I want to ask you a question. Am I bipolar? I really don't know what it is, but people have asked me a few times, and its getting on my nerves. How could I tell, and isn't that a mental illness like schizophrenia? I don't like this at all, makes me very sad.

Thank you for your post.

I am bipolar AND addicted/alcoholic. I am in recovery and I have a long history with my diseases.

My bipolar disease presents me with extreme and often very rapid mood swings. The mood swings don't necessarily mean one is bipolar, but they are the main symptom.

Please go to the following sites for the National Institute of Health (NIH) to see definition and explanation for Bipolar. If you can see yourself in this definition, please do not worry. Almost everyone experiences mood swings in life. But please see your doctor, if you feel something is wrong.

I am not permitted to post my email address, but you may email me through my websites, and I will assure you that I will listen. Talking to someone else who has gone through the same things you have can be a reassuring experience and a good start into getting better.

Thanks for your post, Alanja. It is a good reminder to me to take care of myself so that I may continue to recover. You may click on my picture to see my profile.

Your friend,

James R

I forgot in my previous post to give you the NIH site links. And, by the way, my poor memory is not a symptom of my disease, but it IS a symptom of my old age! Ha!ha!

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000926.htm

Thanks again!

Jim

www.blessedtobebonkers.com

www.cerebral-storm.com

Thanks again for your advice and I will look at the links you sent as well.