A friend of mine recently confided in me that he is Bipolar. He has often admitted that his difficulties at work and difficulties with relationships have always been his own fault. He realizes that he "derails his own train" so to speak and has admitted this often. He also often refers to himself as being "crazy". I don't know much about the disorder, but I am wondering whether most people with Bipolar realize that their illness causes them difficulties? I was always under the impression that most people with mental illness do not realize that they are mentally ill...Any thoughts on this are appreciated
He was diagnosed in his 20s due to "manic episodes". He did confide in me once that his mom was always a proponent of medication and since he was a little boy, she would always challenge the doctor and try to convince the doctor to provide him with stronger meds (for pain due to sports injuries, etc). He is currently taking medications for Bipolar, still displaying Bipolar-like symptoms, and having some difficulties with his personal and professional life. I am just wondering if he would have been misdiagnosed due to the fact that he realizes that he causes his own problems and seems to consistently have remorse for things that go wrong at work. I realize that if he is NOT Bipolar and is taking meds for Bipolar, the meds may be messing with his mind. Any thoughts on this?
Q: Misdiagnosed as Bipolar? Could this be possible?
I think you may be confusing the idea that someone who has delusions or hallucinations may not accept that they are ill, but someone who has been diagnosed and treated for years knows the problems caused by his illness or behavior. It is certainly possible that changes in meds or psychotherapy could help but I would caution you not to go down the, "maybe cutting out your meds would improve things" road without becoming even more informed. I applaud your desire to help your friend. It sounds like you are being a good friend by caring. One thing I have found very helpful is a support group. You as a supportive friend could even attend one alone to talk to diagnosed people who would be happy to share insights. Remember, psychiatrists have the best shot at an accurate diagnosis...it is a difficult illness to live with, but caring people make is so much easier to live with. Good luck to you and your friend.
"Tom Sawyer" Rush.
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Ive been diagnosed Bipolar & am totally aware that I'm "Crazy"....I know when I reacting irrational but can stop what ever mood Im on that day. And when Im depressed for NO reason at all, I feel even crazier. I always say I feel better If I have a real reason to not feel like getting out of bed for a day.
Its usually a relief to finally be diagnosed w/something b/c I think most of us have always known something wasnt right & to finally have something to call it besides "just crazy" & knowing that there are others that are going through the exact same thing is comforting!
Im no doctor, but if your friend seems to be really really up or really really down & not alot of in betweens good chance its Bipolar. At least thats how Ive always felt.
Just so you are aware....Bipolar people can and usually are aware when they are screwing up their lives or making mistakes and we can feel remorse as well. Having the diagnosis does not mean that we don't feel remorse for whatever wrong things we do. I feel horrible when I get out of control.
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