Bipolar Support Group

So I just wanted to introduce myself but also get your opinions. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at 11 years old and have been depressed and on anti-depressants since.

I was just wondering if you guys have any thoughts about this…..I was diagnosed with bipolar 4 years ago after having suicidal ideations. Around the time I was suicidal I was also very irritable and getting into fights (not physical) with all my friends. I do have mood swings but they go from feeling "normal" to being extremely depressed; there is no mania in the mix. I can go days without sleep but I just think that is the fibromyalgia. Personally, I just believe I am depressed, I have never truly had a manic episode. One of the reasons I could see that I may be bipolar is because anti-depressants on their own don’t work. I am on lamictal, abilify, wellbutrin, and lexapro now and it seems to be working…I have been thinking about this since I heard the diagnosis but kind of just went with it but I am about to graduate with my masters in social work in a month so we learn about all the disorders in the DSM and I just wonder if I really am bipolar…

so I guess my main question is- is it possible that I am bipolar without ever having a true manic episode or could all the irritability and no need for sleep have been my mania?

Sorry so long, just kind of needed to vent and wanted to see what you think. Thanks in advance...

Welcome Mandy. I can understand your concern at wanting to know if you are really bipolar. My suggestion would be to get a second opinion. But what is most important is treating the symptoms. Bipolar is just a name of an illness- treating your symptoms is much more important.

I am sure others will have more feedback.

Welcome to MDJunction and congrats on getting your degree!

Thanks, I feel like I have been in school forever, ready to be done already, all this stress isn't helping my mental state or my fibromyalgia. Bipolar is just a name- I guess that is why I kind of just accepted it and moved on, I guess after I took my assessment and diagnosis course, I started to get curious. All that matters to me right now is that my medications are working and I feel pretty stable. I just find it interesting and was wondering if irritability can be part of a manic episode and if anyone else has had an experience like this. I go back to the psychiatrist in a month or so, so I will be interested to see what he says when I ask him.

Do your depressions seem like really long, drawn out, dark depressions? From what you've written, I'd almost say it sounds like bipolar II, which is characterized with more depression and "hypomania" where the mania doesn't get full blown, but involves more anger, irritability and paranoia.

Get a second opinion and talk to your current pdoc about why they think it's bipolar. I'd say that is probably the best route to take.

Patrick

Yeap could not agree with Father....more.

Hey I do not know if I should ask this one, but are you a priest Father Karras? Or a father of children?

JennyWren