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Bipolar Disorder/Bi-polar??
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Question
it has finally come to my attention that the mood swings i have are really not the normal mood swings of an individual. The first real instance i can remember when my moods really became unusual was about 4 years ago, where i became incredibly thin, could run on nothing at all, slept very little but seemed to have endless amounts of energy, got myself into debt, thought constantly, had ridiculous non-stop brain activity, couldn't concentrate. In retrospect just seemed to be totally hyper, and in overdrive. from that i plummeted into depression, however dont remember much of that episode. since then i've fluctuated between hyper me and incredibly low me, however Now i feel horrendous, so low, i don't know who i am, feel completely out of control with my moods, get angry, irritable, paranoid. Its like a huge heavy cloud, but i cant control when its there or not. its completely ruining my life. Please help me find out what is wrong, i can't go on like this.
As I am not a mental health care provider, I am limited in what I can advise with regards to your situation. I would recommend that you make an appointment with a psychiatrist or other qualified mental health specialist for an evaluation as soon as possible. If you do not have health insurance, there are many community resources and government-run programs providing mental health services for people.
You can also read the information on bipolar disorder at http://www.nimh.gov and utilize the resources that they have made available to the public for educational purposes.
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Answers by Expert:
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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