[251turnaround]

I went to see my therapist today, and she told me that I was acting hypomanic based on my body language and eyes (somehow). I think it's strange because I don't believe I'm experiencing many of the symptoms typically associated with hypomania right now. I'm sleeping fine, talking as much as I usually do, and I'm not exactly bouncing off the walls with energy. I am getting rather obsessed with a new hobby, though and feel really motivated/positive, but that's about it.

In light of this, I find it hard to trust my therapist's judgment. I feel completely fine right now. I like where I'm at.

Am I wrong to question my therapist's opinion?

I don't think you're wrong to question your therapist's opinion. I guess perhaps take her observation as a suggestion to just be aware of what is happening to you, but if you really think your behavior was just good ole' normal excitement about a hobby and other things, then maybe that's it. We folks with bipolar should be allowed to be excited without being labeled hypomanic or manic. It's possible your therapist was overreacting. I have sometimes found that my psychiatrist misinterpreted my extra good moods as hypomania.

[Aliceiw]

Originally Posted by 251turnaround

I went to see my therapist today, and she told me that I was acting hypomanic based on my body language and eyes (somehow). I think it's strange because I don't believe I'm experiencing many of the symptoms typically associated with hypomania right now. I'm sleeping fine, talking as much as I usually do, and I'm not exactly bouncing off the walls with energy. I am getting rather obsessed with a new hobby, though and feel really motivated/positive, but that's about it.

In light of this, I find it hard to trust my therapist's judgment. I feel completely fine right now. I like where I'm at.

Am I wrong to question my therapist's opinion?

I suppose this depends on past experience of your own sensations. Are you usually able to tell the difference. Some people know, some people ignore, and some people really don't always know. Sometimes I can have major symptoms I don't even think about until my husband mentions it. Like I won't realize how fast I'm talking, or how giddy I am over silly things, I won't realize that things have been put into overdrive and the good feelings kinda make me want to doubt other perceptions. I've told my husband before, no no I'm just happy and come to realize down the line that it was more than that. I usually try to listen to my husband's words when he tells me I'm acting strange. Though many times I hate making all of the euphoria go away. I've learned though from experience, as happy as you feel when it's good is exactly how bad or worse you will feel if this is an episode and you land in depression.

However, if this is a new doctor, you usually know your body, and you aren't exhibiting any things that anyone else thinks is odd then you may very well be justified in thinking they're wrong. Keep it noted though, just in case.

[annielovesbacon]

Sometimes other people can notice things we don't. But that doesn't necessarily mean your therapist is right. I think maybe you can take what she said and use it to pay careful attention to your mood.
I of course have no idea how much awareness you have over your moods (it sounds like you're pretty good at it). I have a hard time realizing I'm hypomanic for a long time, usually my friends will notice it before me.

[251turnaround]

I suppose it's possible I might be slightly hypomanic. I'm never normally this happy for no reason. I've also become a bit obsessive over that obsession I mentioned. Again, I'm not normally like that. That said, my meds should ensure that I have a handle on things and that this won't go out of control.

[AquaGuy]

Can it ever be the opposite way around? Can someone feel hypomanic inside their heads but look "normal" on the outside?
I often feel hypomanic but I will either get told "you're being hyperactive" or people will just see me as very moody and irritable. I can feel on top of the world, completely euphoric, but if I tell people I feel like that they often don't believe me...

Thanks. Peace.

[Wonderfalls]

One reason I've decided to go on seeing a therapist (since I plan on never being manic or depressed again) is to have someone to notice that I look like I might be beginning an episode. I'm paranoid about not catching it in time.

[wildflowerchild25]

Originally Posted by AquaGuy

Can it ever be the opposite way around? Can someone feel hypomanic inside their heads but look "normal" on the outside?
I often feel hypomanic but I will either get told "you're being hyperactive" or people will just see me as very moody and irritable. I can feel on top of the world, completely euphoric, but if I tell people I feel like that they often don't believe me...

Thanks. Peace.

I spend a lot of energy on appearing “normal”. So most people would not know I’m hypomanic. But I know.

[Naynay99]

Hey. I agree with others that sometimes other ppl may see something we don't or earlier. Then again, in my opinion, just bc someone is BP doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to experience all human emotions, even the extreme ones, without automatically being labeled sick. Other people have good days And bad days and even REALLY FUUCKING GREAT DAYS.

And There is a fine line between interest and obsession and if people didn't get overly involved and hyperfocused on projects and research etc, humankind would not have made all of the amazing discoveries that we have.

Personally I find one of the saddest parts about BP is instead of just enjoying feeling good, we often become suspicious of it, that it is a sign of future bad things to come, rather than allowing ourselves to just feel happy and walk around with a grin on our face. Hypervigilance over moods is hard not to do when they rule so much in our lives, but imo it can become unhealthy when one starts to second guess joy.

Then again, as somebody who spends a lot of time in depression, when I feel great I don't really give a shiit why I just enjoy the helll out of it while it lasts, so perhaps I am not the best person to give advice on recognizing hypomania? Idk. Take care.