Bipolar 101 -- Answers to basic questions

There is no crue. Without meds it will get worst as you get older. Meds and support are the only answer for living with this disease. You need to manage it

That's horrible... So not fair, I really didn't know that. Since being aware of this condition I have had in the back of my mind that this is a phase and I can't wait to get better. So upsetting

Thanks for replying!

I've recently been diagnosed with possible Bipolar disorder and OCD tendencies (When I have thoughts of hurting people or hurting myself I need to act on them or else I think I'm going to go insane) Anyway, recently I took a liking to a girl, sent her poetry, bought her gifts etc. Then I snapped, said she was using me for self personal gain and never wanted to talk to her again, I don't even feel bad currently but my mood has fluctuated from depressed with suicidal thoughts to happy that I got rid of her. Is this common when liking someone to go from sweet and caring to not wanting anything to do with them?

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with bipolar and need to go to doctors for a more stronger evaluation. I was wondering when you like a person and have a mood swing, is it common to go from sweet and caring to never wanting to speak to them again and acting upon it? Is it quite common?

Hello all,

I was just wondering if anyone suffering from bipolar II has experienced increased mood swings/cycling after beginning mood stabilizers, such as seroquel? I suspect it's due to other reasons, but I'm wondering if that means I need a higher dose of seroquel (I know, I will be discussing this with a pyschiatrist, just as soon as one is assigned to me).

Speaking of seroquel, has anything previously felt sleepy after taking their meds in the beginning, only to have little-to-no effect later on (after several weeks on them)?

Finally, just hoping to open up some discussion on dealing with bipolar disorder... what are some tips for creating structure/routine in one's life, especially if you're unemployed and often alone?

Thanks for any and all feedback

Hello, Bipolar is usually hereditary and is known for "skipping" generations. It DOES NOT start out as any other type of disorder and progress into Bipolar
(example: HIV progresses to AIDS)

Can you clarify the "developed mental illnesses" please.

If in the future, your kid(s) "develop" or show signs any type of mental illness, there is nothing you can currently do at this moment. And worrying about it will not prevent it or make it happen. There is no "cure" or medicine that can prevent any future illnesses. So yes your doctor is correct, it is something to be looked into in the future, if any symptoms and signs arise.

I have bipolar I and I feel like the dysphoric mania is mostly controlled now (I'm feeling less irritable, I sleep more - and more regularly, I'm not spending as compulsively as I had been). But can the depressive episodes occur alone if one has bipolar I with mixed states? Because I still feel the despair almost daily (without the energy, etc.) and I'm so withdrawn, isolated, and hopeless. Also, could Wellbutrin help if I'm already taking Lamictal and Latuda for mood stabilization? I do take Adderall as well, and I know Wellbutrin can increase the serum concentration of stimulants. If I cut back my dose of Adderall and asked my p-doc about adding Wellbutrin, can anybody tell me if they've been on this combo and if it worked for them? I just don't feel like I can continue to live with such debilitating depression and I need to find something that will help.

Thanks for any advice.

I have Bipolar I (and a few side effects from it). My uncle was severely schizophrenic, my grandfather had Bipolar I, and my Aunt had a depressive disorder. One of my brothers suffers from major depression. My other brother has some pretty big mental issues but we can't convince him to see someone about it (he is 38).

I hear varying accounts about the genetic link with Bipolar/Schizo. Most of them seem to be converging towards: THERE IS A HEREDITARY COMPONENT. My example, is purely anecdotal and does not prove anything.

I have read that there is no single gene that has been isolated.

I did not know this. Could you provide a reference? I would love some extra reading.

My understanding, as with so many other things, is that there are so many grey areas. There is no black and white. You may be predisposed to developing this imbalance of chemical production and regulation that we call bipolar disorder I/II. You could be born with this, but by life's circumstances, not develop enough of the conditions to fall under the category of BP I/II.

The example I've heard before related this to Diabetes. People are born with certain predispositions. Some will easily develop it later in life. This susceptibility is genetic, among other things. Lifestyle or life events may also bring on the onset of diabetes. The continuous "misuse" of the body's organs and systems leads to hard-to-reverse or irreversible condition.

Bipolar I/II is "almost" like that. Some exceptions being:
- one single life event could "trigger" BP. All of a sudden, your brain may not be able to regulate these chemicals. Leave it untreated and it can get worse. The worse it gets, the more your brain will have problems getting back to a more normal state.
- Sometimes, regardless of what you do, it just starts to develop. Unregulated chemicals create a mess, this mess causes life messes, which in turn make your chemicals go all over the places, and the cycle continues.

And once you see the first symptoms (don't jump the gun) there are things you can do to decrease the probability of a quick progression of the illness. You can stabilize earlier, rather than later. It's not 100%. But it beats waiting around to see what happens.

I fear for my daughter given my family's history of mental illness AND my wife's. We gave her a raw deal. But it's not all doom and gloom. I am a successful professional and have embraced the positive side of Bipolar Disorder. The creativity and even the mania have helped me achieve many things. It is now controlled so I am not sure what will happen. I am on four medications, almost at full strength, and it does numb the power I used to feel. The alternative (pre-meds), although fantastic at points, is not worth the negative and disastrous effects on my life.

I'm omw wellbutrin and Adderall and I honestly find my Adderall doesn't work as well. But I love my wellbutrin and won't change my combo.

rickwildstar

I will have to look around and see where I received the information about Bipolar "skipping" generations. I've done so much research, read so many books and online articles, they all have kinda mashed together.

I will agree with the theory that often times Bipolar will start "showing" up after a life event triggers it. It can be like flipping a light switch for bipolar.
Or even a strong enough traumatic event or environment can "fritz" out the transmitters in the brain, creating a life long "journey"

Bipolar disorder is also seen as a type of "seizure" disorder as well... which explains the epic battle with the ability to sleep and stay asleep.

I have severe PTSD from my childhood as well as a severe head trauma which I'm sure assisted in flipping on the power switch for my own personal crazy train. I just say my brain fritzed the hell out on me.

Have you already started taking Seroquel or just inquiring about it?
Mood stabilizers take several weeks to start taking complete effect. Anything effecting the brain chemicals is gonna make the brain go a little haywire for a moment before the meds take full effect and for you to start leveling out.
Most medications I've taken have made me feel sleepy at first. I took serequel to "wean" me off of Klonopin. That was 2 weeks of hell right there. I know take Vistaril instead of serequel.

Write down routines, stay active and workout. Even when you only feel like dressing up in your fanciest sweats to have a date with Ben & Jerry's, you must force yourself to keep active. Sitting around will make you go mad. Do things that keep your hands busy.

I've been bipolar ever since my early teens. I'm 55 now, so I've used a few different meds and med combos. Lithium was one of the first and is one of three I use now. You mentioned Wellbutrin. I've been taking it for four years now. The doctor told me it was to help boost me out of a bad depression. And I take Effexor. These three meds seem to work for me better than any other mix. And I take all of them religiously. It would be great if we could start on the right med or meds and they continued to work good for the rest of our lives. But a good doctor will help get us going in the right direction.

That explains why my grandmother shows signs of bipolar and not my mother.

Yeah, I had a similar situation to you. Your situation reminds me of a trait of borderline personality disorder.

Hi everyone, to be honest I'm not really sure what is up with me,, a bit all over lol. But waiting for a screening date to get tests done, possible severe manic depression with episodes and a change of mood that changes at a blink of an eye..

I too am Bipolar. I am unable to work anymore. I haven't worked in 5 years now. It sure has been a hard adjustment for me because I've worked for 30 years. I am now at this time contemplating doing some volunteer work. I know it helped me in the past. Good luck to you. Take care.

I'm not really sure whats going on with my husband but I'm fairly certain he's bipolar. his dad is and he fits the DSM, every test ect. that i have gotten my hands on. We watched like 5 documentaries and his reaction was "this is exactly how i feel" unfortunately he is now not wanting to seek treatment and thinks he's coping well. He did well for 6 months but now he disappeared and I'm sure when he shows up he will be horribly depressed and either have taken drugs, got trashed or gambled away a bunch of money.

Youre not crazy, but you approach it when the mania gets severe. This should not stigmatize you but it is a lifelong condition that will require medication and therapy to improve. Choose you clinicians wisely. The wrong combination of medications can have disastrous effects. I am bipolar type 2, but was in a relationship with a bipolar type 1; suffice it to say that all did not end well. I'm getting help, and she is not.

I've been diagnosed with bipolar 2 than to 1 in the last 6-8 yrs. This wasn't found until my later 40s into my 50s. I've been very compliant with treatment plan of medications, keeping appts, psychotherapy, and independent self-help for the past 2 1/2 years. I've been doing a lot more research and reading on my disorder. What I have found is that my symptoms fall under a Borderline Personality Disorder more so than Bipolar. I understand the significant differences between the two illnesses but, I am not disturbed by the misdiagnosis. The medication treatment I've received is the same as for Borderline Personality and it has been extremely effective. I have been taking my intensive cognitive behavioral therapy serious and compliant.
So, is there any inperative treatment plan differences that I need to inquire about?

I am not here for myself either. My daughter who is 21 was recently diagnosed, and just like you it runs in the family. My daughter doesn't seem 100 percent to be accepting my help, however I decidedthat sice this disease can lead to suicide that I would rather try to do something about it rather than nothing at all. The question I asked myself was if my daughter did kill herself would I be able to live with myself knowing that I held back pushing my daughter to get help when she wasn't receptive to accepting help. The answer for me was no. I would start with counseling. First with yourself and then with your father. A good psychologist can help lead you in the right direction, and also help you to keep sane during the process. Our counselor told me that for the people who don't understand the disease, ignorance is not an excuse, that should allow someone to give up or not be supportive. Good luck!

I was just curious what people think about during rapid thinking.

I know some people dont see this as a serious question but I cant find anything on what the content or experience of rapid thinking is. It would really help me if you shared what happens to you during rapid thinking, particularly your thoughts.

thanks.

Well depending on the severity of the disorder their probably going to give you medication. This is to stabilize your mood, but most bipolar individuals typically reject taking the medication, or get off it when they start to feel better. Anyway, again it depends on how dysfunctional you are. Has the disorder impacted your relationships, work, and social life? If it has then you'll probably get medicated (this is up to you). If its not so bad then they'll just give you "light meds". They will also suggest you do psychotherapy.

the medications are not so bad I feel much better on them. But I have more lows than highs. dont worry your life will not change that dramatically you'll just become more aware of your disorder and how to manage it.

Did I answer your question?

I dont know about all that mediation stuff, I take anti-convulsants. I have bipolar II disorder, and I think I have ADD too, and now panic disorder. so theres three things I have to constantly battle. I am so depressed from the panic attacks, they hurt man, and their humiliating. Like I'd take the depression over panic attacks any day. but luckily I have both lol.

Anyway I also sometimes think that I cant continue like this, but you have to remember its just part of the disorder. You are more than bipolar. you are who you are with bipolar disorder. focus on those features. Plus bipolar disorder has its advantages. therefore, try your best to focus on those. It would be like a diabetic labeling himself only a patient.

Its a biological disorder and the psycho-evolutionary theory for it is that basically it may have originated in individuals who lived in extremely high changing climates.

In the winter we need to store energy therefore depression begins, and then in the summer we need the mania and hyperness to collect food and what not.

This is just a theory, but it would be important to track your mood and look for triggers. are you impacted by the seasons? please dont harm urself its not worth it and build yourself proper social support.

I should be happy right now my life is going well but im just always sad now, Im so tiered of it sometiems and with the panic attacks I wanna just end my life. its very hard. I feel like the old me is gone, and I miss that person. now Im just a sick person and all I wanna do is not be that. so I focus on those features that make me me.

I think yes you can get depression alone in mixed cycling (ask the psychiatrist)

Are you inquiring about rapid thinking during manic/hypomanic episodes specifically?
Or generally geared to all the cycles of bipolar?