Bipolor Disorder

So far, so good.

It not only takes the person with bi polar taking responsibility for their meds and well being, but it often takes a very special and patient partner. Sometime, even with following Dr's orders to a "T", mood swings can happen, which is why I say that it takes a special and patient partner.

Fortunately, I have this in my husband, may God Bless him for putting up with me when my mood swings are beyond my control or understanding. (yes, I take my prescribed meds daily and see my psych, etc.) Life is going to happen and unfortunately, meds are not 100% effective and I personally become over-reactive when it's been a long day or especially trying.

I gave my husband so many outs before the wedding (and some since then) but he says he's in for the long haul. He knew about my depression and the possibility of my bi polar when we first met. The bi polar wasn't confirmed until over a year after we married (5 years after we were together all told).

So, to sum up my verbose response, yes, it's possible for a person with Bp2 Disorder to lead a married life, and to even be happily married.

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Sure we can. You might want to be out of arms reach though if you don't know if they have been taking their meds – just kidding ;=) We can accept criticism as well as the next guy. Which means we don't like it. Personally, I try to avoid criticizing people because it is rude. In a work environment though, you need to be able to give AND receive CONSTRUCTIVE criticism no matter what your mental state you are in.

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The classic form of the illness, which involves recurrent episodes of mania and depression, is called bipolar I disorder.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

* Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
* Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
* Extreme irritability
* Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
* Distractibility, can't concentrate well
* Little sleep needed
* Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
* Poor judgment
* Spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
* Increased sexual drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
* Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.
Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:

* Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
* Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Restlessness or irritability
* Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
* Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
* Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

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I want to see a psychiatric and therapist but I was told that I have to wait at the end of Nov to see a therapist and at the end of Dec. to see a psychiatric.Additionally, from others, we no more accepting patients Currently, I am not on medication because I need an advocate to verify information for me to continue taking med at low cost. I am graduate so I no longer receive health care insurance from the school.

Right now, I don’t have insurance. I need to be on my med and may want to add more. I live in Central Jersey.

What should I do?

get the vitamin 5htp while you wait its supose to help alot

it may cause drowsyness so you might want to take at night

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I have written on this site regarding a friends son who's been suffering from manic depression about l5 years possibly(Bipolar)he has all the symptoms.His depressive states are getting longer,he has cut himself off from his family saying he just wants to be alone and doesn't want to talk to anyone.He has suicidal thoughts all the time and says,every day he wakes up feeling empty and in hell.He has rejected anti-depressants,says they do nothing(but has only taken them for a few days).He has no self worth,can't mix with people.Was recently emotionally slaughtered in a relationship which has completely wiped out any self esteem he may have built up.Anyone out there who can tell us what to do next.He can't see any help out there.His parents are so desperate,sectioning him is being considered,as he won't go willingly for help and they fear for his safety.Anyone been there,what happened to you and how did you get help.They don't want to section him but don't know what else to do.

I have been treated for manic depression for over 10years now, I have just been put on anti-depressants for the umpteenth time, I also felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Tell your friend's son that if he wants to talk to someone who won't try to 'shink' him then he can email me. I had the councelling a couple of times and didn't find it that helpful, but I have a great support network at home.
All your friends have to do is be there for him when he finds a way through the darkness inside. He needs understanding not sectioning, I do understand that it would be a last resort but they should think very long and hard about.
I know it is hard on your friends and they should also try and find someone they can talk to so they find a way to help him and to cope with all the possible outcomes.

Good Luck with everything and I hope he finds a way through the darkness.

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