I know this ought to be posted in Mental Health but due to the fact I post from work I didn't have time to hunt it down.
Can anyone give me some firsthand info on this disorder. I ask because...
The ex is claiming this may be his problem. He is going to go for tests yada yada.
I believe he is full of crap!!!
For 17 years of marriage he did NOT have ferocious mood swings! And now with the divorce and being off work(disability) and running into problems with his health benifits provider (they claim he is perfectly able to work he claims oooo no I am on drugs initially for depression and would fail a drug test feck I tell ya there are very few companies here that drug test), owing the government double didgit thousands of dollars and ditto for me and my children, his oldest daughter telling him where to go, how to get there and whom to take with him, living way beyond his means due to the fact his current GF wants to live like a queen and thinking she hooked this man for his $$$ (yeah you all can be guaranteed I am having the last laugh over this one ahahahahah).
I think it is all one giant cop out. This man has so many obligations just piling up upon him he has just shut down. He can't run from them anymore not with court orders and his EI running out, so he is playing the poor health card.
Somebody help me with some info on this disorder please. I need convincing. Now on that note do not get me wrong I am not bitter about this turn in life, I think he did me a favor by messing up and I see he is a bigger mess now and his troubles are no longer mine. I ahve managed to secure a great job, my home and my children on my own but live a less material lifestyle and in all truth this sits pretty darn well with me.
Bi Polar
Bi Polar
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�
• Mae West
• Mae West
Bi Polar
Let me say this from the first...Bipolar disorder, or as I've always known it "Manic Depression" disorder is deadly serious. I've known two people in my life that had it and both of them killed themselves before 30. Believe me, it's a really, really OBVIOUS disorder. If someone you know has it, you'll recognize it immediately from the symptoms.
That said, I've met literally dozens of people that told me they had it. ... and not a single one of them did. the symptoms are similar to everything from pure laziness to regular depression that is stress related. it's just more fun to tell everyone you are "bipolar". Lots of parents have told me their child is "bipolar" to excuse poor self-discipline and outright bad behavior in the classroom. They think that I can't argue with that because it's a medical condition.
When I ask them "Has this been diagnosed?" the answer is invariably, "No, but I can just tell." I usually inform them of the risk they are running, if it truly is bipolar disorder they must get help, If they refuse to do this, then I refuse to cut their child slack for rude manners until I'm proven wrong.
Here's some info for you:
It's also called:
Affective disorder, mood disorder, or manic depression
A bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings of both Depression and mania.* Mania is characterized by elation, fast moving ideas, little need for sleep, and grandiose thoughts and behavior.
(it's like they are on Meth)
Depression is defined by feelings in the patient hopelessness, low energy, and no desire or interest in everyday activities.* He may become suicidal.* Or he may develop mania, characterized by excess activity to the point of exhaustion, euphoria, aggressiveness, and at times, a feeling of being super human.* Examples of manic behavior might be suddenly quitting your job and going to Hollywood to become an actor (even though you have no previous acting history or interest); or deciding to run for president of the United States, even though you have no previous political experience.* An individual in a manic phase may suddenly go on a massive shopping spree, buying items that are not really needed.
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that can occur with bipolar disorders.* The disorder can affect any age, but it is often triggered between ages of 25-44.* Both men and women are equally affected.
Depression Symptoms:
Sadness
Low self-esteem
Lack of interest in work, sex, family, interests
Excessive sleep or Insomnia
Difficulty with focus
Inability to concentrate
Thoughts of suicide or dying
Feelings of worthlessness
Changes in appetite
There may be unexplained pains or aches
ManiaSymptoms:
Boundless energy
Grandiose thoughts
Thinking that one is important and powerful
Irrational, fearless behavior
Fast moving thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Speaking too fast
Going on spending sprees
Drug or alcohol abuse
Going long periods without sleep
Loss of self-control and good judgment with a desire to engage in risky behavior.
Causes:
Unknown -- however, chemical imbalances in the brain may be the cause.
There may be a genetic component.* Having a parent with bipolar disorder may increase the chance of having children with the condition.
See Depression and mania sections.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to stabilize mood and restore one's normal (prior to manic Depression) state.
The two medications most commonly used to stabilize the mood swings in manic Depression are Depakote and Lithium.* Other medications may be added or used, some of which are listed below.* All treatments are administered under the supervision of a psychiatrist, and are part of an organized treatment plan.* Psychotherapy can be added to the treatment, and is very helpful.
Depression:
Antidepressants -- Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Zoloft.
Psychotherapy
Mania:
Acute treatment
Haldol
Clonazepam
Chronic (long-term prevention)
Lithium
Depakote
Tegretol
Do not be afraid because treatment can restore you to a normal state of mental health.
Depression
Schizophrenia
Cyclothymic disorder
That said, I've met literally dozens of people that told me they had it. ... and not a single one of them did. the symptoms are similar to everything from pure laziness to regular depression that is stress related. it's just more fun to tell everyone you are "bipolar". Lots of parents have told me their child is "bipolar" to excuse poor self-discipline and outright bad behavior in the classroom. They think that I can't argue with that because it's a medical condition.
When I ask them "Has this been diagnosed?" the answer is invariably, "No, but I can just tell." I usually inform them of the risk they are running, if it truly is bipolar disorder they must get help, If they refuse to do this, then I refuse to cut their child slack for rude manners until I'm proven wrong.
Here's some info for you:
It's also called:
Affective disorder, mood disorder, or manic depression
A bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings of both Depression and mania.* Mania is characterized by elation, fast moving ideas, little need for sleep, and grandiose thoughts and behavior.
(it's like they are on Meth)
Depression is defined by feelings in the patient hopelessness, low energy, and no desire or interest in everyday activities.* He may become suicidal.* Or he may develop mania, characterized by excess activity to the point of exhaustion, euphoria, aggressiveness, and at times, a feeling of being super human.* Examples of manic behavior might be suddenly quitting your job and going to Hollywood to become an actor (even though you have no previous acting history or interest); or deciding to run for president of the United States, even though you have no previous political experience.* An individual in a manic phase may suddenly go on a massive shopping spree, buying items that are not really needed.
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that can occur with bipolar disorders.* The disorder can affect any age, but it is often triggered between ages of 25-44.* Both men and women are equally affected.
Depression Symptoms:
Sadness
Low self-esteem
Lack of interest in work, sex, family, interests
Excessive sleep or Insomnia
Difficulty with focus
Inability to concentrate
Thoughts of suicide or dying
Feelings of worthlessness
Changes in appetite
There may be unexplained pains or aches
ManiaSymptoms:
Boundless energy
Grandiose thoughts
Thinking that one is important and powerful
Irrational, fearless behavior
Fast moving thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Speaking too fast
Going on spending sprees
Drug or alcohol abuse
Going long periods without sleep
Loss of self-control and good judgment with a desire to engage in risky behavior.
Causes:
Unknown -- however, chemical imbalances in the brain may be the cause.
There may be a genetic component.* Having a parent with bipolar disorder may increase the chance of having children with the condition.
See Depression and mania sections.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to stabilize mood and restore one's normal (prior to manic Depression) state.
The two medications most commonly used to stabilize the mood swings in manic Depression are Depakote and Lithium.* Other medications may be added or used, some of which are listed below.* All treatments are administered under the supervision of a psychiatrist, and are part of an organized treatment plan.* Psychotherapy can be added to the treatment, and is very helpful.
Depression:
Antidepressants -- Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Zoloft.
Psychotherapy
Mania:
Acute treatment
Haldol
Clonazepam
Chronic (long-term prevention)
Lithium
Depakote
Tegretol
Do not be afraid because treatment can restore you to a normal state of mental health.
Depression
Schizophrenia
Cyclothymic disorder
All the world's a stage and the men and women merely players...Shakespeare
Bi Polar
Well, dear, he could have gone 17 years without "ferocious mood swings"
and just now be getting them. All the stressors it sounds like he has in his
life CAN in fact trigger manic depression.
I know someone who has it, she is a few years older than me, but it
didn't show up for her until later in life, after divorce and a bunch of
other stuff. She is fairly okay now with medication.
I don't know the history of everything with you and your ex, you say
you aren't bitter but reading between the lines, you come off
sounding way too intense about this. It's just my opinion.
I'm glad you are on your own, own house got your life together, great
job... why not let that be that? Let all the rest of it GO. This is
drama you don't need. Yes, he should do things differently but he
hasn't and apparently won't, so there's your answer!
Try and get some peace in your life. You and your kids deserve it.
:D :-4
and just now be getting them. All the stressors it sounds like he has in his
life CAN in fact trigger manic depression.
I know someone who has it, she is a few years older than me, but it
didn't show up for her until later in life, after divorce and a bunch of
other stuff. She is fairly okay now with medication.
I don't know the history of everything with you and your ex, you say
you aren't bitter but reading between the lines, you come off
sounding way too intense about this. It's just my opinion.
I'm glad you are on your own, own house got your life together, great
job... why not let that be that? Let all the rest of it GO. This is
drama you don't need. Yes, he should do things differently but he
hasn't and apparently won't, so there's your answer!
Try and get some peace in your life. You and your kids deserve it.
:D :-4
Bi Polar
I have two people close to me who suffer bipolar disorder. Neither of them is capable of holding a job long enough to survive on their own. One, a man in his late fifties, used to be independently wealthy until his business crashed from irrational decisions in a manic phase and inability to restore the damage when he shifted into depressive phase. He lives off an inheritance that is doled out to him monthly now. His medication makes the disruptions less frequent but does not eliminate the problem. The other is my "goddaughter" that I have taken into my home recently. She is disabled by it. She is still in rapid cycling so she fluctuates almost daily. The mania is harder to deal with than the depression but I'm on suicide watch at any given moment. These people can not be dealt with in any social interaction without realizing that they are disfunctional.
If he is lying the best punishment would be for them to believe him and pump him full of the lithium and chlorapromazine. See how happy he is with the lie then.
If he is lying the best punishment would be for them to believe him and pump him full of the lithium and chlorapromazine. See how happy he is with the lie then.
Bi Polar
thanks you guys, this is a totally new thing to me, I shall offer a wee bit more insight as well to go along with all your input. Jives you really helped me out with some good points to watch for and to look back at. I many years ago dated a guy who was manic depressive and the ex is so very not like that.
Here is the biggest key that makes me have doubts, he does not have the euphoric states at all now or in the past. He was a very highly successful man 2 years ago and as far back as 10 years ago. He never had and still has no drive to make himself euphoric in anyway. He was really just a middle of the road constant person with rather lazy tendancies at the end of the work week. I think a hormonal teen girl looks more bi polar than he.
Don't get me wrong I can't hate the guy but I feel he is growing complacent and giving up in life.
He does not have nor did he ever have suicide on his mind, he was always a very strong and stable man. Now can you successfully hide Bi Polar tendancies for 17 years? Or for the past 2?? He is on mega doses of anti depressants and has only used one brand for the entire year. They do not work so he claims. But he has never asked for or has his Dr suggested another brand.
If he is bi polar than so be it I do wish him luck with life I just dont' want him to be carrying on a ruse in an effort to further deprive his children and me what he rightfully owes.
On this note I have to ask, do you think with all the knowledge out there on the net about symptoms for everything from hang nails to hanta virus, we are able to create our own disorders?
Here is the biggest key that makes me have doubts, he does not have the euphoric states at all now or in the past. He was a very highly successful man 2 years ago and as far back as 10 years ago. He never had and still has no drive to make himself euphoric in anyway. He was really just a middle of the road constant person with rather lazy tendancies at the end of the work week. I think a hormonal teen girl looks more bi polar than he.
Don't get me wrong I can't hate the guy but I feel he is growing complacent and giving up in life.
He does not have nor did he ever have suicide on his mind, he was always a very strong and stable man. Now can you successfully hide Bi Polar tendancies for 17 years? Or for the past 2?? He is on mega doses of anti depressants and has only used one brand for the entire year. They do not work so he claims. But he has never asked for or has his Dr suggested another brand.
If he is bi polar than so be it I do wish him luck with life I just dont' want him to be carrying on a ruse in an effort to further deprive his children and me what he rightfully owes.
On this note I have to ask, do you think with all the knowledge out there on the net about symptoms for everything from hang nails to hanta virus, we are able to create our own disorders?
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�
• Mae West
• Mae West
Bi Polar
thanks SS I am slowly learning it can come about at any point in ones life and stress does not bring it on, it is often herediitary (this we will never know as the ex is adopted). I just do not understand symptoms well enough to see this as him. I understand bi means 2 like 2 sided, he is so one sided on the depressive side and never swings back to the extreme manic side.
I don't want to sound unfair and uncaring, despite his short comings he is still a human, but he strikes me as purely depressed. Severly depressed and after all he has been through I can see why. Does bi polar mean you give up all drive to success, all drive to get through a day, all drive to enjoy your hobbies, your new partner, your new children? Does bi polar change your thoughts so badly that you put more effort into your new partners children than you do your own, does bi polar mean you just give up on things you used to like, things you used to pride yourself on?? I dunno maybe I need to read up more on it.
I don't want to sound unfair and uncaring, despite his short comings he is still a human, but he strikes me as purely depressed. Severly depressed and after all he has been through I can see why. Does bi polar mean you give up all drive to success, all drive to get through a day, all drive to enjoy your hobbies, your new partner, your new children? Does bi polar change your thoughts so badly that you put more effort into your new partners children than you do your own, does bi polar mean you just give up on things you used to like, things you used to pride yourself on?? I dunno maybe I need to read up more on it.
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�
• Mae West
• Mae West
Bi Polar
Thanks you so much Florrie that really opens my eyes now....
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�
• Mae West
• Mae West
Bi Polar
Hey Minks, coupla things to observe:
hobbies: has his interest level changed ?
eating habits: changes in amount, type of food, drinking, did he change from liking to eat with people to wanting to eat alone or vice/versa?
The key is to look for changes in the things he likes to do. If he changes just the "normal", or boring, or "responsible" things, but maintains the "fun", or "favorite" behaviors, he most likely is faking.
hobbies: has his interest level changed ?
eating habits: changes in amount, type of food, drinking, did he change from liking to eat with people to wanting to eat alone or vice/versa?
The key is to look for changes in the things he likes to do. If he changes just the "normal", or boring, or "responsible" things, but maintains the "fun", or "favorite" behaviors, he most likely is faking.
Old age and treachery, is an acceptable response to overwelming youth and skill 
Bi Polar
Der Wulf wrote: Hey Minks, coupla things to observe:
hobbies: has his interest level changed ?
eating habits: changes in amount, type of food, drinking, did he change from liking to eat with people to wanting to eat alone or vice/versa?
The key is to look for changes in the things he likes to do. If he changes just the "normal", or boring, or "responsible" things, but maintains the "fun", or "favorite" behaviors, he most likely is faking.
OIY Jives, I haven't lived with the guy for almost 2 years now So have no idea the changes of late. And likely the new woman has no idea of the "old" behaviors. I suppose I really can't make any judgements on the guy since I don't really have a handle on his goings on any more. The bottom line is I don't want the medical profession to support him falsely, and then he goes to the lawyers and suddenly he is incapable of supplying me and his children with what a court order states is his duty to supply. He has screwed me enough with his neglegence already.
hobbies: has his interest level changed ?
eating habits: changes in amount, type of food, drinking, did he change from liking to eat with people to wanting to eat alone or vice/versa?
The key is to look for changes in the things he likes to do. If he changes just the "normal", or boring, or "responsible" things, but maintains the "fun", or "favorite" behaviors, he most likely is faking.
OIY Jives, I haven't lived with the guy for almost 2 years now So have no idea the changes of late. And likely the new woman has no idea of the "old" behaviors. I suppose I really can't make any judgements on the guy since I don't really have a handle on his goings on any more. The bottom line is I don't want the medical profession to support him falsely, and then he goes to the lawyers and suddenly he is incapable of supplying me and his children with what a court order states is his duty to supply. He has screwed me enough with his neglegence already.
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�
• Mae West
• Mae West