Posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 7, 2003, at 21:44:16
In reply to Re: Non-Shouting Bi-Polar, posted by ratgrrl on October 7, 2003, at 20:48:45
We know you're depressed -- but how manic are you? That seems to be the diagnostic question, and it will inform drug treatment decisions.
As for "nut zone land" -- nah. It's common, and increasingly well understood. For many of us there are compensating factors such as surprising levels of creativity.
It sounds like you are somewhere in the hypomanic zone when you are running too hot. Take comfort that you are not experiencing mania to the point where you become delusional and irrational.
You are living in the best time in history to be bipolar. There are tons of treatments (not just drugs) and new breakthroughs every year. One hundred years ago you might be confined to an asylum, where tourists would pass on weekends to look at the freaks.
Now we see that the wide ranging emotional experience of bipolar disorder makes many of us more sensitive and insightful and often creative in some way. To liberate those aspects, we must stabilize and monitor our condition. Don't be frightened. You are on your way to doing the right thing, and reducing the chances of a disaster later.
Try to find some other bipolar people you can talk to, socially, on-line, or through support groups, so you have people who understand and are willing to listen. My life has improved 1000% in the four years since my diagnosis.
Be prepared to learn to live as a "new you," less encumbered by mysterious mood shifts and sharp changes in behavior.
poster:Harvester of Eyes
thread:266501
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/266568.html