Help

@kindCup2544

First others just because they have it are no experts to diagnose anyone....... if you are having issues you think are causing you problems there are ways to seek help.... although some feel free to talk about issues openly many who grew up as you explained keep anything to themselves

you should perhaps talk to a therapist or doctor as many ppl who are bi polar have found meds that help.

@kindCup2544

Good morning, Cup. Certainly, friends, family, or 7 Cups is not able to dole out a diagnosis.

To be honest with you, bipolar disorder wasn't even on my radar by the time I was finally diagnosed. Soon after, I learned it runs in my family and there is a genetic component. There are different kinds of bipolar disorder, and they often manifest differently for different people. I experience mixed episodes, so for me it often presents as extreme agitation or irritability. This isn't too helpful as anxiety, depression, ptsd, and countless other disorders often present with a function of agitation.

Occasionally, I will experience the more traditional soaring euphoric highs followed by a dangerously depressive crash with periods of normalcy in between. There are other things, like psychosis, impulsive decision making, an inflated self-esteem, hypersexuality, insomnia, hyperfocus, or many unfinished projects that may set off alarm bells for some, but it's important to keep in mind that bipolar disorder can often mimic other disorders.

Only a trained professional can say for sure and even then, they are often incorrect. Generally, if it is bipolar disorder, the first line of treatment is psychopharmacology. With the right medication, one may experience relief from bipolar symptoms. This is unlike other disorders which may primarily respond to therapeutic intervention, for example.