Bipolar Ptsd and bipolar?

[21103132319]

I had my first appointment with a clinical psychologist today. It went well. I opened up way more then I thought. By the end of it I understood I have PTSD and also a type of mania most likely bipolar? I'm not sure if i understand the mania right but I do know he said PTSD AND BIPOLAR....

Someone.... Anyone.... Please help me make sense of what this means. I can't find ANSWERS... I need an explanation. I don't know what to do....

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi, can you elaborate a little more?

It's possible to have both disorders. It's also possible that you just have one. Many of us were misdiagnosed with Bipolar at first, myself included. I guess they figured mood swings=bipolar? Who knows. The funny thing (ok not so funny!) is that I didn't have true mania or psychosis until I was put on psych drugs. Go figure! I've had five psychiatrists confirm it's just PTSD, so I'm pretty confident the bipolar diagnosis was a mistake.

I can't really say much about you specifically because I don't know your symptoms or why you received a bipolar diagnosis.

 

[21103132319]

He for sure said both. I am constantly in fear but I also have continually changing the way I feel. Lately it's been nothing but negative but I really do feel like 2 or maybe 3 people at times. I get so scared I always expect the very worst out of every situation. Enough that my mind makes me think it's really happening. It doesn't just have to do with the past experience it's everything. I can really feel like I'm about to hit someone head on when in reality we are far away. I react to grab the wheel and then it's gone. I just haven't talked to anyone else about it because I don't even know what to say or what this is. I know he also used the word mania and depression along there.... I don't know... This is my first time going/looking into/figuring out all of this going on and I just need somewhere to find info....

 

[Abstract]

Trauma and PTSD can cause a lot of those feelings too. But you can have both. Bi-polar is more a chemical/biological disorder. If someones trauma is later in adulthood then it is probably easier to tell as the bipolar would pre-date it.

The bi-polar needs to be managed with meds and lifestyle and the trauma by processing it and learning how to manage the symptoms.

 

[21103132319]

That's basically what he said. Go to a psychiatrist for a med evaluation and then continue going to him to learn how to deal. But in between that time, I can't get in with a psychiatrist until September. I need books or anything that I could educate myself on. I'm just so curious about myself... I don't even know who I am.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I have PTSD and Bipolar Disorder. Mine is type 2.

Of course, it is possible to have both but I worry that he only saw you once and was telling you that you have Bipolar Disorder. Did he tell you what type (becasue there are 3 types)? Bipolar disorder is both mania and depression hence 'bi' meaning two, in this case two poles of mania and depression. The different types are based on your symptoms.

It is a lot to take in and I am sorry you are dealing with it.

Have you thought about getting a 2nd opinion?

Best wishes,

Ayesha

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Bi-polar is more a chemical/biological disorder. If someones trauma is later in adulthood then it is probably easier to tell as the bipolar would pre-date it.

Abstract got it down perfectly. :tup:

I need books or anything that I could educate myself on.

Dead Link Removed

Though, I still think you should get a 2nd opinion.

 

[Abstract]

This is a great site 211: http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/html/mindfulness_exercises.html Lots of information on how to better manage intense emotions.

Maybe you can think of it as an interesting journey of discovery of "you". :) I do that and it helps me.

There is also a lot of info on here in the wiki and the self help section. See sections at top of page.

 

[21103132319]

Thank you all so much and he said that he wanted to talk a lot more in order to figure out what type specifically