Bipolar Disorder...

[Laurel Crowned]

I know this may be answered in the thread, but what is bipolar?

servant4ever

Hi Servant4ever,

Bipolar Disorder used to be called Manic Depression. It is believed to be a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes people to experience extreme highs, or manic episodes, that are characterized by delusions of grandeur, compulsive behaviors, irrational thinking, extreme rages, and other more dangerous symptoms. This is contrasted by extreme lows, or depressions, that are often accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 7 years ago... after battling depression for 12 years before that. I've had more suicidal episodes than I care to count. My medication has completely controlled my manic phases... but my depression has yet to be completely brought under control. That's one reason I turned to CF and this thread in particular... for the support.

LC

 

[servant4ever]

Hello LC,

Thank you for your reply. The reason I ask is because my roommate told me that I am bipolar. Some of that sounds like me, but I don't know, maybe my roommate is right.

servant4ever

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Hello LC,

Thank you for your reply. The reason I ask is because my roommate told me that I am bipolar. Some of that sounds like me, but I don't know, maybe my roommate is right.

servant4ever

Hi Servant4ever,

Unless your roommate is qualified to diagnose mental illness... I'd take what he says with a grain of salt. The question I'd ask is... what do you think? Are you struggling with depression? If you have questions there are online resources that I can get you where you can research bipolar for quick and easy to understand information. There are even some online questionaires through some reliable sources that will give you an insight into whether or not you should seek professional help.

I just listed some of the basic info... but there's so much more. Bipolar is a catch phrase now... but that doesn't mean that everybody that is depressed has bipolar disorder. Let me know if you'd like more info and I'll get those links for you. My medical center has a great online health encyclopedia that you might want to look at. I'm not sure of the exact address... but if you look for Kaiser Permanente I'm sure you'll find it.

LC

 

[Scorpio]

I started this thread else where and got some private messages from people who couldnt post.

I was just diagnosed as bipolar after going to the hospital being labeled as "extremely suicidal" and well my life has sucked since Remeberance day (the day i was gunna slice my wrists open...ironic really) I wanted to start a thread for those other bipolars who are here so we can talk about our problems and everything.

Hi Im Bi-Polar (manic depression), at least thats what my docs said, I am really depressed too a lot. But I am not suicidal, Im the opposite, I really want to live, even though the dark cloud comes too often. Sometimes it feels like Im hanging on by a thread.

The weird thing is I have everything to live for, but sometimes my mind just goes a little haywire.

Good forum here, I hope it helps people.

 

[Scorpio]

LC, Allye,

Perhaps my words were not chosen to be thoughtful enough! I did not mean to belittle anyone, not would I.

I saw this show on TV wherebys, a person had a real bad case of MPD and he had 27 demonic spirits in him. He tried everything to get rid of these demons and he studied and got a PHD in psychology. Even so, there was no help and he and his wife could not get rid of the demons! They resigned themselves to live with all these personalities inside and his wife even reads bedtime stories to the little demons!

As a witness to deliverances, I seen spirits being cast out of people and they left the person? If the issue is a spirit, can meds ever cast out or get rid of a spirit?

Peace,

Hi Sequel,

Benny Hinn by any chance? Every Christian struggles with something, depression just happens to be our problem, I don't think its always demons (although I don't entirely rule it out in some cases). The fact that there are many success stories about depressed or Bi-Polar people as a result of therapy and the right medication, seems to indicate it is genetic.

By your logic then, all genetic illnesses are demons. But the world is full of pestilences and genetic disorders, and thats blatant to see.

However I do believe Christ wants those burdens and he can help.

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Hi Im Bi-Polar (manic depression), at least thats what my docs said, I am really depressed too a lot. But I am not suicidal, Im the opposite, I really want to live, even though the dark cloud comes too often. Sometimes it feels like Im hanging on by a thread.

The weird thing is I have everything to live for, but sometimes my mind just goes a little haywire.

Good forum here, I hope it helps people.

I totally agree with you Scorpio... even when I have my suicidal thoughts... I really do want to live. I know that I have so much to live for...

How long have you been diagnosed as Bipolar? What lead you to get help?

LC

 

[Scorpio]

I totally agree with you Scorpio... even when I have my suicidal thoughts... I really do want to live. I know that I have so much to live for...

How long have you been diagnosed as Bipolar? What lead you to get help?

LC

Hi, I have been ADHD my whole life and as I grew older my anxiety turned to Panic and anxiety attacks with bouts of depression, my psychiatrist doesn't like to use the word BiPolar, but technically it is. I have been bi polar since I was about 25.

 

[WithHisBloodWentOurSin]

Hey everybody, i have a question... do you think its better to be diagnosed young or old
Young... less years of considering yourself normal
Old.... you may have messed up your life before you found out

just came to mind.

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Hey everybody, i have a question... do you think its better to be diagnosed young or old
Young... less years of considering yourself normal
Old.... you may have messed up your life before you found out

just came to mind.

Hi WithHisBloodWentOurSin,

I wish I'd been diagnosed when I was in college... instead of 7 years ago. College was a bipolar nightmare for me. I feel like that time was wasted because I was so out of control. Since I knew SOMETHING was wrong... I didn't "consider myself normal." Knowing what was wrong and being able to seek help has made a huge difference in my life.

LC

 

[Serving4Christ]

Not officially diagnosed...but still wondering if maybe I have BPD.

From as young as I can remember, I can recount numerous suicidal thoughts. The thoughts, the plan, the reactions of people at my funeral...etc. And somehow I would attain satisfaction to get me through another episode. I have a mom that's definitly BPD (Manic Depressive), as she spends most of her day in bed, moods characterized by elation, and one high to another low within the split second. I have a sister who was diagnosed with BPD and who's taking lithium.

I fought to be different than them. I have a relationship with Christ, they do not. I moved out at 16, joined the Air Force, and got married at 18. I have 3 kids 9-4-1. I thought I'd outgrow these thoughts and emotions, but I continue to struggle with them whenever something happens.

I can't understand it. I have it all! I have a family, lovely well behaved children, a home, Christ in me, friends. Why am I not happy and why so my moods go from one extreme to another?

I can't bare to listen to my wife for more than a minute or so without feeling I have something more important to do. I get agitated at a drop of a dime. I have troubles concentrating... I'm forgetful... I have no patience. I spend money that I don't have just because I feel like it'll satisfy that need at the time. My sleep is interrupted all through the night. I'm taking Lexapro and have been on it for 3 weeks and feel no different. I'm having to take benadryl to help me get some sleep. My sex drive is through the roof! I just don't get it...

Can someone point me to a good questionnaire to assess BPD?

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Hi Serving4Christ,

I'm on my lunch break at work... so I'm not on my home computer. When I get home I'll put you in touch with an online assessment.

My prayers are with you man.

LC

 

[Serving4Christ]

Thank you...I'll be waiting. Have a good day at work.

Dan

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Thank you...I'll be waiting. Have a good day at work.

Dan

Hi Dan,

Here's a link to an online questionaire. It was pretty similiar to a printed survey that I had to fill out at my doctor's before I actually saw a therapist.

http://www.lexapro.com/resources/survey_pre.asp?accept=on&missing=false


There are other questionaires out there... but this one was short and relatively easy to understand.

Having Bipolar isn't something limited to non-believers. While it's hard to reconcile having a depressive illness with all that joy that christians are supposed to have... it doesn't mean that christians are immune from having it. Christians get cancer, diabetes, lupus... and yes, mental illnesses. It is not a reflection on you or the kind of christian you are. It has nothing to do with will power and being able to "snap out of it." Having all the physical trappings of a great life... does nothing to keep the chemicals in your brain balanced.

If there is one thing I've come to know in the seven years that I've been on medication for Bipolar... is that during my times of weakness, God is my strength. He understands my depression when no one else does. He knows the depths that my emotions drag me and he is there to catch me when I fall. If you think there's a problem then trust yourself. Nobody here can tell you for sure if you have Bipolar. Maybe you don't. Maybe you have unipolar. The only way to know for sure is to seek out the help of a qualified professional.

There are a lot of websites that can give you more insights into Bipolar Disorder and depression in general. I know when you're depressed the last thing you want to do is read.... one of the symptoms of bipolar is that you are unable to concentrate enough to be able to read. But there is info out there.

Best of luck to you... and my prayers are with you. I pray that you find a place to seek professonal advice. I pray that you get the answers that will help you improve the quality of your life.

Peace,
LC

 

[Serving4Christ]

Results:
Your Total Score is 17.(Range 0-27)

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]None[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]0-5[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Mild[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]6-10[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Moderate[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]11-15[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Severe[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]16-20[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Very Severe[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]21+[/font]
Might be time for a visit to the doctor.

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Results:
Your Total Score is 17.(Range 0-27)

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]None[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]0-5[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Mild[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]6-10[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Moderate[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]11-15[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Severe[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]16-20[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Very Severe[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]21+[/font]
Might be time for a visit to the doctor.

Many prayers and blessings be with you as you trust the Lord to lead you to the help that you need. If you need support along the way... my inbox is open to you.

Peace,
LC

 

[alaurie]

Hey everybody, i have a question... do you think its better to be diagnosed young or old
Young... less years of considering yourself normal
Old.... you may have messed up your life before you found out

just came to mind.

Young- my hypomania/insomnia developed in infancy, migraines started at age 4 (a classic sign of bipolar in children- bedwetting is another), mild panic and depression began middle childhood, major depression and suicidal ideations started in late adolescese, major panic attacks and depression started in early twenties.The last few years have been characterized by unremitting insomnia/irritability/distractabilty/racing thoughts (dysphoric hypomania) mixed with episodes of major depression. Had I not had my faith and a godly, loving family, I don't think I would have survived. So yes, diagnosis at 4 would have been infinately preferable to 36. I don't know if depakote was around then, but depakote er is proving to be an answered prayer for me now.

On that note, a first cousin of mine has a child- 5 years old- who has been diagnosed with bpd. She and her husband are in denial. Their daughter's symptoms are pointing towards bipolar I- the more severe type. So should she continue her rages, lying, bedwetting, paranoid fears about her health
or be treated and have a more productive but still creative life? She's not, unfortunately due to my family's genetics, going to be normal, untreated or not...But see the post below- she will most likely be gifted.

Allye

PS- Prayers for Madelyn age 5 and her mom and dad will be greatly appreciated

 

[alaurie]

Results:
Your Total Score is 17.(Range 0-27)

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]None[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]0-5[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Mild[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]6-10[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Moderate[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]11-15[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Severe[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]16-20[/font][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Very Severe[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]21+[/font]
Might be time for a visit to the doctor.

I will be praying for you, too. You're among friends here... And you may be in the ranks of Frances Ford Coppola, Buzz Aldrin, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Brian Wilson, Ben Stiller, Winston Churchill, JP Morgan and historically suspected- Isaac Newton, William Cowper- author of the hymn "There is a Fountain"

1. There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Emmanuel's veins;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains,
lose all their guilty stains;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.

2. The dying thief rejoiced to see
that fountain in his day;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away,
wash all my sins away;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.

3. Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
shall never lose its power
till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more,
be saved, to sin no more;
till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.

4. E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream
thy flowing wounds supply,
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die,
and shall be till I die;
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.

5. Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I'll sing thy power to save,
when this poor lisping, stammering tongue
lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave,
lies silent in the grave;
when this poor lisping, stammering tongue
lies silent in the grave.

He had definite highs and lows, was institutinalized once, made several suicide attempts but was reported to have said while dying (of natural causes) "I am not shut out of heaven after all"

God bless you,
Allye

 

[WithHisBloodWentOurSin]

Young- my hypomania/insomnia developed in infancy, migraines started at age 4 (a classic sign of bipolar in children- bedwetting is another), mild panic and depression began middle childhood, major depression and suicidal ideations started in late adolescese, major panic attacks and depression started in early twenties.The last few years have been characterized by unremitting insomnia/irritability/distractabilty/racing thoughts (dysphoric hypomania) mixed with episodes of major depression. Had I not had my faith and a godly, loving family, I don't think I would have survived. So yes, diagnosis at 4 would have been infinately preferable to 36. I don't know if depakote was around then, but depakote er is proving to be an answered prayer for me now.

On that note, a first cousin of mine has a child- 5 years old- who has been diagnosed with bpd. She and her husband are in denial. Their daughter's symptoms are pointing towards bipolar I- the more severe type. So should she continue her rages, lying, bedwetting, paranoid fears about her health
or be treated and have a more productive but still creative life? She's not, unfortunately due to my family's genetics, going to be normal, untreated or not...But see the post below- she will most likely be gifted.

Allye

PS- Prayers for Madelyn age 5 and her mom and dad will be greatly appreciated

I just have to say that was an amazing post and Madelyn has my prayers. You put everything in perspective, thanks

 

[alaurie]

Thanks WithHisBloodWentOurSins. That answer came from "the school of hard knocks". Thanks for your prayers for Madelyn.

Allye

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Thanks WithHisBloodWentOurSins. That answer came from "the school of hard knocks". Thanks for your prayers for Madelyn.

Allye

Hi Allye,

I pray for your cousin and her husband. I pray that they would seek a second and a third and a fourth and even a fifth opinion until they are able to accept the truth and get help for their daughter.

Simultaneously, I pray that God would heal your little Madelyn. That even in the face of medical opinion her symptoms would just disappear. I pray that she is able to have a normal childhood with all the normal childhood issues and be free of all the ups and downs that accompany a bpd diagnosis.

I'm thank that she has you in her life praying for her and her family.

Peace,
LC