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Am i bipolar?

Hi. This is really long and may not make sense, but i really need help from someone with experience in bipolar disorder.

I think i may be Bipolar II. i've only mentioned it to a few of my friends, most of them don't understand except one who is bipolar, but i don't think she really wants to talk about it. I haven't told my parents because they will most likely laugh and not believe me.
I've been reading some of the posts on here and i have to say i have symptoms similar to those mentioned.
Around April/May this year, i think i had a depressive episode. I felt hopeless, i had no energy, i slept alot. I had no interest in activities i normally love doing. I was in a black hole of self-hate and thought i would never get out. I thought it was depression, but after about two weeks i was okay again.
I am pretty sure i've also experienced multiple hypomanic episodes. I haven't had the hallucinations or drug abuse that comes with Bipolar I manic episodes. I sway between aggressive and hyper, and wake up a lot during the night when i'm like this. I'll be super crazy, my speech rapid, thoughts racing, saying outrageous things, fidgeting, unable to sit. Then suddenly i become very angry and upset over the smallest things, yelling and swearing and barely able to stop myself from attacking someone (although there are times when i've thrown things at them). Then not long after i will be super happy with said person, like i'd never really been angry. I often get paranoid, worried people don't like me, and sometimes i am very touchy-feely. I can be very creative and productive, too, however. I'll have a million ideas, start a thousand new projects that i just have to finish. I start a new routine, like an exercise timetable and a healthy eating menu.
And (don't worry, its finished soon) i think i could either have mixed episodes or be a rapid cycler. I can be very depressed and feel like the world is against me, or be absolutely bursting with energy and craziness, all within the space of a week. I also seem to have more hypomania than depressive episodes.

So, my question is, am i Bipolar II, or should i just dismiss it as mood swings? Or is it something else altogether?? Please help.
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5986700 tn?1380791380
Hi there,
welcome,
you sound very very much like me my dear.....I was diagnosed a rapid cycler.  Weaver and Crystal have given really good advice.  I couldn't add to it except to say...good luck and prayers of hope to you.
hugs.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks. Yeah i am pretty new to this. I didn't know that about Bipolar I, so thanks. I'll keep researching as much as i can to learn more about it and if it could be something else.
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Avatar universal
A therapist is a good idea but I usually recommend seeing a pscychiatrist first as they will give you a diagnosis if warranted. With that you will take that information to the therapist. They will then be better able to help you. A therapist may be able to give you their take on what your going thru but does not have the credentials to diagnosis you. They will suggest you be seen by a dr. as well.

As yes, you are describing symptoms of Bipolar. I know your new at this but just know that not all people with bipolar 1 have hallucinations or drug abuse.
I have bipolar 1 and have neither. The pscychiatrist will be able to shed some light for you. Do lots of reading and research, go to therapy, get family support and learn about the illness if you are diagnosised with bipolar. Keep an open mind until you hear from the dr. It may be something else.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your help. I'll when/where i can book an appointment with a therapist. Thanks again.
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Avatar universal
From your description, I would say there is definitely a chance you are BP11. I am BP1 and am more manic than depressed, but both ends are pretty severe. Friends don't always want to talk about these things and there is little they can do. I would say that going to a therapist or psychiatrist would be a good start. If you are having these symptoms without any external cause, you are describing BP11. It won't hurt to see a therapist, even if it is only depression and personality. If it is effecting your life negatively then I would get in to talk to someone who CAN help.
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