Hypomania vs Mania
Almost a decade ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar II with psychotic features. I would only experience hypomania for a few days and it was euphoric; I was very active and although I experienced intense anger/irritability that time, it wouldn't last very long. I was actually stable for years.
Fast forward to 2020, my mental health started to decline. Lots of unfortunate things happened to me in one blow - I lost my parent, I lost my lover, I lost my job and I lost my funds. Until now I'm still struggling with how to start again because my disorder really affects me. So in 2021, my psychiatrist told me that I am suffering from PTSD as well and that I am bipolar I instead of II.
How do I know if what I'm currently experiencing is hypomania or mania? I am more agitated than euphoric, it's scarier because sometimes I feel like I'm going out of my mind. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing control of myself especially when I'm having panic attacks and hallucinations. My bipolar episodes have gone worse because there was one time my psychiatrist wanted to confine me at a hospital. It aggravated my fear and anxiety though. I'm learning how to cope with these intense emotions through meditation, breathing exercises and prayer. I find these techniques very helpful. Can anyone suggest other ways for me to cope even better?
Thank you so much and sorry for the long post.
God bless you as i suffer as well
@mrskim I am not an expert, but according to the manual (DSM-5) psychotic features are an indication of bipolar I disorder, so I don't understand how to make sense of "bipolar II with psychotic features".
Also, according to the manual, "At least one lifetime manic episode is required for the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder" and "hypomanic episodes are common in bipolar I disorder…" So if you had an episode with psychotic features at one time in the past, and you are having hypomanic episodes now, this suggests to me that your formal diagnosis would still be bipolar I disorder. Hallucinations would be considered a psychotic feature, and indicate a manic episode, as far as I know.
As I'm sure you will have discussed with your psychiatrist, therapy based on CBT, possibly including EMDR, is generally thought to be very effective for PTSD, and there are medications that are generally thought to be very effective for managing manic episodes.
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie
Bipolar 2 here, my secret weapon is relaxing bubble baths... but don't tell anyone it's a secret ;D
Also, healthy socialization, clean old good fun or good company can do wonders!
