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Q: Bipolarism
asked by: brdlygirl on August 24th, 2003
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
I was just recently diagnosed as bipolar over the summer (i am a college student), my friends at home were totally cool with it and understood and saw it as me, but when I got to school my friends could tell a difference and knew I was in the hospital over the summer and act all different with me.. It does not help that I have to go to the therapists once a week and a psychiatrist. They say I am not me anymore and sometimes I feel they are right.....
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Chas replied on September 6th, 2003
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Bipolarity
Hey! I am just replying...Opinion only.

Your friends at school should understand that you have a problem and that it is in your best interest to take care of it. Your therapist can help, but you will have a harder time if your friends can't accept things the way they are now. It's hard to see someone you care about changing.

Good luck.
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phillygurl replied on September 16th, 2003
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
I am 16 and have cronic depression. I have been hospitalized 1 time and I was on zoloft. My depression has become worse and I think I might be bi polar. Could you tell me some of your symptoms.
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acowgill replied on September 21st, 2003
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Phillygurl
Some clear symptoms are feeling extremely happy, euphoric, energized, organized but also could be angry, impatient, feel like you can do anything even the most absurd things, impaired judgement (do things that you wouldn't normally do) and then after a matter of time (could be a few hours, could be days, weeks, or whatever), you sink down into a hole that you can't get out of. You feel like you can't even get up out of bed, let alone get ready for a new day. You are tired, fatigued, etc.

I am bp and was diagnosed 2 years ago. Lately, i've been tracking my moods in order to find out when i'm "normal." so far I haven't had much luck.

I hope this helps you! Best of luck.
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phillygurl replied on September 23rd, 2003
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Thanx
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STLSingleMomma replied on September 29th, 2003
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Been Depressed Since 5th Grade
Hi there...

I've had symptoms of depression since I was in the 5th grade, when I changed schools and was so tired that I went to the nurse's office on a daily basis so I could sleep... Didn't realize then that it was depression, but hindsight is always 20/20.

I also have bi polar symptoms.
When i'm on a high time, (usually lasts several days), I talk non-stop, shop like a madwoman (of course everything looks amazing on me until a few days later when i'm back at 'normal' level)...

When i'm down i'm angry... I don't get sad, I get pissed off and angry at the world, like I have no control over my life and just want to say "f it" to the world. This almost cost me my job.

I went to a therapist and psychiatrist and got on meds that helped, along with some behavior mod therapy... Writing in a daily journal was imperative... I could see my thoughts in writing... Even the penmanship changed from day to day, it was a real eye opener.

Find yourself a good therapist and start a journal...
It can't do much harm, good luck.
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ambra replied on October 5th, 2003
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Bipolarism
You are very lucky that you were diagnosed, instead of having to deal with all of those bad feelings without medication. So many people don't seek help because they are afraid of what 'everyone else' will think. That's such a shame. Try to find the friends that are supportive of your feelings and your treatments, and just go from there. Don't let the other people worry you, if they're real friends they will accept the situation and be there for you. If not, then as the old saying goes, you don't need them anyway.
Take care.
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illusionsmamma replied on November 19th, 2003
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
What is being bipolar exactly mean see my boyfriend gets moodswings wich I cant sometimes stand could it be possible that he is bipolar he is happy one minute and in an instant he can be very upset and out of control but he has never really done anything crazy or wild or would he need anger management????
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LindseyC replied on November 19th, 2003
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Bipolar Boyfiriend?
Well, the mood swings a person with bipolar have are not minute to minute. The person may go from being depressed for a few weeks or months to being manic for a period time. It goes in cycles. Also, being manic isn't just having a little period of anger or a mood swing, there are several features one can have caused by mania. Some examples are excessive spending, drinking, or substances abuse, or sexual promiscuity, eating differently, sleeping patterns can change as well, they may sleep alot, or not at all. Overall, mania isn't just a little mood a guy gets in now and then. Bipolar is a long term disorder.
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20writer replied on November 26th, 2003
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Wait!
Hang on! I have those exact symptoms. I seem to go from super high to lower than I can describe. Literally, sometimes it is impossible to get out of bed. I have trouble sleeping, I change my eating habits daily, I get crying spells, and my perception of the people around me really shifts. I've always kept journals since I was little. I've noticed sometimes it looks like different people keeping the same book. I've lost friends and suffered in school, but the "councillor" I was seeing after a suicide attempt said it was depression. How can you tell the difference?
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2ferano replied on December 23rd, 2003
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Brdlygirl
I just wanted to respond to your post. I realize it is old, but I hope you will still get it. Your friends at college are right! You have changed! Being friends with a bipolar person is the best. They are so adventurous and you never know what to expect. So, now that you are on meds, you are still you, but controlled. They will come around. They have to understand that this is what is best for you. Uncontrolled behavior is no way to live. It will get easier for your classmates to come around. And also, a lot of your worries are in your head. You are expecting them to act differently, so you are perceiving actions differently.
You will be fine!
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purple333 replied on December 26th, 2003
Extremely EHEALTHy
Brdlygirl,

what is the world coming to?? I totally agree with hotasfrick!! Not sure either of us can stand that!! Wink Shocked


20writer,

the only real way to tell the differnce is to see a psychiatrist & be assessed - a really good one will also rule out other possibilities/causes both mental & medical etc. So get a referral, no-one here can give you any sort of accurate answer as we simply don't know enough about you & your family background including your & your families medical histories.
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