Bipolar Support Group

Hi all. I am a newly diagnosed BP with 100% chance of hyperthymic temperment. I never thought anything was WRONG with being hyper....just the way I was. I still wonder why everyone worries about me.......... It was a total shock to hear a doc use words like bipolar with me, and mention meds like Lithium.... How did this happen?

I have in the past (and recent past) taken on what seem like most to be over the top plans - I WILL REDO THE BATHROOM MYSELF, I WILL SAND THE FLOORS DOWN ALONE TONIGHT, I WILL RUN A MARATHON, I WILL EARN A PhD.... I accomplish these goals (not the PhD, that I did uphave the $ to pursue, but followed another professional goal myself). If I start sth, I GET IT DONE it record time. I have actually timed myself making dinner. People love me. Men are attracted to me, I make a room light up, I always throw parties.... are these bad things? I am not sure if I should be upset by all of this.....I am on Lexapro and Inveral (is that the name of it)and feeling a bit slowed down - not much tho........... my family knows I go "speed" on them when I talk to fast, have a project going, etc..... How did this happen to me? In the past 7 months I have:

*Had my husband leave (a good thing - it was long over due)

*filed for divorce

*ripped out linoleaum and sanded my wood floors

*totally re-done the interior and exterior of my home

*Completed a major professional certification

*gotten contacts

*changed hair color

*had 2 new sexual partners

*starfted a new physical activity (besides sex)

*lost 10 pounds

*Traveled overseas

*had my ex return to a high school girlfriend (25 years ago the broke up...WTF?)

*developed a new romantic relationship but I ended it

*taken dance lessons

*Been happily out of my marriage for the first time in 15 years.......

To me it all feels right but I KNOW it sounds crazed to others.......

OK, thats all.....hope to hear some thoughts

Hello and welcome. The reason why these behaviors need to be monitored is because they can lead to self-destruction, dangerous/reckless behavior and in some cases, life threatening consequences. When a person is manic (meaning full blown manic -- not hypomanic), they have the potential to engage in activities that may not be safe for them. Some of these include promiscuity, gambling and shopping sprees (incurring thousands of dollars in debt). Another fear is that if mania becomes severe enough, it can lead to psychosis, delusions and paranoia. While there is nothing wrong with having goals (like earning a Ph.D.) or being productive (cleaning your apartment, doing tasks quickly) eventually this can lead to progressively worse episodes of mania and/or depression should one actually have bipolar. Research has also proven that if bipolar is left unmedicated, it can lead to increasing episodes of mania and/or depression.

High five girl! You got it goin' on! Keep in mind what neon said she knows what she is talking about.