anyone dealing with bipolar2? I have found myself sinking into a deep depression lately. I have nothing to be?
960886
I suffer from bipolar 1 disorder, so I feel you on this one... are you taking meds or seeing a doctor?  I know you're probably going to hear that from everyone but its the best advice.  Besides that, try writing in a journal or even on your computer every day.  List everything positive that happened to you that day.  Even the smallest thing can be positive.  For example, if you go to the store and someone holds the door open for you and smiles.  That's positive.  Try to list these small details and review them every night... it always helps me feel better to look back at the small, positive things that happened throughout the day because those are things that often get overlooked.  Best wishes- I know you'll get through this.  Just remind yourself, "This too shall pass".
545045
As a child I would experience mood swings - happy one minute and sad the next minute. I started cutting my skin because of the sadness I felt inside. Since we were poor, my parents laughed me off - they didn't take me to see a doctor and instead blamed my moodiness on self-inflicted temper tantrums. While in school, I would always panic before taking tests and my palms would sweat. At age 21-25 I noticed a strange feeling of being too happy and all I wanted to do was spend, spend, spend and became unhappy when all the money was gone. I then sunk into deep depression blaming myself for anything. I was crying all the time even when I was happy.   When I finally turned 40yrs old, I became violent towards myself and of course, towards others. I was abusive. Then one day, I just jumped out of my car and ran down the railroad tracks... I wanted to kill myself - but for what and Why?  Today, I can't believe that I had done such a thing.  Anyway, at 40yrs I experirenced a major bout with depression and had to be hospitalized. After the usual tests were conducted, it was discovered that I had Rapid Cycling Bipolar. Was placed on Prozac, Paxil, and finally Valporic Acid = Depekote at 1000mg per day.  I'm 57yrs now, and sometimes feel so good that I don't take my medication... which is not good.  In other words, when I don't take my meds my seritonin attacks my system, so I must contiually remind myself that the meds are my friend and will help keep my brain balanced and help me to live one more day. A day without ups and downs.  A day of strength.  Yes, I have been diagnosed with Bipolar for 17 years, but really all my life.   If you are Bipolar please don't play doctor... take your medications and live a long life. You might even help someone like me - who is using this forum to answer your qustions.  This is good for my brain.... yeah?
592319
Bipolar Disease runs in my family, so I always get a little concerned when my moods shift suddenly.  In your case, I would definately suggest talking to someone...doctor, friend, family...its always best to let someone know where your mind and heart are at.  Hormones can also play a big part in your emotions, especially if your menstruating or are pregnant.  I dont know where your from, but Im from MA., and its been raining here for weeks on end.  The weather can also have a strong effect on your moods.  Be well sister!
66541
bi-polar disorder is also marked by periods of extreme activity.  You may go days without sleeping or sleeping very little.  Look up mania in the dictionary to get an idea.  But you do sound as though you have a good case of depression.  Problems with your step-dad that you feel helpless or incapable of doing anything about would surely contribute to feeling the way you do.  You say your brother and grandma "were" bipolar.  Are they no longer with you?  You need to talk to someone about your feelings.  There is nothing "wrong" with you but feeling the way you do can hurt just as bad as a physical ailment and can be hereditary.  I don't know what your health insurance situation is like but I really think you need to talk to someone with some experience dealing with depression.  Your mother should not consider this a phase and support you getting help with your feelings.  Feeling suicidal is NOT a phase and I say that with alot of experience to back it up.  I had a friend kill himself in high school and we all saw it coming.  If you're young enough to still be in school I would recommend talking to a guidance counselor or psychology clinic if you're in college (that should be in the psychology department, the tiny college here has one so I'm guessing most others do too).  If you need an extra ear mine is available at whtkrst@yahoo.com.  I'm a mom of 5 kids and I was once a kid with step-parent problems myself that made me want to exit the planet.  If you look in the phone book there should be toll free numbers for crisis/suicide hotlines.  The people on the other end really do want to help and you shouldn't feel embarassed to call or to actively seek help for yourself.  You deserve it.    \n                                love and light,\n                                   Krista
914645
In your last post you said you felt like you were losing it!...\nAnd talked about lots of things that were happening in your life.\n\nThe last post sounded very "hyper" to be nice.. you seem to be getting very wound up over all this stuff that's happening.\n\nEven with B/P you know not to let people get you all upset like that......\n\nYou need to calm down..take some deep breaths and try to let this stuff go out of your mind..\n\nI have a boyfriend who is B/P and he gets all wound up too and can't settle down..Do you have anyone to talk to by phone??\n\nIf you have "Crisis Centres" were you are ...call one and talk to them.\n\nIf not, don't sit and dwell on all of this stuff, get busy doing something that takes your mind off it for a while.\n\nCall your Dr as soon as you can get a hold of him/her.\n\nplease take care..  and post another message if you have to.\ntake care
683996
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. 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.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
341766
I have suffered bipolar for a long time and was on lithium and got well for a while but I got defiant and got sick again with the destructive highs and the desperate lows so stay on your med and talk to your doctor. If you are not happy seek another opinion until you find someone who works well with you and for you. I am now on Valpro and risperadol and I have been well for over 6 years and I have been working full time for two years now. There is something that helps me and that is writing. I keep a diary and write my thoughts and musing in it. Doing crosswords is a good thing to get your mind off your troubles. Good luck and if I can help further contact me at <firenzeperme@yahoo.com.au>\nIf you going through a low reading about your condition will not be a great help but bipolar.com have a downloadable diary that you keep to track your moods on a daily basis. Give it go and keep your chin up! You are not alone in this battle.
915548
I'm bipolar & have real depressed spells too.  I have to take several different antipsychotic drugs.  I take a multivitamin, B-Complex (very good for mental health). Also fish oil (Omega 3 oils)., Vitamin C & garlic.  You can find books that can help you out with that.  Natural Healing is a real good book for that.  Ask the lady at the bookstore counter!
486532
If you go get medical attention they can tell what is wrong with you. But hopefully you just have a short temper. I  know someone who is bipolar and its not fun they said they wish they just had a short temper so best of luck to you. But go get some medical attention. Let me know what happens i will keep you in my thoughts.
624227
it seems you have bipolar symdrom. go to the doctor
342740
Many people feel this way.  First you might try to find out what is depressing you?  (Harder than it sounds)  Why aren't you happy?  I happen to be a person that loves change, and when I'm not getting change (at least every once in a while), I get very unhappy and depressed.  Medications don't always help...I tried them once...didn't work!  It's good that you have a boyfriend who is supportive...that's very important.  Having someone there to support you is something a lot of depressed people don't have.  If you'd like to talk details, feel free to contact me; I'd be happy to help with anything I can.
490571
Go to the library.  There are alot of books that will go into details of both.  Bipolar two is mostly depression rather than manic.  Also try this... www.bipolar.com  Hope that helps!
448564
I'm bipolar. The predominant symptom with me is the depression. It is dark, empty and so incredibly lonely. I tried to commit suicide 4 years ago and that wasn't even my low point. There are other symptoms too like anxiety, paranoia, social anxiety, ocd....I've been married twice (one time for only 3 months) I've claimed personal bankruptcy twice and have moved 10 times over the past 8 years. I maintained a great career for 12 years as an illustrator but lost my job 14 months ago when I went manic and got into drugs like pot, cocaine and ecstasy. Last year I was in a mental hospital 3 times for 1-2 weeks each time. It seems like I've been on every mood stabilizer under the sun like risperdal, lithium, epival, olanzapine and anti-depressants like paxil, effexor and wellbutrin.\nI've been on an anti-seizure med called lamotrigine/lamactil and wellbutrin since January and I'm doing great (knock on wood). Currently I'm back in school ironically to become a pharmacy technician.\nAs rotten as all that stuff sounds I think there is hope for people with bipolar. The most important thing is to not make the same mistake when I stopped taking my meds. The meds are for a reason and when we feel better it's because of the meds and a good reason to keep taking them.\nI've got a daughter and not a day goes by without me praying that she never has to go through the same pain that I've gone through.
1050489
Awww so sweet. \n\nRide it out cowboy! Talking to people would help too.\n\nYour not alone.\n\nI feel alone, because I am sad, not because I don't have someone.
81771
Go to a doctor.  You sound manic depressive to me.
910530
Keith, you are presenting with the symptoms of Depression.  What you are going through is not your fault and there is help for you.  I believe medication would be beneficial, but I also understand that going to a doctor right now may be more than you are able to manage.  I urge you to call the suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-TALK.  I am truly concerned for you.  You may also e-mail me through Yahoo Answers. Take care and let me know how you are doing.\n\nKeith I wrote my response  to you yesterday evening but I have heard nothing from you.  Are you ok?  Please give an update.
415679
Well, you have picked a rough road but I think you can do it with support and patience as well as consistency.  Truly the best thing you can do is take care of you, bipolar disorder affects loved ones even harder and I believe you need to find a support group, or even better a church you can get involved with for the help and love you need =)  Praying for you and your girlfriend =)