Sufferer Ptsd - Would Like Clarification

[intrasearching]

Hi all,

So I have been diagnosed with PTSD.

I am wondering if anyone here knows anything about PTSD + mood swings.

I have a pretty severe phobia of mental illness, and so as I watch my moods shift I feel this looming, horrid fear that I am observing some form of bipolar in myself. I certainly do not have bipolar I (at least not yet), but I do at times wonder about bipolar II, because there are times when I feel more energetic, confident, and I become sort of crass and aggressive in my humor and dealings with people, but that typically lasts less than an hour before I notice it and start to feel fear (about hypomania). At that point, I come down to a more analytical, cautious state. I don't get depressed too often. But then again, perhaps I am usually depressed, because I have pretty bad social anxiety (feel like everyone hates me even though I know they do not), and sometimes it is very hard to be motivated for my work (but I never let anything slide - have gotten basically straight A's in college for three years).

Any thoughts?

I have a therapy session scheduled in two and a half weeks. In the meantime I am struggling fairly often with lots of fear and other negative feelings regarding self-worth and trust.

Thanks very much for anyone even taking the time to read this.

 

[Abstract]

Hi! Welcome.

Just checking to make sure I am understanding. You say you are severely phobic about mental illness and it that means bilpolar. Is that correct? Which mental illnesses are you concerned about? Does it include the PTSD and depression symptoms?

PTSD is some ways a normal response to abnormal events and it isn't your fault. And depressive symptoms and paranoia both tend to come along for the ride with PTSD.

It might help you to look at an article on "The PTSD Cup" on this site. When our bodies go into fight and flight or when we are triggered then our mood can shift suddenly. That may or may not explain your mood swings. Worrying like this about the possibilities is probably increasing your stress levels a lot too.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Intrasearching,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

It isn't uncommon for a PTSD sufferer to experience mood swings. You might find the following article helpful. [DLMURL]http://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/the-ptsd-cup-explanation[/DLMURL]. Stress can cause a lot of anxiety and depression, so it is important to share these symptoms with your therapist. It doesn't necessarily mean you have another disorder, but addressing it in therapy should help you get an answer.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie

 

[71nothing]

I understand your fear of having a mental illness because I was misdiagnosed and treated as schizophrenic when my PTSD symptoms first strongly appeared in my late teens. Because of that I avoided treatment for a long time after that. Twenty years later I found the courage to go back to therapy and was properly diagnosed with PTSD. It made so much more sense. It can include mood swings and a whole array of other symptoms seen in other mental illnesses.

Hang in there while you wait for your therapy session and good or you for having the courage to join the forum for support while you wait. It's a very helpful place especially to let you know you aren't alone.

 

[intrasearching]

Thank you all very much for your kind and helpful responses.

After much analysis and perspective gained yesterday talking to my partner and looking at my past, I feel I can safely say I do not have any form of bipolar disorder. Of course, I will still be open to the professional diagnoses of psychologists.

The point is that I am now seeing how varied the symptoms of PTSD are/can be.

However, I do also experience symptoms of hypoglycemia. I have noticed countless times that when I start to feel very anxious and have a sense that I am losing my mind, a good snack makes all of that go away.

I suppose the PTSD has caused me to have a decreased appetite -- I've neglected to eat as much as my body needs for the past several years.

Anyway, thanks all very much for your input. I thought about joining this forum for some time. I hesitated but I am already very pleased with the information I have found here.

 

[Abstract]

Intrasearching,

It can be very interesting to look at the Poll Forum. It is astonishing sometimes.

Eating nutritiously and regularly and drinking enough are very important for our mood and wellbeing. As is sleep.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome. :)

 

[KP the nut]

Hi and welcome to the forum.