Apparently Im bp, but I may have been misdiagnosed. Im not in denial or ne thing, I just think Ive got anger issues or am just depressed. I was diagnosed on Val Day this year, but I go to see my new psy soon, so if she also diagnoses me with it, then ok. I was on meds (Depakote ER), but stopped cause it went from being too high of a dose to feeling like taking a vitamin, but Ill do what my psy says, just dont wanna feel 'out of it', I wanna still have myself intact. We'll see. My brother has it apparently, but dunno where he got it from since noone else in the family that we know of has it.

Its a shame we cant find out when it all 'started' or at least have a closer idea of when it began, cause that might help us find out the CAUSE of it so we learn HOW it happened, you know? We can then hopefully 'fix' or straighten out the things or learn where it came from and maybe start from there and 'redo' what was done wrong, if that makes any sense. I dont have anyone else other than my brother who said he was diagnosed with it in the family that anyone knows about, so where he got it from is a mystery. I know neither of my parents had it, but the funny thing is, he said he was born with it, so its funny that you mention that. Hes the 1st one to say that and youre the 2nd...interesting.

If it turns out that I am bp, Im sure Im bpII cause my counselor said I was a mild case and I possess more of the depressive symptoms, which would be bpII. Hopefully Im not though.

I think my ex is

Why do u think that? What symptoms does she show? N why cant we just have anger issues w/o being label bp?

Isn't having "anger issues" being labelled?

Yes,I'm. I do take my pills,My moods are up and down,on the down days,I stay to myself.I'm only dangerous to myself,almost lost my life last time.Since then I reach out for help,instead of tryed to harm myself and my family and my friends are always there for me.[PLEASE FORGIVE ANY MISS-SPELL WORDS]..

I have been diagnosed with Bi-Polar tendencies. I don't have the Days of Highs or Lows so They won't actually say I'm Bi-Polar. I have been diagnosed with Impullsive Explosive Disorder. That basically means I have a really bad Temper that can be Violent or Explosive. Have been taking Depakote for a Year or so and this past March got taken off Paxil and had Lexapro and Seroquel added. Outside of Seroquel making Me sleep more than I did things are real well. People are amazed at the difference and how much calmer I am.

Wow Friendleewon, that sounds like me. I dont THINK I have the ups n downs either (although I didnt think I was a rapid cycler either but my guy says I am and another friend says it depends on a few different things- who Im talking to and what mood Im in), so Im not sure. When I go see my psy, Im gonna ask her about that, if I could have that instead, Impulsive Explosive Disorder. I do have a real bad temper at times, not sure about the violent part (I dont hit anything or anyone), but the explosive part would be me. I too, was on Depakote ER. At 1st, I had too high a dose so my psy lowered it, then it felt like I was taking a vitamin, so I stopped, but Ill see what she says when I see her soon. Id rather not take any meds if I can help it.

Well, possibly, but its more 'open', not so specific, do u know wat I mean? Its more of a broad term if u will, instead of being specific by saying bp. Do you know what I mean?

On the bright side...

...each of the sufferers of BP have VERY GOOD company...in the form of famous/influential people and other over-achievers.

http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/famous_people.htm

Nice list there. Your name could be added, and I would not be surprised too much.

Me? I am determinedly optimistic, because I've been down before, and I get up again...and again.
Ain't nothing going to keep me down.

My mum is, can get a bit crazy at times...but otherwise she manages it pretty good.

God, do I identify with you. I go hermit all the time to avoid having to deal with people when I feel out of it, which is most of the time. No worries about typos......I'm very well versed in the language of typo, haha. You aren't alone in this you know.

And for all of you who want to know where it came from, well, that is nice and all but from what Ive been told, and I could be wrong, this is a lifer thing. So it really is nice to know where it came from, but it doesn't do anything to change things physically, only mentally. Good luck. My family won't admit to anything. They are too good to have a disorder.

That's pretty much like me. It seems like a lot of people associate bi-polar disorder with homocidal maniacs, but the only person I have ever been a danger to is myself. I don't have the anger issues. Mostly its a depressive thing for me. When I do get manic, it's mostly being very hyper, needing no sleep, being irresponsible with money and sexual promiscuity. Thankfully, it's been a long time since I've been full blown manic. Mostly just get hypo-manic, where I'm overproductive and have a high energy level with little sleep.

Learn as much as possible about it, sometimes that helps to deal with psychological issues.

My English teacher my Freshman year of high school was bi-polar. She was one of the best teachers I've ever had. I still go visit her once in a while :) She's a great storyteller.

One of my coworkers was also recently diagnosed as bi-polar. I get along with her very well.

And one of the people I trust the most (despite never having met her and getting into a huge fight with her which resulted in us not speaking for over a year) was mis-diagnosed as bi-polar and ADHD, when she really has Asperger's like myself. She did finally get a correct diagnosis of AS, though.


I honestly have no reason to be biased against those that are bi-polar. It is terribly stigmatized, and unrightfully so.

My sister has been B/P for over 20 yrs and it is very hard living with her extreme mood swings. She has been on Lithium for over 15 yrs as a result she had to have thyroid surgery done on her thyroid gland. But if she goes off the Lithium she is very down and suicidal.It is very hard being in a family of B/P'ers.
My dad was B/P too. I think it is a heredity issue. I have bouts of depression myself. No highs for me or rapid cycling. I am well informed on B/P, & depression medications.
I am on Lamictal just started it about 2 weeks ago makes me very sleepy but is helping alot with my depression. I also take Effexor which is a very good drug.
I am here if anyone ever needs to talk or ask me questions. I am a certified pharmacy tech.
I care.

my experience includes a daughter, x husband, his mother, father and sisters, all with the mental illness. then, i have a friend that i have gotten to know rather well with this issue....bipolar..

i could answer some questions or just refer you to the organization called NAMI that can give you information confidentially. that is the safest way to get all your questions answered by professionals.