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Bipolar Disorder/emotional and behavioral problem

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Expert: - 2/27/2009


Question
Hello Jennifer

I have a problem for the last year or so i have had a problem with controlling my temper, i have never been a violent person(mental only)i i have neve done physical harm to anybody. but when something gets on my nerves or angers me i cannot calm down. the adrenaline of the situation keeps on flowing for hours and hours.

on another note, sometimes these attacks happen for no apparent trigger at all. i could be sitting in one spot with no thoughts in my head and all of a sudden be in a complete restless and total rage. i dont even know what could cause this problem but it is scaring my girlfriend. i have spoken to my doctor and he said it could be just stress but i do not feel stressed. i doubt it is a panic attack because i feel no fear just rage. it even scares me after the fact.

also i was wondering if you have ever ran accross a problem where someone has blocked out almost all emotion in their personality. since this has all started i have only been able to feel sadness and anger. i have a very hard time expressing happiness and love. empathy is virtually non existant. i used to feel this way but i dont anymore.

i have asked therapists this before and they all say that it is just a phase or to just chill out but i have a problem with buring things and letting go of problems.
its hard for me

Answer
I think that it is important...critical even...that you find a specialist (usually within the mental health practice area) in anger management for an appointment in the very near future.  Even if it's determined that you would be better served through a different sort of mental health provider, a referral will be made through the office you initially went to.

  A lot of people have problems expressing positive emotions, or any emotions at all, due to the experiences that they have had in life.  Usually, whenever they have expressed their feelings and emotions, they have been subject to 'attack' by those closest to them - and normally the people that we share those things with - thus, in order to protect oneself from further harm, emotions of any kind are kept inside.  Unfortunately, this can cause significant wear and tear on a person - if you've ever heard the statement "No man is an island"....everyone needs people, we can't be and do it all alone, and while it takes some work, being emotionally connected to someone is one of the most rewarding necessities of a person's life.

Bipolar Disorder

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Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

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