Stress Center Peer Support

I was told yesterday that I am bipolar. However, I do not have manic episodes which is typical of bipolar disease. I get really depressed for days to weeks at a time then I feel better and can function like I need to. The dr. described this part of me being able to function and not feel depressed as hypomania. I never knew there could be varying degrees of bipolar disease. Has anyone else ever heard of this? I have not received my materials yet, but is this still going to help me? I would say that I am depressed more than 75% of the time and I don't see why it wouldn't be beneficial. I really don't want to have to be hospitalized and am trying to get regulated on medication, so it is going to be a while longer before I am even at a point of feeling like I can get out of the bed and go about a normal daily routine. Anyone who has heard of this type of bipolar please help. I never thought of myself has bipolar, because I don't become manic.

Hi Shelly!

Yes, I was diagnosed as being bipolar about 5 years ago. Was that ever a medication roller-coaster! Today I still feel that way, but having just started this program I know things can only get better. Lucinda's relaxation cd alone will help. Just remember that doctors secure their practices with diagnosis/medication and you sound like a stronger person than to let them get the best of you!

Hi Shelly! I hope I can help you little bit--- I was told EXACTLY the same thing about 6 years ago- and thought I don't get manic, how can I be Bi-Polar?... I just get extremely depressed, yet anxious at the same time... Very uncomfortable isn't it?!! A couple of years later, it was determined that I had an anxity disorder, not Bi-Polar diagnosis!! (when I saw my old child psychiatrist that I use to see for ADD).. I certainly respect the medical profession, but they are human also and ARE capable of making mistakes.. After this diagnosis of Bi-polar, the doctors and staff at the facility told my very concerned mom, dad, brother and sister that I would never be the same old happy, funny Vicki again and I would always be "Bi-polar" and have to take a "mood stabilizer" AKA Depakote for the rest of my life in order to function somewhat normal... Very depressing diagnosis huh??

Well, I need to tell you that---since then, age 22 at the time I received a double bachelor's degree, graduated from a prominent, well known University with a Graduate Degree and hold a prestigous job within my state, have become engagaed to a wonderful man-- without ever taking "A mood Stabilizer"... Bi-Polar is a serious menatal health disorder that is overly-diagnosed-as no one is 100% happy, nor 100% sad all of the time, so it is quite easy to diagnose someone with this disorder... I have worked with individuals who clearly have "Bi-Polar" and it is extrememly obvious when those people have it.. They beleive that they are "sent from God, to bring in all the homeless people in the world, and are annoyingly energetic" LOL and the next minute they "cannot even get out bed".. So, yes there are various degrees of Bi-Polar including "Bi-Polar Depression"-- where a person experiencees depression with out the mania... (that seems like something you have been told right?) Well, doesn't that seem contradictory as Manic-Depression AKA BiPolar means Exaggerated Highs/Exaggerated Lows?? I never had the highs either-- I was just depressed!!

I had to write back to you Shelly because what you said really affected me and I had to write you back.. After reading your posting, I see that you are questioning your diagnosis, and possibly are in the same position that I was in.. A person who legitimatly has Bi-Polar would be spiraling so out-of-of control that they probably wouldn't question their diagnosis.. You however, are... My suggestion to you is---- (a) please DO THIS PROGRAM!!! I just started it about 3 months ago, because I still experience anxity, depression, & it has helped.. (b) get a second/third opinion RE your diagnosis... I hope this helps, as I have been through this situation you speak of and have conquered it!! Best of Luck--- Hope to hear back from you!!!

Hi Kathy.

If you are truly bi-polar, you should be on medication because this program alone won't be enough. Bi-polar is serious and you have to treat it as such. I know quite a few people with it, and it's nothing to play around with.

Hi Shelly.

If you think you may have been misdiagnosed, get a second opinion because you really need to know if you are truly bi-polar, in order to know if you really need medication.

There seems to be a lot more people diagnosed this way today. I don't honestly think doctors know sometimes. They just see symptoms which fit a particular classification out of the diagnosis manual. I was classified as bi-polar as well back when I was around 30 to 32. I've been on meds since then, now 58, but the meds have decreased from 215mg daily to just 40mg daily at present, thanks to the program and exercise. That's over a 5 year period. All three psychiatrists I have had have classified me as bi-polar, but my current one, my third one now doesn't think that I am. I don't know and couldn't care less. I am who I am.

I've read where a program like this can benefit us or those who are bi-polar. I've tried Depakote and Zyprexa, both bi-polar meds, but neither worked at all for me. So, I have no clue whether I am or am not bi-polar. I'm simply in a much better place now thanks to the program.