in weight-loss journey or having achieved ideal weight, being comfortable with my body, wearing clothes that I am happy about and my perception of looking good phases.

And then there is a trigger, and it's a downward spiral of binge-eating, gaining weight (up to 55 lbs) over a 6 to 8 month period and then I hit a point where I cannot tolerate it anymore and start on a workout regime and lose all the 55 lbs gained over 3 to 4 months period. I have been doing this cycle for the last 10 years easily. This is a vicious cycle and I can't seem to break out of this.

More recently earlier this year, I have had one episode of high-energy and high-productive phase which lasted 4 to 5 months and then a super slump and depressed phase up until now.

I have written more long and detailed posts which should provide more context and background here:

https://forums.psychcentral.com/depr...ards-life.html

and

https://forums.psychcentral.com/depr...epression.html

I was originally posting under the depression sub-section thinking what I had was depression until recently, thanks to another member (singer47) who highlighted what I have could potentially be bipolar 2 or cyclothymia.

I have also finally after all these years, decided I need professional help and met my GP and have been referred to psychiatry and am awaiting the appointment.

I am just researching on my own now and it is not self-diagnosis but trying to sincerely find more information on my own.

It's all too much information to digest and accept tbh, but I am determined to fight this off and seek help.

So yes, is it possible for someone to be bipolar I and then followed by bipolar II?

Thanks,

[scatterbrained04]

As far as diagnosis, don't quote me though, it is my understanding that if you've ever had an episode of full blown mania, you'll have a bipolar I diagnoses.

That being said, I wouldn't get to caught up in the I or II thing. If I've learned anything about bipolar, it's that anything is possible. I think it is entirely possible to have only one episode of mania and then never have one again. Every single one of us has a our own unique course of illness with our own collection of symptoms.

Hope things go well with the pdoc appointment. Hugs

Originally Posted by icreateidestroy

I was originally posting under the depression sub-section thinking what I had was depression until recently, thanks to another member (singer47) who highlighted what I have could potentially be bipolar 2 or cyclothymia.

Please remember that nobody in the different forums at PC can help you with a diagnose. We can point at what it looks like from our point of view, but only a pdoc can do the diagnostic work (interviews that the doctor has used may years to know how to do and to interpret, perhaps tests etc).

You have to go to a Psyciatrist to get the right diagnose and treatment. (Please stop referring to me around in any forum. We all try to help each others here, but we can only suggest that perhaps ... If we are quoted without knowing, perhaps we will become scared and stop helping). A GP can set a tenteative diagnose for you and then the Pdock do the rest.

Please remember that you are not a Psychiatrist yourself (I say this kindly and well meant ). It is important that you learn about your disorder, but first you have to be diagnosed of a person qualified to do so.

Take time to "digest" that you probably have a serious disorder that will be with you for perhaps the rest of your life and to also "digest" that a formal diagnose is not the end of the world (whatever that diagnose is). Find a relaxation program and try to relax as best you can while waiting for your correct and formally made diagnose, so not all this worrying about what it is become some sort of a trigger to you. It will be much more productive if you think about your "talents" with regard to trust and cooperation with a pdoc. Honesty in a relationship between a doctor and his patient is alfa and omega for a good result.

As far as I know, one only needs one episode of Mania to get a Bipolar I diagnose, and, also as far as I know, many people only have only one episode. When that diagnose is made it is a diagnose forever. One do not "fall down" to another diagnose afterward.

Be well!

[NatsukiKuga]

I wouldn't get too hung up over 1s and 2s. It's not like you're getting a grade in school, they're really just guidelines for which meds to try first, and people from each category can end up taking the same meds, anyway.

Main thing is to tell the whole truth to pdoc so you can get the best possible individualized treatment for yourself. A 1 or a 2 is just a mark on a piece of paper and an insurance billing code. Relief is priceless.

[icreateidestroy]

@Scatterbrained04

Thanks very much!

@Singer47



First, my apologies to have quoted you in this post, it is not my intention to put-off genuine people from helping others and sharing their experiences and thoughts in the forum.

I am aware I am not a psychiatrist or qualified for making self-diagnosis of my condition and neither am I going to blindly trust the words of a well-meaning someone on an internet forum to make that diagnosis for me.

Like I have admitted in my original post, I have already sought professional help and am awaiting the referral to come through from psychiatry (pdoc as is referred herein PC) and in the country where I reside in, there is no clear timeline for this. So, I am left waiting.

All I am trying to do, by posting in the bipolar sub-forum is to see if there is someone else who share similar symptoms or experiences as me and are able to share their personal story and experience with me so I can draw a parallel or/and understand my situation better.

Likewise, someone who is quietly reading without posting and is reluctant to bare it all may benefit from reading my experience and may feel a little comforted that there are others who go through what they are going through and may feel encouraged to comment and say 'hey, that sounds like me'.

When I originally discovered psychcentral, I was only posting in the 'depression' sub-forum (thinking that was what I had) and not even visiting or reading 'bipolar' forum until I slowly discovered that what I may have could be bipolar, and also later in my first visit to my GP hypomania and cyclothymia were mentioned to me along with unipolar depression.

The reason to re-post in this 'bipolar' sub-forum was to seek if someone has experienced or better understood what I have been going through.

I also know too well, what works for one does not work for another and there is no "one shoe fits all" solution. Each person and their situation is unique.

The primary purpose of this or any internet forum is to discuss, have a healthy debate, and share experiences to help one and another.

Obviously, I am going to be 100% honest with my pdoc as I genuinely seek a solution and to cope with my situation better which I have been struggling for a really long time!

All I am trying to do is gather as much information and data on the table to help me make an informed decision and am not in any hurry for self-diagnosis or self-medication.

If you wish I can request a moderator to edit and remove the reference to yourself if that would help.

Thanks again and wish you well.

@Natsukikuga

Thanks for writing in.

Was never too fussed about grades in school mate so doesn't matter to be honest, if that is all it is, like a number on a piece of paper.

It's all too much information and still very early days for me in understanding my situation better, slowly someday, I will get to a point when I don't care about it much and it's all behind me.

Cheers!

Hi again icreateidestroy,

You don’t have to apologize for quoting me. I only wanted to say that I don’'t like to be referred to as a source of some information in another forum than in the forum and thread I originally wrote in. You couldn't know that.

You are of course free to make yourself known in what ever forum you want to, and to discuss your topics when you like to.

I may have misread you, but I got the impression that you thought that we could help you with a diagnose here at PC. We cannot! We are only ordinary sufferers like yourself. What we can help with or not help with will differ because the knowledge we all have differ from person to person. We are all unique and so are you.

That means that if you should end up with a bipolar diagnose it is only a tool for your pdoc and a paper for your insurance company: «His symptoms are in that category». But «that category» tells nothing about what person you are and what is difficult for you personally, what weaknesses you have that you have to work upon to live well with your disorder (whatever label they give it) or what strengths you have that your pdock can build upon to help you.

Your total lifesituation has something to say as well, like if you have the money to eat healthy, have good people around you to support you and more … (From what you have written these two topics I mentioned seem to be well covered in you case).

All in all we can say that two people with the same diagnose may have so different treatments that if they were taped and shown to students, they would never guess that these two people shared the same diagnose. (Pdocs never show material to students that their patients have not given permission to in advance).

Take good care of yourself in the waiting period. Relax when you can and do some easy physical exercises to keep yourself phyiscal fit. Mind and body works togheter you know!

Be well!

[NatsukiKuga]

@Natsukikuga

Thanks for writing in.

Was never too fussed about grades in school mate so doesn't matter to be honest, if that is all it is, like a number on a piece of paper.

Cheers![/QUOTE]

So, what did pdoc think?

Did you work out a course of treatment you feel comfortable with?

[xRavenx]

My pdoc also said not to get hung up on whether it's Bipolar 1 or 2, even though I have Bipolar 1. It gives mental health professionals a guideline, but it's person-to-person. Just like how medications are individualized, and what one person with BP responds well to might be completely different from someone else. Insurance companies need a billing code, so pdocs try to narrow it down. Traditionally though, anyone who has experienced a definite manic episode at some point in their lives meets criteria for Bipolar 1.

[BipolaRNurse]

Unfortunately, bipolar isn't a disease that returns to a lower level once the patient is out of an episode. I definitely have experienced full-blown mania, but I've been really stable for the most part during the past couple of years so I don't really feel like I qualify for a bipolar 1 diagnosis anymore. But the diagnosis doesn't change just because I'm healthy. KWIM?

I had a full-blown manic episode 20 years ago, triggered by diet pill combo Phen-Fen. A psychologist friend told me that didn’t count since it was drug-induced. So I blew off the psychiatrist that said it was bipolar mania.

I went unmedicated for 18 years, went to a psychiatrist for help with anxiety, told him I was suspicious of being bipolar after reading about hypomania. He diagnosed me as bipolar type 2. And gave me prescription for propanolol, which caused insomnia...and that triggered another full blown manic event.

18 years apart—2 episodes of full-blown mania, drug-induced.

So, my current psychiatrist sternly said those drugs don’t trigger mania unless you’re bipolar, and she calls it type 1. She says I’ll get worse if I have more episodes, and I need medication.

Whatever. Really most of the time I fit type 2, depression peppered with hypomania triggered by excitement, like getting a new job.

My weight has fluctuated tremendously, I lost 120 pounds at one point doing very extreme things. I’m in the middle now, down 60 pounds from my high weight. I’m sick of feeling bad about my weight and doing things to lose weight.

That’s how I feel this week...

Anyway, I don’t care if I’m 1 or 2. I just need relief, and it feels like this new course of lithium and gabapentin are helping

[NatsukiKuga]

Originally Posted by key tones

I had a full-blown manic episode 20 years ago, triggered by diet pill combo Phen-Fen. A psychologist friend told me that didn’t count since it was drug-induced.

[A pdoc] diagnosed me as bipolar type 2. And gave me prescription for propanolol, which caused insomnia...and that triggered another full blown manic event.

So, my current psychiatrist sternly said those drugs don’t trigger mania unless you’re bipolar, and she calls it type 1. She says I’ll get worse if I have more episodes, and I need medication.

Whatever. Really most of the time I fit type 2, depression peppered with hypomania triggered by excitement, like getting a new job

Yah, exactly. Your psychologist couldn't have been more wrong. It's often by our reaction to a drug or a new situation that bipolar can be detected.

For instance, nobody goes to a doctor when they're feeling great. We only complain to our GP when we're feeling blue. A typical GP never thinks about bipolar. They just prescribe an SSRI, which works for 95% of everyone but can trigger mania or hypomania in us BPs.

So we get nutty, no one knows why, no one thinks it could be from a harmless little SSRI so no one thinks to call in a pdoc, and we don't get adequate treatment. I've read that it typically takes 10 years of seeking help for us to finally get our proper dx.

And you will get worse with more episodes. It's as though the episodes wear down a path for themselves to follow with each episode, so each successive time gets easier and easier for them. Bipolar works physical transformations on the brain. If you don't believe me, go to psycheducation.com and look at the PET brain scans.

So take those meds, my friends and lovers. They suck, they're humiliating, they're an admission of weakness, they make you fat and impotent, and even if you do manage to get going you still can't orgasm... and they're also neuroprotective.

Much as you and I may hate our meds, I hate having something eat my brains even more.

Good Luck.

Sometimes there are symptoms that don't show the full picture to qualify for a diagnose, but the symptoms still exist.

I never got a bipolar diagnose. I didn’t fulfill the whole packet required for the diagnose. (They chose to not use the Bipolar NOS diagnose). To not have a diagnose doesn’t mean that the symptoms of that disorder (that are not enough to put on a formal diagnose) disappear. I have to follow the same advice as my bipolar friends do follow (if they can manage): Routines, regular meals, enough sleep and more.

An example can be if I have too much fun, the fun makes me have problems with getting «down on the earth». No I will not go around and shop expensive things or have sex in plenty like some people with real mania might do, but I have to watch my triggers. Related to the example I used about having too much fun, I will always have to be aware of that. I need to know how to stop the excitement when it has become turned on. For me it will be to say no to invitations for some time (may be a week or two) and to not feel like I have turned someone down by doing so. We MI-sufferers are often very clever in blaming ourseves. BUT it is my job to try to live as best I can with my disorder. I have the right to do so; to take care of myself.

I think the most important lesson a person with some kind of MI can have, is to know how to live well with their symptoms whatever their symptoms are. I second what I read on the website of the ‘Depression and Bipolar Alliance’ once: «What works for me does not have to work for you»! Those words are beautiful and full of respect for all of us as personal individuals!

Most of us feel frightened when we get a MI diagnose for the first time (whatever that diagnose is). Well, it is not the end. Life has still much to give us! (The threadstarter is a newbie and I want him to know that where he is now, we have all been, so we understand).

[WildcatVet]

I've had one MAJOR manic episode...probably drug induced by an antidepressant...but I consider myself BP II and my T agrees. It doesn't make much difference to me because the medications are basically the same...

[icreateidestroy]

Originally Posted by NatsukiKuga

@Natsukikuga

Thanks for writing in.

Was never too fussed about grades in school mate so doesn't matter to be honest, if that is all it is, like a number on a piece of paper.

Cheers!

So, what did pdoc think?

Did you work out a course of treatment you feel comfortable with?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for checking. I have made no progress, as my GP, turns out did not make a referral and said even if he did, I would probably not meet the criteria for a pdoc referral to come through.

I posted about that here -> https://forums.psychcentral.com/bipo...-nhs-care.html

Originally Posted by NatsukiKuga

Yah, exactly. Your psychologist couldn't have been more wrong. It's often by our reaction to a drug or a new situation that bipolar can be detected.

For instance, nobody goes to a doctor when they're feeling great. We only complain to our GP when we're feeling blue. A typical GP never thinks about bipolar. They just prescribe an SSRI, which works for 95% of everyone but can trigger mania or hypomania in us BPs.

So we get nutty, no one knows why, no one thinks it could be from a harmless little SSRI so no one thinks to call in a pdoc, and we don't get adequate treatment. I've read that it typically takes 10 years of seeking help for us to finally get our proper dx.

And you will get worse with more episodes. It's as though the episodes wear down a path for themselves to follow with each episode, so each successive time gets easier and easier for them. Bipolar works physical transformations on the brain. If you don't believe me, go to psycheducation.com and look at the PET brain scans.

So take those meds, my friends and lovers. They suck, they're humiliating, they're an admission of weakness, they make you fat and impotent, and even if you do manage to get going you still can't orgasm... and they're also neuroprotective.

Much as you and I may hate our meds, I hate having something eat my brains even more.

Good Luck.

Thank you—I thought for the 18 years that my psychologist friend had helped me. Well, he did—he listened to me talk for weeks until I came down form the mania, for free. But I needed more help that I didn’t seek out.

There are people I’ve worked with that now think I am crazy, and maybe that could have been prevented. And maybe I and my family could have had a better life. And maybe I would be better off now in the course of the bipolar.

So yes, I agree—take the meds!!

[NatsukiKuga]

Originally Posted by icreateidestroy

So, what did pdoc think?

Did you work out a course of treatment you feel comfortable with?

Thanks for checking. I have made no progress, as my GP, turns out did not make a referral and said even if he did, I would probably not meet the criteria for a pdoc referral to come through.

I posted about that here -> https://forums.psychcentral.com/bipo...-nhs-care.html[/QUOTE]Dude, don't let a mere GP stand in your way. Bless their hearts, but they don't know jack squat.

It's your body, your mind, your issue. You need to see a pdoc, you want to see a pdoc, you deserve to see a pdoc. Best thing can happen is that a qualified pdoc, not an unqualified GP, tells you you're okay. Worst thing is you get treatment.

Don't let some doofus buffalo you. You're the partner in the relationship who counts.

[icreateidestroy]

Originally Posted by Singer47

Sometimes there are symptoms that don't show the full picture to qualify for a diagnose, but the symptoms still exist.

I never got a bipolar diagnose. I didn’t fulfill the whole packet required for the diagnose. (They chose to not use the Bipolar NOS diagnose). To not have a diagnose doesn’t mean that the symptoms of that disorder (that are not enough to put on a formal diagnose) disappear. I have to follow the same advice as my bipolar friends do follow (if they can manage): Routines, regular meals, enough sleep and more.

An example can be if I have too much fun, the fun makes me have problems with getting «down on the earth». No I will not go around and shop expensive things or have sex in plenty like some people with real mania might do, but I have to watch my triggers. Related to the example I used about having too much fun, I will always have to be aware of that. I need to know how to stop the excitement when it has become turned on. For me it will be to say no to invitations for some time (may be a week or two) and to not feel like I have turned someone down by doing so. We MI-sufferers are often very clever in blaming ourseves. BUT it is my job to try to live as best I can with my disorder. I have the right to do so; to take care of myself.

I think the most important lesson a person with some kind of MI can have, is to know how to live well with their symptoms whatever their symptoms are. I second what I read on the website of the ‘Depression and Bipolar Alliance’ once: «What works for me does not have to work for you»! Those words are beautiful and full of respect for all of us as personal individuals!

Most of us feel frightened when we get a MI diagnose for the first time (whatever that diagnose is). Well, it is not the end. Life has still much to give us! (The threadstarter is a newbie and I want him to know that where he is now, we have all been, so we understand).

Thanks Singer47 for the positive words. I have gone past the acceptance stage that I am probably dealing with some mental illness here.

I do sincerely want a better quality life and do feel I deserve it. I do resonate with having too much fun in my good phases and struggle with saying "no".

It's like my good phases are very good for an extended period of time and then I crash for longer periods.

I do agree having a routine to wake up, exercise and regular sleep times will help manifold, but I am now in a phase where am struggling to get back into routine.

Just lethargic and I can't be bothered about anything attitude.

There are times in the day I feel positive, determined, hopeful and then there are times in the day I feel desolate, stuck, angry at myself and depressed.

Why can I not be consistent !! It's frustrating !!

[NatsukiKuga]

Originally Posted by icreateidestroy

I have gone past the acceptance stage that I am probably dealing with some mental illness here.

I do resonate with having too much fun in my good phases and struggle with saying "no".

It's like my good phases are very good for an extended period of time and then I crash for longer time.

Why can I not be consistent !! It's frustrating !!

Babe, it sounds like you've already accepted why.

Now it's just a matter of working the system to get what you need.

Good Luck

[icreateidestroy]

Originally Posted by NatsukiKuga

Babe, it sounds like you've already accepted why.

Now it's just a matter of working the system to get what you need.

Good Luck

Thanks, yes, it appears to be that. Btw, not a babe, but a dude :-)

[NatsukiKuga]

Originally Posted by icreateidestroy

Thanks, yes, it appears to be that. Btw, not a babe, but a dude :-)

Innie or outie, at my advanced age all y'all pretty much babies.

However, I honestly do beg pardon if any offense.

[icreateidestroy]

Originally Posted by NatsukiKuga

Innie or outie, at my advanced age all y'all pretty much babies.

However, I honestly do beg pardon if any offense.

No offense taken.

[icreateidestroy]

Originally Posted by NatsukiKuga

Thanks for checking. I have made no progress, as my GP, turns out did not make a referral and said even if he did, I would probably not meet the criteria for a pdoc referral to come through.

I posted about that here -> https://forums.psychcentral.com/bipo...-nhs-care.html

Dude, don't let a mere GP stand in your way. Bless their hearts, but they don't know jack squat.

It's your body, your mind, your issue. You need to see a pdoc, you want to see a pdoc, you deserve to see a pdoc. Best thing can happen is that a qualified pdoc, not an unqualified GP, tells you you're okay. Worst thing is you get treatment.

Don't let some doofus buffalo you. You're the partner in the relationship who counts.[/QUOTE]

Thank you, that's a nice thought. I would hope it is that.

I seemed to have missed this response amongst others.

Ok, although I am wavering and in self-doubt again that if it's just me and my 'will power', I am also thinking I definitely need to meet a professional pdoc.

This is certainly no way to live my life. I need to change and I need help!

[Nammu]

What if it's not bipolar, what if it's just adjustment difficulty. Can you accept that or have you decided that a bipolar label and a lifetime of medication trials will solve all your problems?

[icreateidestroy]

Originally Posted by Nammu

What if it's not bipolar, what if it's just adjustment difficulty. Can you accept that or have you decided that a bipolar label and a lifetime of medication trials will solve all your problems?

I am at a point, where I have struggled with this for too long and I want a solution. If it comes with a label of bipolar and meds that are going to improve my quality of life, I am willing to accept that.

At the same time, if it turns out NOT to be bipolar, but something else that can be treated with therapy, then I am happy to accept that as well.

[NatsukiKuga]

Originally Posted by icreateidestroy

I am at a point, where I have struggled with this for too long and I want a solution. If it comes with a label of bipolar and meds that are going to improve my quality of life, I am willing to accept that.

At the same time, if it turns out NOT to be bipolar, but something else that can be treated with therapy, then I am happy to accept that as well.

Any luck during this past month?

This can be an especially hard time of year for lots of folks, what with the stress of holidays, all the extra drinking that goes on, and something called SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, that's driven by the short days and long nights.

Thing about SAD is that it goes away once winter's over, but bipolar hangs out all year 'round.