Resolved Question

Just wondering exactly how do Doctors come up with this diagnoses? There isn't any blood test they can do is there? Just what is the 'test' to make sure someone is Manic Depressive or Bipolar? Anyway awhile back I was seeing a doctor for depression, like who is not suffering from a little of that in this day and time. And he gave me a book to read, so I did. And if anyone has been diagnosed as being Manic Depressive or in other words Bipolar, this is a very very good book to read. "An Un-quite Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. She is a doctor, that works at John Hopkins Hospital, and has been Bipolar all her life and she explains it so well, all that she had to go through. Just a really good read for a family member or a person with Bipolar Disorder.

dear mawna. i was diagnosed with having the illness 5 June 2009. this is an extremely important date for me because i was soooo relieved. the way i was diagnosed was i booked myself into a clinic because i had completely 'crashed' (depressed episode) after having been on a 'high' (manic episode) for months. this happened on my 34th year here on earth :) my psychologist LET ME SPEAK for an hour and a half (usually they can diagnose it by behaviour, but they need to listen VERY carefully because this is a slippery illness) and he told me i have text book bipolar 2. the medical profession is working on a way to find it in our blood, give them a few years.
here are some of the telltale signs -

MANIC episodes:
High energy levels
Very creative
Efficient and quick problem solving
Argumentativeness
Reacting without the choice of responding
Cognitive defects (balance is off, walking into things)
Need very little sleep
Impulsivity
Alcohol and drug abuse binges

DEPRESSED episodes:
Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty
Energy levels so low you can’t physically get out of bed or walk up stairs etc
Anxiety attacks
No interest in anything or anyone
Inability to experience pleasure
Suicidal thoughts
Just want to sleep and sleep and sleep...
Mental sluggishness
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep problems
Concentration and memory problems
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

BUT here is the good news:
it can be treated
i am living for the first time, not existing anymore
acceptance is 50% of the victory
make war on the illness ;)
take the meds
be creative and laugh and work and exercise and cry and, well basically, keep the balance

AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Thank you for your suggestion regarding "An Un-quite Mind" because that is exactly what it feels like.

hugs x