I was wondering can one explain the signs of bipolar and how do you know when you need to seek help?
338743
yes i can , being bipolar you will have major mood swings. one day you can be so high on life and feel everything is great and the next day you will be so depressed that it is hard to even get out of bed. bipolar can be very dangerous.and if you think you may be bipolar you should seek help right away. i know these things because i am bipolar, manic depressant, and have multiple personalities. good luck and GOD BLESS YOU!!!
574178
The symptoms you describe sound very much like my own before treatment. I am bipolar. I went for years between feeling normal one minute then mad at the world the next. Only occasionally did I become depressed. However, in recent years I was depressed more and more often. The depressive episodes also began to last for longer periods of time. I also had the racing thoughts and such as you describe. In June 2005 I became very depressed and considered suicide. Gradually, the depression eased somewhat but stayed at a low level trough March 2006. The anger raged throughout this depression. I finally had to make a decision. Get some help or find another job. I sought help from my doctor. I am now taking Paxil and Seroquel and doing very well. I'm almost never angry or depressed. Life is pretty good for me now. People seem nicer and more courteous, I know that is perception. They haven't changed. I have. Whether you are bipolar or there is some other mood disorder, it is best to see your doctor or a psychiatrist for diagnoses and treatment. It may not even be anything that serious. But I can tell you that no matter the cause, when you are treated you will feel much, much better about life and yourself.\n\nI have included a link below to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Website. Specifically, the bipolar pages.\n\nI hope this helps you. You may contact me if you like.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
6817
Understand it as well as possible and then be supportive of treatments. This FAQ's might help you.\n\n1. What is bipolar disorder? \n\nBipolar disorder is a common, recurrent, severe psychiatric illness that affects an individual's mood, behavior and ability to think clearly. It occurs in 1% to 2% of the population in the United States. A variant, called bipolar II disorder, is probably even more common and occurs in up to 3% of the general population in this country. \n\n2. What are the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders? \n\nBipolar I disorder is characterized by episodes of mania that alternate with periods of depression or periods in which individuals have simultaneously occurring manic and depressive symptoms called mixed states. In contrast, bipolar II disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and milder symptoms of mania, called hypomania. Hypomanic episodes typically do not impair an individual's ability to function to the extent that full-blown manic episodes do additionally; hypomanic episodes are not complicated by psychotic symptoms. \n\n3. What is rapid cycling? \n\nThe term rapid cycling was originally coined by David Dunner, M.D., and Ron Fieve, M.D., in the 1970s when they identified a group of individuals who did not respond well to lithium. These patients typically had four or more episodes of mania or depression in the 12-month interval prior to lithium treatment. This definition has been adopted formally by DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.) and specifically means the occurrence of four or more mood episodes within the preceding year. In severe cases, rapid cycling can occur even within a one-day period. \n\n4. At what age does bipolar disorder appear? \n\nBipolar disorder most commonly presents in the late teens and early 20s. Unfortunately, for most individuals, lifelong treatment may be required to prevent recurrent manic and depressive episodes. Equally unfortunate is evidence that the illness often goes undiagnosed and untreated for many years; the longer the illness progresses without treatment, the greater the impairment in an individual's psychological, educational and vocational development. Additionally, untreated bipolar disorder carries a high risk of suicide. \n\n5. Is bipolar disorder genetic? \n\nBipolar disorder, among all psychiatric illnesses, may have the greatest genetic contribution. For instance, if an individual has a parent with bipolar disorder, the chance that the individual's child will have bipolar disorder is about nine-fold greater than in the general population, with the risk rising from about 1% to about 10%. The inheritability of this illness is estimated to be anywhere from 50% to 80%. On the other hand, if a person with bipolar disorder is thinking about having children, there are still good odds that the child will not have bipolar illness. So the genetic determinants of the illness are complicated. \n\n6. How is bipolar disorder treated? \n\nThe cornerstone of treatment is medications that treat acute manic, depressive or mixed episodes, and which, in the long run, attempt to prevent the recurrence of these episodes. Such medications include lithium, divalproex (Depakote) and, more recently, some of the atypical antipsychotics as well as antidepressants. \n\nPsychotherapy plays an important role in improving the course and outcome of this illness in people. In particular, those with bipolar disorder often have strained relationships with loved ones because of their experiences during manic or depressive episodes; psychotherapy can help repair these torn relationships. In addition, psychotherapy can educate people about the signs and symptoms of their illness, how to pay attention to warning signs and how to nip emerging episodes in the bud. Psychotherapy can also help individuals cope with the stress that can sometimes precipitate manic or depressive episodes. \n\n7. What med
399050
God still heals.\n\nOften in cases that appear to be bipolar, simply doing what's right. . .living for God will take care of it.  I've seen it happen.
897426
It sounds like bipolar to me. One KEY factor is staying awake without the need of drugs or medications. If this friend of yours stays awake on his own for long periods of time then I would check it out for sure. I am bipolar and I know that when I stay awake on these manic days, I tend to make planners, lists of things to do, lists of things to buy, goals that are completely unrealistic, I clean the house, I go shopping at 4am. Does any of that sound familiar? Another thing is that when the manic episode fades and I realize that I can't achieve the goals that I just set then I get depressed about it. www.crazymeds.org has lots of information so you might want to check that site, there should be a link to the forum site with even more information there.
92587
Talk to you psychiatrist.  The most notable clinical feature of bipolar disorder is dramatic mood swings.  As compared to an anxiety disorder or depression where your moods will may be impacted by external factors, but will otherwise remain relatively level, in bipolar disorder patients cycle through periods of mania and depression.  But you should really really talk to your psychiatrist - I assure you he or she knows a lot more about it that I do.  Also, antidepressents effect your mood (obviously - that's the whole point), and may be responsible for some or all of you symptoms.  Your doctor may want to try a different anti-depressent or take you off them entirely for a while before deciding on a new diagnosis.\n\nPS. Anti-depressants are a standard treatment for anxiety disorders.
1010245
Part of the problem with people with untreated bi-polar disorder is that the manic episodes are often so great feeling (lots of energy, creativity, etc.) that they don't WANT treatment. That's if they even recognize it as such. As not only the parent of a child with Bi polar Disorder, but also a patient with it, I understand that, yet I know that the crash that always follows is not worth it...to me.  \n\nWithout the person accepting their problem, regardless of what it is (mental health issue or otherwise), there's no way to get them to seek treatment. \n\nWhile it's good of you to be supportive, there comes a point where self-preservation for you must come first...at least until the person accepts the situations and takes action.  This is especially true if you suffer from depressive symptoms yourself.  I find when I'm around depressed people, my own depression worsens or kicks in. \n\nGood luck in coping with this. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
706202
There are two major Bipolar types (I and II).. There are also some subsets.  All have to do with type and frequency of mood changes.  Doctors use something called the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual.  You could get a copy and read all the choices, but then, if you're like me, you'll probably think that you fit all of them.  Ask your doctor about it and he/she will be able to explain it clearly and to explain your particular diagnosis to you.
793987
Go to the doctor and see if you need to be treated for bipolar disorder.
134201
Its really hard to say not knowing where you live .... i would look up on the internet for your area and see if there is anything offered. Just a suggestion too... for 12 years i was told i had depression and anxiety, come to find out after i freaked and drove my car to portland lost it and me and dont remember it, i was told i have bipolar , you may want to have that checked, but a regular doctor cant tell you this.... I hope you find help i know how frustrating it is.
248924
I am off meds right now. It was a long road to get were I am at. I had to learn my triggers, and learn to rationalize with myself. I still have bad days, but my husband and kids help me through. I would rather be on meds, but I had problems getting and taking them every day, which made things so much worse. I have found that letting close friends and family know what is happening will help. They will not take things as personally, and can "see" symptoms before you do. I start cussing really bad at the start of a manic episode, and my husband will say something, and work to get me in a calmer place. He also knows that a depressive episode is almost always followed by mania for me. \n\nI can not hold down a "normal" job. The stress sends me into loops. I now work at home, and set my own hours. For me it works. For others they need a "set" schedule. I found a therapist who would not try to analize me, but instead let me bounce my own thoughts and ideas off of him. That was the best thing that ever happened to me! \n\nFor the first time in my life I will tell people I am bipolar and hear back, "No Way, you are so normal!" It feels good!
574800
you know a lot of people answering your question probably don't really know what they are talking about, although some seem to be more informative. My answer to you is that it is hard to determine whether or not you have it just by your question. You definately show signs of it, the agression and mood swings and the fear of abandoment. However only a therapist can know for sure. I strongly encourage you to seek help and get answers to your questions by a professional. I hope that you get this taken care of and wish you all the luck in the world.
526176
Some people who are bipolar are like that when they are in the manic phase.And some people are just naturally CHATTY!
748996
I have been bipolar for 10 years now. There's alot of info on bipolar,but I will tell you what I know. Bipolar is an embalance in the brain. One minute your happy and nothing can get you down. It's like your high. Then the next minute your so depressed that your crying all the time thinking your worthless and nothing is going to get better and your better off dead. There are alot of good meds out there today for people with this problem, and they help. If you stay on them. Hope this helps.
1127360
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.\nSigns and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:\n\n    * Increased energy, activity, and restlessness\n    * Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood\n    * Extreme irritability\n    * Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another\n    * Distractibility, can't concentrate well\n    * Little sleep needed\n    * Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers\n    * Poor judgment\n    * Spending sprees\n    * A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual\n    * Increased sexual drive\n    * Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications\n    * Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior\n    * Denial that anything is wrong\n\nA manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.\nSigns and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:\n\n    * Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood\n    * Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism\n    * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness\n    * Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex\n    * Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"\n    * Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions\n    * Restlessness or irritability\n    * Sleeping too much, or can't sleep\n    * Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain\n    * Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury\n    * Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts\n\nA depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
624227
it seems you have bipolar symdrom. go to the doctor
676923
It is a normal feeling. It is likely due to the MANIC side of being Bi-Polar and the restlessness that comes with it. You should try not to give into it though, you have to work through it and "put it away."  That is part of learning to handle the condition.  It would be good to let a therapist know about it if you are seeing one.  Gl and stay strong!