Replies to 'Bipolar Disorder'

I am writing to let anyone who reads this know that Bipolar disorder is a very hard disorder sometimes to diagnose, but more importantly it is devastating to families.  I went undiagnosed all of my adult life, thinking that I was just a b*tch.  I have been married three times.  I have said things to my husbands and to my daughter that no mother should ever say to another human being much less a family member.   

I am now on medication and stable, but I can identify wtih Cathy about going from a normal or maybe happy mood to a very upset mood in a few minutes for no good or logical reason.  It is a chemical imbalance in the brain.  My speech becomes fast and my mind races.  I become very distracted and unable to get one thing completely finished.   I didn't have bipolar 1 and am thankful to God for that but  I was diagnosed with BP 2 when things finally came crashing down and I took myself to the hospital because even the slightest noise bothered me to a point that I wanted to cover my ears.   

Stress is a big indicator of triggering episodes.  Please understand also that people wtih BP disorder are many times highly educated, creative, articulate, and many of them are actors and comedians, quick witted.  If you want to google a search on famous people with bipolar disorder you will be amazed at the list.  The devastation comes in the kind that I have which is dysphoric hypomania.  That means that I am mean and foul mouthed, when I am not that way in the core of who I know I am, the person I am when stable.  I love my family and they are the most important people in my life.   

Now that I am medicated, I am stable, and I can identify what my triggers are, which are lack of sleep, money problems, family stresses, etc.  I have so much to say, but this is all for now.  I hope anyone who feels they may be Bipolar will definitely go see a Dr.   If you will look in the People Magazine this week with Cheryl Crow on the front cover, there is an ad about BP disorder and also a quiz you can take to see if you might have the symptoms.   

Don't put it off, don't blame yourself, and know there are millions out there like you.  Help is available, but one set of medicines may not work at first, you may have to keep at it, and find the right combination to take care of your symptoms. 

May God bless and I pray you will find the help you deserve.