BPII and AA

[TigerLili]

I posted about this in the Alcoholism 12 step thread - didn't realise there was a mental health section.

I most likely have BP II and will be going for an assessment. I had to complete a form and some of the questions made me feel that believing in a higher power might be a symptom of bi-polar. I'm not really sure how to understand it.

A belief in a higher power seems to be pretty much a part of the human condition. It's found in all cultures and historic periods.

What would indicate that a belief in the supernatural/mystical crosses the line from being relatively normal and healthy and being a manifestation of a mental illness?

[historyteach]

Tigerlilly,

There are lots of resources on the research thread in the stickies above about the bipolar spectrum. I've read most of them. There is no place that suggests that a belief in a Higher Power indicates one has bipolar condition.

Now, if one believed they *were* the Higher Power itself, well, that *could* be a manifestation of the grandiosity often seen in the manic stage of bipolar I disorder.

Please take a few minutes and read about the spectrum in teh research sticky above. I particularly like the Bipolar II, Mood Swings without Mania; Brain Tours; Stress and Depression; Hormones and Mood; and more... one and teh NY Times one.

Hope to see you around more.

Shalom!

[Isaiah]

I don't think they mean to say that bi-polar causes a belief in God. I think the idea is that in order to deal with the symptoms of bi-polar a person may turn to religion.

Like associating having a cold with eating chicken noodle soup.

I'm guessing that's where the question is coming from; it seems like a stupid question to me too though.

[TigerLili]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the support. This is a very confusing time and it's so good to be able to come here and be all wacky and have people take me seriously.

[SugarScars]

Hi, Tiger,

You're not being wacky at all. In truth, the difference between being crazy and being normal is perception alone.

When you believe something that's shared by the majority or some designated Authority, you are normal.

When you believe something that's shared by very few, or only yourself, or is not approved by the designated Authority, you are crazy.

Therefore, mental illness is completely subjective. The majority or designated Authority dictates what is "crazy" and what is "sane".

For example, the DSM (psychology's "Bible") listed Narcissistic Personality Disorder as an illness in the 1970s; the Authorities decided that it was not an illness in the 1980s and removed it from the DSM; then, decided once again that it was indeed an illness and included it in the DSM in the 1990s.

Therefore, someone who was mentally ill in the 1970s was NOT mentally ill in the 1980s, but was then again mentally ill in the 1990s.

So, if you are confused, you have every right to be. People are horribly confusing; in fact, they count on their abilities to confuse you; otherwise, you might see through their BS.

Be kind to yourself, and trust your mind! It may take awhile, but you will learn to see the truth.

Hugs,
Sugar