Does anyone suffer with bipolar on here?

[TheBlackdog]

I'm concerned I may have it but don't know what symptoms mean it goes from having depression to bipolar. Can anyone help. I know the simple answer is to see the doctor but I am a bit scared.

[lin62-65ze]

Hello there, yes I suffer with bi polar, you will know if you have it by the following symptoms:- you go from high to low moods, when on a high you often act irrationally, you could spend, spend, spend, drive fast, not sleep, behave strangely, on a low you could not want to get out of bed, feel extremely depressed, not want to live, run away from everything etc. I personally have never felt low but I went on a high once only which ended up on my going in hospital for a month. I take Lithium and have been well for over 21 years. My son who's 39 has bi polar, his manifests in his uncontrolled spending and deep depression and anxiety hence I put all the different symptoms. Do not be frightened of going to your GP they would refer you to someone who understands these illnesses, if you do think you have it you will need medication to keep you stable. Hope I have helped, Helen

[TheBlackdog in reply to lin62-65ze]

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't sure whether I would get one. If those are the symptoms then maybe I don't have bipolar because I don't have the highs I am very good with my money and don't have highs. I do have lows where I can get very emotional, cry, hate everything, think about dying but never want to pursue methods of carrying it out and get weirded out for weeks. I had a breakdown 20 odd years ago and have needed meds since. I'm always thinking do I have depression or is it more than this. Thanks for your reply. It sounds like you are doing well. How come you don't have lows?

[lin62-65ze in reply to TheBlackdog]

Hello again, glad to have helped a little. Regarding your question why do I not have low's I suppose it's because I am positive, believe you me living with my husband who has depression is enough to make you low but I am a busy person, I try to ignore negative things, I have a large garden and amuse myself there, I sew cook etc. Have you tried CBT my son said it helps also exercise, long walks are good, my son goes to the gym. Hope I've helped, Helen x