Bipolar Disorder?

[Shaun]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder


Any one got any friends or family suffering from this? Amazing what can be going on in a persons head with out them even knowing it is happening.

[R6_kid]

aka "manic depression". My cousin has it, made him pretty mixed up from what I've heard. It has certainly lead to them making some 'interesting' life changing decisions, but not really sure if it's made things any better for them except for in their own head.

[Her_C4]

Yes - and it is a road to hell trying to find the appropriate support here in NZ.

[Shaun]

aka "manic depression". My cousin has it, made him pretty mixed up from what I've heard. It has certainly lead to them making some 'interesting' life changing decisions, but not really sure if it's made things any better for them except for in their own head.


I met some one yesterday that has it. They had No idea they were different, just thought that was the way the world was for them, and believed they were just a looser. Some of the decisions this person has made, has cost them a lot of friends and money, but this person thought they were doing to correct thing

wow, sad

[Shaun]

Yes - and it is a road to hell trying to find the appropriate support here in NZ.


would that not come down to who your doctor is? There is lots of different medication to manage it that do actually work very very well

[R6_kid]

Sounds like a very similar story to what I've heard Shaun, though as for the meds - it's all about making sure they take them, but as with many things sometimes taking med's ends up making them feel less of a person for not being able to overcome it on their own. The main thing is understanding and support rather than meds. Recognising the problem and helping the person to understand and come to terms with their disorder is usually much more powerful than putting them on drugs to try and balance out the chemicals in their brain.

[Her_C4]

would that not come down to who your doctor is? There is lots of different medication to manage it that do actually work very very well

If only it were that simple... 'Oh I see you have Bipolar Disorder - here are some pills, take these and you will be better in no time!' Terrible terrible side effects, that can be worse than the ailment.

There is a great wealth of support for those suffering from depression, but manic depression and Bipolar disporder appears to have fallen through the cracks in terms of knowledge, understanding, support and treatment available. Often it is a case of self education and reading latest medical journals to find a possible alternative to the current regime.

Try getting an initial diagnosis from the overworked Psychiatrist and then try and go back to see them again for whatever reason. They do not have the capacity. Diagnose, medicate and handover to family doctor.

[wbks]

What is the difference between a serious drama queen and someone with bi-polar? Serious question

[R6_kid]

What is the difference between a serious drama queen and someone with bi-polar? Serious question

Bi-polar is exactly that, going from one extreme to the other. One day they are quite content and happy with the world, then sometimes they are withdrawn and depressed.

"Drama queens" I don't think are depressed, but upset that shit isn't going their way. I guess both are personality disorders, but bi-polar is a physical/chemical change in the brain, whereas a drama queen is more of a reaction to a particular situation thing?

[Kiwi Graham]

Bipolar is a mood disorder that once diagnosed can be treated and managed effectivly. Yes the chances are you will hae to take pills for the majority of your life to help keep your mood on an even keel but lfe style changes and an understanding of early warning signs and keeping peole close to you in the loop all go towards people with this diagnosis living a perfectly 'normal' life.

Common mistakes made by the undiagnosed/treated are as you describe Shaun but once treated those they have offended can see the real person and shouldnt be afraid to reintroduce themselves and move forward in those relationships. As for the loss of money.......Ive known some that have cleaned themselves out through their grandiosty and over generosity. Its the people who have been on the recieving end of this that should look at helping out if that is whats needed.

This condition need not be delt with by the sufferer alone, support from friends and family is vital, once treated and stable, as Ive said a normal lifestyle is easily achived.

[Her_C4]

One day they are quite content and happy with the world, then sometimes they are withdrawn and depressed.



Ermm I don't think that content and happy with the world is a descriptor that I would ever use? I guess everyone is different and it impacts individuals differently. In my experience (and this person is very close to me) the highs are manic and uncontrollable - to stop them believing that they are not superman and invinceable, capable of stopping a speeding bullet with one hand etc takes more than physical restraint. The lows bring deep deep depression and in both states an inability to understand what is 'real'.

Just my 0.02 cents

[wbks]

So if someone you knew went from being "the happiest in years"/"happy" to borderline suicidal in 24 hours fairly regularly that would be a decent sign?

[Her_C4]

So if someone you knew went from being "the happiest in years"/"happy" to borderline suicidal in 24 hours fairly regularly that would be a decent sign?

This to me, is a 'decent sign' that the person afflicted needs some help!!!! An initial consult with a medical / family doctor for a 'real opinion' and / or referral if required might be helpful as opposed to a biker forum?

[SPman]

Bipolar - a shit of a condition that can make life hell for everyone around, as well as the person affected!

[-df-]

Only experience I've had with someone that was bi-polar was having some drinks with said guy at a party, having a great time and then an hour later trying to get the hell away from the dude with a carving knife trying to accuse me of talking shit about him (when that never happened)...he ended almost cutting off his half brothers finger as they tried to stop him from stabbing me. Luckily the guys finger could be all stitched up.

I now keep my distance from people with that...once burned and all that.

[sidecar bob]

I thought the bit about rapid cycling was going to be about racing, how wrong i was.

[oldrider]

Yes - and it is a road to hell trying to find the appropriate support here in NZ.

Food and beverage intake has to be adjusted until absolutely favourable for the individual before medication is explored!

Unfortunately, the reverse is usually applied in New Zealand, with disastrous consequences for some sufferers!

Bi polar and schizophrenia sufferers are often victims of inter-medical jealousies and medical misadventure but of course that is just my personal opinion!

The adage: "We are what we eat" seems critical for most people today, without them even knowing that, more-so for those with problems.

The only thing I respect the "Greens" for, is their attention to food labelling, they should stick to that, it's a winner for them! :yes:

[Pixie]

http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CA0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBipolar _disorder&rct=j&q=Bipolar&ei=1V6pS63BBYKKswOOucThBQ&usg=AFQjCNELxeiBF8Nca9-MjSSG4owx2GcbZg


Any one got any friends or family suffering from this? Amazing what can be going on in a persons head with out them even knowing it is happening.

I saw two arctic bears having a fight once.

[mashman]

So it's not called a period any more?

[Number One]

And if you are a kid or adolescent it's even harder. All the diagnostic info here is based on adults. My mate ended up sourcing diagnostic information from american medical societies and doctors just to get her kid recognised as having it (he is very severe but as a kid no one wanted to label him with it) and able to receive the very basic offerings of support and help with schooling - they don't give a fuck - they just see him as a pain in their arse and have no genuine interest in helping to prepare this community member. argh there's that headache again!

[Hitcher]

I think we need to be careful about uninformed layperson diagnoses and generalisations. There is a world of difference between your common-or-garden nutjob and somebody with a clinical mental disorder.

[Her_C4]

And if you are a kid or adolescent it's even harder. All the diagnostic info here is based on adults. My mate ended up sourcing diagnostic information from american medical societies and doctors just to get her kid recognised as having it (he is very severe but as a kid no one wanted to label him with it) and able to receive the very basic offerings of support and help with schooling - they don't give a fuck - they just see him as a pain in their arse and have no genuine interest in helping to prepare this community member. argh there's that headache again!

Exactly my experience - midnight runs to forensic but still no formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment until many years later. ''Heartbreaking'' doesn't even touch it.


I think we need to be careful about uninformed layperson diagnoses and generalisations. There is a world of difference between your common-or-garden nutjob and somebody with a clinical mental disorder.
Indeed :)

[Kickaha]

I think we need to be careful about uninformed layperson diagnoses and generalisations. .

That's just crazy talk, we're all online experts

[BiK3RChiK]

If anyone 'thinks' they or someone they love might have a problem, then they should go and get 'expert' opinion..... whatever that is!

Good point Hitcher.

[Blackshear]

One of my uncles is.
I'm hardly giving myself a self-diagnosis, but I do often find myself going from the extreme end of the rage spectrum to the depressed, or vice versa, without a medium in between.

\O_o/

[FROSTY]

Shaun I hope the person you met is able to get their life back under control. I'm sure they have freinds they can call on who are happy to help where they can.
I would suggest that looking at their diet closely may help the medication.But then what do I know -Im just a dumb fuck

[vifferman]

I've suffered at times from manic-depression - not serious episodes though, and probably at the lower end of the scale. The last specialist I went to specialised in bipolar disorder, so even though the questionnaire I filled out and his examination were "inconclusive" he decided I was bipolar.
To some extent, labels are unhelpful, as mental disorders don't fit neatly into pigeonholes and drug regimes can make them worse.
To be honest, I've come to realise that I'm at my most creative when I'm having a manic-depressive episode, and it's kind of a buzz. I'm glad though that I don't suffer the extreme high/low swings of someone whose life is dominated by extremes of that.

[peasea]

I've got a mate who's been to Antarctica twice...........

[Gareth123]

I've suffered at times from manic-depression - not serious episodes though, and probably at the lower end of the scale. The last specialist I went to specialised in bipolar disorder, so even though the questionnaire I filled out and his examination were "inconclusive" he decided I was bipolar.
To some extent, labels are unhelpful, as mental disorders don't fit neatly into pigeonholes and drug regimes can make them worse.
To be honest, I've come to realise that I'm at my most creative when I'm having a manic-depressive episode, and it's kind of a buzz. I'm glad though that I don't suffer the extreme high/low swings of someone whose life is dominated by extremes of that.

Makes 2 of us.

I get really wound up with energy when operating on very little sleep. Jugdement is somewhat impaired in that situation though.

[munster]

Bipolar - a shit of a condition that can make life hell for everyone around, as well as the person affected!

+1 and love your Alexander Solzhenitsyn quote. Just finished his book "The Gulag Archipeligo"

[Pixie]

I've got a mate who's been to Antarctica twice...........

I went to antarctica in '92.I asked where the bears were.they told me"wrong pole".
"OK take me to the dancers" I replied......

[sinfull]

I love you all







You cunts !