Dear Alice,
I'm worried that I might be manic-depressive, or bipolar-depressive,
though I'm not quite sure what the exact medical definitions of those
terms are. From time to time -- sometimes over a couple of hours,
sometimes over a couple of weeks, I can get very depressed, and everything
in my life seems like it's going wrong -- school, work, relationships,
etc. These happen at night and during the winter more often than usual,
but they happen fairly regularly all year round, for at least the last
three to four years. Other times, even for weeks at a time, I'll feel
fine; get really happy with certain things; not ecstatic, but happy. I
also find that these depressive states can be brought on by certain
things, like an argument with someone or just something that pissed me
off. But then they get better, usually before I have a chance to see a
counselor, and I feel silly for having felt that way at all; things seem
much rosier at those times. I've seen counselors some before, but never
wanted to bring it up -- I was hoping they'd guess at it on their own; I
did describe all my feelings, just not that I thought I might be
manic-depressive. I always thought that I was just being a hypochondriac.
What do you think?
Signed,
Bipolar?
Dear Bipolar?,
Affective bipolar disorder has two extremes: on the depressive end,
you don't feel pleasure in anything, have no energy, are lethargic, cry
for no reason, don't feel good about yourself, feel lonely, irritable,
have difficulty concentrating, feel unloved, etc.; on the manic end, a
mild form is expressed in increased motor activity, little sleep, rapid
thoughts, confidence, and noninhibition. Those who experience this
disorder usually like the euphoria, happy feelings, and fast pace.
However, the manic behavior usually evolves into a dangerous state --
exhaustion from extreme hyperactivity, flight of ideas, poor judgment, and
distraction are common symptoms of manic periods. While bipolar
difficulties are one very specific form of difficulty, it's important for
you to know that there are many other variations on that theme that are
related to "mood swings" as well.
It seems like you are having difficulties that need attention. A
psychologist or psychiatrist can distinguish between mood swings and/or a
condition that could be helped by medication. When you do find a
professional you think will work for you, do yourself justice and tell
him/her everything. Therapy will likely be more effective for you if your
therapist doesn't have to guess what's on your mind. So, be as open and
honest as you possibly can.
- Alice
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Manic-Depression?
