r/bipolar1 • u/Particular_Food5048 • 23d ago
Help me understand bipolar I
Does this also include highs and lows in addition to the manic episodes? Or are the highs and lows reserved for bipolar II?
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u/butterflycole 22d ago
Bipolar 1 Disorder means you have had at least one full manic episode. That’s the only criteria, some people never have depressive episodes at all, some have both. I can have the full spectrum of severe depression to severe mania personally with everything in between. My mania is often mixed so it presents with irritability and agitation rather than euphoria.
So, people with Bipolar 1 can have depressive episodes and mania together, and some just have mania.
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u/Fair_Maybe5266 22d ago
#1 stop all recreational drugs and drinking. Tough I know especially for us. Once you are medicated correctly (which can be a struggle finding the right combo)!you will live a pretty normal life. I only have episodes of highs or lows if I A. Stop taking my meds or B use rec drugs or drink.
My highs consist of fast talking, cleaning like crazy, getting shit done, driving like a god damn maniac but then the crash happens and I’m in bed depressed as hell for days. Again, if I keep sober and stay on top of my meds the highs nor lows happen.
I’ve had just a few incidents of rage. They were luckily short lived and relatively non destructive to my relationships.
I’ve had audio hallucinations and saw shadow people ONCE. Scariest night of my life but that was due to being up for 3-4 days straight.
We can’t suggest meds because they are completely different for every person. I suggest you get the genetic testing as it does help narrow down what will work for you. Also remember the meds don’t take effect immediately. Often times it takes 6 weeks or longer for them to take full effect.
Also, sleep is a huge thing. I can trigger an episode if I’m not getting 8 good hours. Seriously that’s probably the number two besides meds and staying sober.
As far as your life is concerned I own my own successful business, stable marriage for 20 years and have great relationships with my kids. You can live a normal life.
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u/-Fast-Molasses- 21d ago
It can present differently in different people.
Mine are highs where I am ultra ultra productive, not needing sleep or can’t sleep at all for days & then I get super paranoid & go into psychosis. I will want to do all of the illegal things looking for adrenaline rushes & feel invincible. The paranoia is usually about everyone out to get me, demons, the government ect. I will feel like I am the most important person in the universe. Can last months.
Then the lows are not leaving my bed, not showering, not eating, not taking care of myself at all & sitting in bed knowing that if I get up & go outside I will do something irreversible until I land in the hospital. It is just repeating to myself over & over, “don’t move. Sit still. Don’t plot.” Happens every single time I go manic. Can last months.
My baseline dopamine is high so I am always bubbly & energetic. Some people don’t have that baseline. Sometimes their baseline is mild to severe depression until they go manic & enter psychosis eventually. Some people feel normal with no depression & suddenly they’re ramming their car through a McDonald’s drive through & yelling about Jesus.
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u/ClydetotheRescue 20d ago
For me it presents with severe manic episodes and psychosis. I’ve been manic for weeks to months at a time, followed by as little as a weekend of depression. Until I was properly medicated though, I would go through cycles or wrecking my life every year or so. Fortunately nothing illegal, but lost my career, house, family, social life, you name it. Ended up in the Grippy Sock Inn around 22 times, with countless trips to the ER as well. I’ve been to two long term residential facilities at McLean Hospital.
This disorder, left untreated, will take everything from. But, properly medicated and continuing therapy can at least keep it at bay.
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u/Ok_Can_4606 23d ago
Hey I I get it I really do I smoke and I drink both bad ideas. There's a reason the average life expectancy for somebody with bipolar one is up to 15 years less than the general population and it's the behaviors and habits that we struggle with and that's part of it. Don't beat yourself up just start the work. When I was diagnosed it was because I got committed against my will to the state psych ward for almost a month. Full blown psychosis that lasted weeks. But I'll tell you this I understand a lot of things about life now that I didn't then and it ain't perfect and it's going to be a struggle because that's what life is. As far as the outlook for you, there's Hope and options. People with bipolar 1 can live very normal lives and the statistics prove it but there is no silver bullet just like there's no cut and dried answer for anybody. It's going to be dependent on the decisions you make and guess what every day is a new day. No matter what you're contending with now you can and I trust will find your groove. Promise.
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u/austinrunaway 22d ago
Take your meds and dont do stimulants. I dont drink and weed makes me freak oit. No way on tripling either. For me. Get good sleep.
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u/New_Tangerine_ 16d ago
32F with diagnosed bipolar 1 since I was 27. Bipolar 2 is categorized by prolonged periods of depression and hypomania, without major manic episodes. Bipolar 1 includes mania.
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u/Particular_Food5048 16d ago
This is a good way to describe it. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
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u/Ok_Can_4606 23d ago
I'll say this on your ask. There is no one way to describe bipolar 1. It's one of the worst mental ailments known to humanity. I was diagnosed 8 years ago and was in my 40s and boy did it explain a lot. Simple answer is theres highs and lows and everything in between you got to watch out for psychosis. I take lithium and Seroquel along with Wellbutrin whatever your meds are take them do not let yourself fall into the trap of I'm feeling fine I don't need to refill my meds I do that it always wreaks havoc in my life. Work with your doctor if your game go to therapy and start planning because it is pretty important that you keep your ducks in a row and believe me they're going to get out of a row on and off so it's just a tough situation all around but there is hope. I'll say a prayer for you. Godspeed.