How do you know if you have bipolar disorder?

[Simslover92]

I feel like I'm in a manic state. Like extreme euphoria. It could be the coffee I drunk this morning or the date from Saturday, or a little of both, but I just feel so damn happy.

I get like this only when I meet someone new and start liking them hard. But when it goes away I get really depressed like unalive me depressed. That's why I feel like I might have bipolar disorder.

But maybe it's just quite normal to feel this way and I don't have anything. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression in the past so maybe I do have it.

[SteveSmith1985]

I am not a doctor. I can't diagnose anybody.

I am not sure whether this could be bi-polar disorder.

If you have diagnosed depression, then it does indeed make some sense that you're having the lows you're talking about.

It's the manic part that you need to look at.

The happiness you're talking about is very normal for someone excited about a new relationship that seems to be budding and looks promising. That's normal.

So, you should look at whether you are having these manic periods. It would have to be times that aren't related to meeting somebody new. It's can you point to other (random) times when you felt you might have been manic.

[Simslover92]

Oh ok. Thank you. I think I can point to other times I might have been manic. Like earlier this year when I met someone new I felt this way and got super depressed once it ended. And with my ex. But I guess I should probably find out through a doctor to be sure.

[SteveSmith1985]

You definitely should find out through a doctor. You really should.

If you have bi-polar disorder, then you do want to get the right treatment for it. It would be good for you to know. (one way or the other).

I'm inclined to think that you don't have it. I say that because the manic periods you're talking about, coincide with being excited about a guy. That's very normal.

You're looking for things like:

-That time you were hanging out with your friend, and were... crazy-happy for no reason. Your friend seemed a little freaked out.

-That job interview where you don't know what happened to your mood, but you talked that interviewer's ear off. You didn't get the job. In retrospect, he probably thought you were on drugs. You really were in a weirdly amazing mood that day.

It needs to be manic phases that don't correspond to good things happening. They're for no reason. (like the downs. It's not because things didn't work out with a guy. That's normal.)

I do think it's worthwhile to speak to a doctor about this though. If you're wondering, you should.

[Simslover92]

Ok I definitely will. Thanks.

[SteveSmith1985]

👍🙂

[msc545]

You need to be seen for this by a mental health professional (Psychologist or Psychiatrist) as you seem to have the classic symptoms of mixed Bipolar Disorder, which is a biological problem and for which there is very good medical treatment.

[Simslover92]

I have a psychiatrist for the clinical depression but I haven't asked about if I may have bipolar disorder. I will ask him on my next visit. I'll describe to him the manic part of my behavior and see what he says and if I should be treated for that as well.

[msc545]

Please describe both the mania and the depression.

[Simslover92]

Ok I will.

[MemeSupreme]

reminds me of BPD, but just see a psychiatrist if you wanna know

a lot of disorders have similar symptoms and can be comorbid, but there's specific things that differentiate them. only professional (s) can help with that

[Simslover92]

Ok thanks.

[KittygosMeoWW]

You can ask a therapist to help you, I felt this same way but it just turned out I was unbalanced hormonally. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety though.

[Simslover92]

I will do that on my next visit. I may just be unbalanced hormonally like you. Thanks.

[TonyMetal___86]

What you're feeling ain't weird, everything positive that comes into your life makes you happy and everything negative makes you sad!

Love is a powerful weapon but it's like a double edged sword!

When you'll find real love, you will always remain happy or keep a minimal state of happiness from time to time, it's because you have something, unlike having nothing!

[Simslover92]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking. That I'm just feeling euphoric because it's new and exciting and quite a normal feeling. And once it ends it becomes depressing and sad. Which I'm hoping it doesn't but it might and I need to be prepared for that reality so that I won't be as sad or depressed if it does happen.

[TonyMetal___86]

Ofc but i hope that it won't end if it's for your own good 😌

[Simslover92]

Thank you. I hope not either.

[bowenw]

This site has a lot of information, but it's best to discuss it with your doctor.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

[Simslover92]

Thanks. I guess I will discuss it with a doctor to be sure. I may just be paranoid and am fine. It may just be perfectly normal to feel this way.

[bowenw]

it can't hurt to discuss it and get a professional opiniion.

[bowenw]

*opinion

[Simslover92]

Ok I meet with my doctor who diagnosed me with clinical depression soon so I will ask him then. Thanks again!

[bowenw]

Let me know how it goes.

[Simslover92]

Ok I will!

[exitseven]

You might be a little hormonal but if you were bi-polar you would be bouncing off the wall one day and then be so depressed you cannot get out of bed.

[Simslover92]

Oh ok. Then it's probably the hormonal thing.

[exitseven]

@Simslover92 Yes, you are not crazy, I know crazy.

[Simslover92]

Thanks!

[DrPepper12]

Are you on any antidepressants? You should exercise more till it disapates if not.

[Simslover92]

Nope but I do workout nearly everyday which helps my mood a lot.

[Lynx122]

You could have borderline personality disorder too but I don't know you should ask professionals :)

[NathanDavis]

best to consult with an actual professional on the matter...

[rebelkid]

Ummm … try recording yourself for one week…then go back and watch everything you have recorded. If you do not remember any or all them there is a good chance. Then again it could be temporary amnesia

[jahaims]

Psychology evaluation

[NicholasRedone]

Therapist

[trumpetplayerforlife]

You can get tested

[msc545]

There is no test for Bipolar Disorder.

[trumpetplayerforlife]

@msc545 they have way a to decide if yiu are or not it's like a test

[msc545]

I do this for a living. It is called "clinical judgement", not a test.