Posted by polarbear206 on January 6, 2004, at 7:40:35
In reply to Could I be bipolar or just insane?, posted by aerobar on January 5, 2004, at 23:36:22
> I am a 41 yr old female and am having to come accept that something is different about me. I was diagnosed as unipolar about 8 years ago and have been on various AD - now 40 mg Celexa. I've had 2 major depression episodes (never hospitalized).
>
> Recently I was fired from my job (again). I 've been fired or quit jobs most of my life. After working at a job for a while, I begin to think I know more than my boss and take on more than I am assigned. I work late, and work hard. It really pisses off my bosses especially if I find solutions to problems they couldn't resolve, or better them up. I usually get fired for working outside my job duties.
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> I have changed careers numerous times, have numerous college degrees, and now that I am unemployed again, I am thinking of going back to school for another degree and another new career.
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> This time I am in real trouble because I have accumulated over $20,000 in credit card debt, bought a new truck on a whim with payments I can't afford, and am going to have to sell my house.
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> I have always abused charge cards and somehow managed to keep a good credit rating, but now I am slipping. My family is having to help me financially and they are not happy about it.
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> Furthermore, I have had an awful time sleeping for almost a year, and have often had to take sleeping pills to get some zzzzzz's.
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> Also, I have been using alcohol quite a bit lately. When I have a few drinks, I feel like a princess. I feel creative, sexy, smart, etc. I find that I look forward to these times. My friends and family have insisted I stop, so I am doing my best to attend AA. I get a few weeks sobriety, then suddenly have a couple glasses of wine and fall off the wagon.
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> Sometimes I hate myself and feel worthless and do not want to do anything. Other times I love life and am making creative plans for new adventures and projects. My toy box is full of new adventures - golf clubs, mountain bikes, skiis, camping gear, climbing gear, etc. Most of them I use, but some of the the purchases I am embarrassed about.
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> Since I lost my job over a month ago, I really can't sleep, am having serious memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and cannot stand noise (even the TV gets on my nerves)
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> Relationships? I had more than I care to admit. I get into really screwy relationships and can't seem to get out of them until the other person leaves. Then I feel abandoned, alone, and quickly go out and get into another or sleep around to build my self esteem.
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> Well, that is all for now. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks for letting me vent.
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>
Hi
What you have described above is classic behaviors
of bipolar depression. There is a broad spectrum to bipoar disorders. Using only an antidepressant will exacerbate your mood cycling. This can worsen over time if not properly diagnosed and treated. I would suggest you get some blood work done by your family doctor to rule out other disorders that can
mimmick bipolar. Educate yourself. You have come to the right place for support. Very well educated people here! A good book to read is "Why Your Depression Isn't Getting Better" by Michael R. Bartos MD.Good sites to check out
Pycheducation.org and Dr. Goldberg's site Depression Central
poster:polarbear206
thread:296964
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/297054.html