New therapist...new diagnosis? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Rancorous · 08-13-2010, 03:32 PM

So, my health insurance kicked me off. I had been without a counselor for a month or two. I had a few weeks where I was really depressed and it was so bad that I decided to look into counseling at my school. The first six or so sessions were free and the ones after that have been manageable as far as price goes. I have been seeing the therapist there for a few months.

I went in today and she told me she thought I might be bipolar. I'm not sure how I should feel about that. I guess it would make sense with my dissociative symptoms. Its not "official" yet. I'm expected to get paperwork from my previous therapist and stuff.

I'm not really sure i've ever had a full-on manic episode though. I'm kind of baffled.

ranae1221 · 08-14-2010, 09:22 PM

I've been diagnosed as Bipolar type II (just one of my lovely labels

). I've never had a full blown manic episode either, my understanding is that with Bipolar II you have not as high highs, but lower lows.

IF this diagnosis does truly fit you, it doesn't change YOU. You are not a diagnosis! If anything, having a clearer picture of your illness will help you better understand how to manage it. It may even be somewhat of a relief, to finally be able to put a name on those "crazy" thoughts and feelings.

Rancorous · 08-16-2010, 09:56 AM

Yeah, i'm just trying to wrap my brain around stuff and just go with the flow for now.

I'm doing the whole journaling thing. I need to remember to get some documentation from my previous therapist.

Live · 08-16-2010, 10:05 AM

I didn't believe I was bipolar either.
I have learned that while I may have hypomania (little exceptionally feeling good periods, which I like, don't we all! I thought it was normal!)...my manias are negative, mixed. They are characterized by what I identify as increasing and unbearable anxiety.

I have been reading up on everything I can find on it.
Kay Redfield Jamison's works are especially good.

best wishes

08-13-2010, 03:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rancorous Misanthrope Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 92	New therapist...new diagnosis? So, my health insurance kicked me off. I had been without a counselor for a month or two. I had a few weeks where I was really depressed and it was so bad that I decided to look into counseling at my school. The first six or so sessions were free and the ones after that have been manageable as far as price goes. I have been seeing the therapist there for a few months. I went in today and she told me she thought I might be bipolar. I'm not sure how I should feel about that. I guess it would make sense with my dissociative symptoms. Its not "official" yet. I'm expected to get paperwork from my previous therapist and stuff. I'm not really sure i've ever had a full-on manic episode though. I'm kind of baffled.

08-14-2010, 09:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
ranae1221 Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 318	I've been diagnosed as Bipolar type II (just one of my lovely labels ). I've never had a full blown manic episode either, my understanding is that with Bipolar II you have not as high highs, but lower lows. IF this diagnosis does truly fit you, it doesn't change YOU. You are not a diagnosis! If anything, having a clearer picture of your illness will help you better understand how to manage it. It may even be somewhat of a relief, to finally be able to put a name on those "crazy" thoughts and feelings. __________________ Jessica "You can have a perfectly normal life..... if you accept the fact that your life will never be perfectly normal" You laugh because I am different...I laugh because you are all the same

08-16-2010, 10:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
Live Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bristol TN/VA Posts: 11,588 Blog Entries: 5	I didn't believe I was bipolar either. I have learned that while I may have hypomania (little exceptionally feeling good periods, which I like, don't we all! I thought it was normal!)...my manias are negative, mixed. They are characterized by what I identify as increasing and unbearable anxiety. I have been reading up on everything I can find on it. Kay Redfield Jamison's works are especially good. best wishes __________________ Each small candle lights a corner of the dark....Roger Waters

08-16-2010, 09:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rancorous Misanthrope Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 92	Yeah, i'm just trying to wrap my brain around stuff and just go with the flow for now. I'm doing the whole journaling thing. I need to remember to get some documentation from my previous therapist.

Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)