Bipolar Complex ptsd & bipolar disorder nos

[FabulousEnding]

I've been recently diagnosed by my trauma specialist counselor with Bipolar Disorder NOS. I can't say I'm surprised at all. I've been on a mood stabilizer for several months and its changed my life. I'm just wondering... Anyone know how the two disorders can affect each other? Or is Bipolar NOS another way of describing the severity of the PTSD? Not really sure how to go from here or what to do with this information.

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

The two disorders are not on the same scale, bipolar does not represent severe PTSD nor does PTSD cause bipolar. However the two disorders are frequently comorbidly (both at the same time) diagnosed. I'm glad to hear that you've found that a mood stabiliser has been really helpful for you. Feel free to browse and read/respond to anything that catches your eye here or that you can relate to and welcome to the forum.

Unless you meant you don't know what to do with the diagnosis, in which case it's kind of like being told you're left handed - it won't change anything, it's just a bit of info about yourself, you don't have to use it - but if you do decide to write/draw now you'll know why doing so with your right hand didn't feel right. It can make things easier and it saves you figuring it out by yourself but it doesn't change you or who you are.

 

[FabulousEnding]

That is a very good point... one cannot cause the other. I found out it's genetic in only the women in my paternal side of the family. Oh goodie. So I was basically born with it like everyone else. I know it doesn't change facts... but it still has me wondering if I'm crazy. There's a stigma attached to bipolar. :( At least with PTSD it's like, I was born perfectly normal but my upbringing made me messed up in the head. Now it's like oh wait I was born a little crazy and then PTSD made me crazier. :(

 

[roaminggnome]

@FabulousEnding I agree with you that there is a stigma attached to bipolar. I have Bipolar NOS and PTSD. I fee the same way you do. My PTSD made me crazier. It took me longer to accept my Bipolar NOS diagnosis and to understand it better. I know what caused my PTSD directly. I can pinpoint the cause. With my bipolar I was most likely born with it. They're two separate parts of me.

I feel that my Bipolar and PTSD play off and aggravate one another, Sometimes the two overlap so much that I don't know which is which. I think that my anxiety stems from my PTSD. While my irritability and aggravation are symptoms of my Bipolar.

I'm glad that the mood stabilizers are helping. I'm on them too and they do seem to help. Please know that you're not alone.