Discussion:
Personality vs. Bipolar Conditon
(too old to reply)
Markey
2006-10-05 18:23:33 UTC
Permalink
Hi,

How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?

As an example, suppose I get into an argument with someone I am being
irritable, high energy and impulsive. Would you say I am on the way to
mania? Because there are symptoms of mania, I is my car parked in the
mania slot? What about the other person? They participated just as
much in the argument? Would you say they are on the way to mania.

Suppose these are just parts of my personality? I think sometimes,
because we have the Bipolar Conditon ,all of our behaviors are
scrutinized as maybe being part of the Bipolar Condition.

I don't believe most people fit into the DSM-IV criteria. I think you
might need to have fewer or more symptoms to qualify you for mania.

And doesn't everyone experience mania in a different way, that is
unique as they are as a person?

How do you tell one's personality from their Bipolar Conditon?

Do some people have pure "fun" manias? Unfortunately, all of my mania's
are dsyphoric. So, I can't answer this question.

I would be interested in what the rest of the group has to say on this
topic.

Mark
HappyPolarBear
2006-10-06 16:03:08 UTC
Permalink
Hi Mark,

I found your question very interesting as I have raised that question
many times myself.

Never really found a true answer to it. I have asked my psych and in
the hospital the same question, cause I am short tempered in the first
place. I was told that a) BP react three times more with their
emotional issues than noneBP and b) BP would go on long after the
argument that none BP.

HappyPolarBear
Post by Markey
Hi,
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
As an example, suppose I get into an argument with someone I am being
irritable, high energy and impulsive. Would you say I am on the way to
mania? Because there are symptoms of mania, I is my car parked in the
mania slot? What about the other person? They participated just as
much in the argument? Would you say they are on the way to mania.
Suppose these are just parts of my personality? I think sometimes,
because we have the Bipolar Conditon ,all of our behaviors are
scrutinized as maybe being part of the Bipolar Condition.
I don't believe most people fit into the DSM-IV criteria. I think you
might need to have fewer or more symptoms to qualify you for mania.
And doesn't everyone experience mania in a different way, that is
unique as they are as a person?
How do you tell one's personality from their Bipolar Conditon?
Do some people have pure "fun" manias? Unfortunately, all of my mania's
are dsyphoric. So, I can't answer this question.
I would be interested in what the rest of the group has to say on this
topic.
Mark
Harry
2006-10-07 16:55:36 UTC
Permalink
Post by HappyPolarBear
Hi Mark,
I found your question very interesting as I have raised that question
many times myself.
Never really found a true answer to it. I have asked my psych and in
the hospital the same question, cause I am short tempered in the first
place. I was told that a) BP react three times more with their
emotional issues than noneBP and b) BP would go on long after the
argument that none BP.
HappyPolarBear
Post by Markey
Hi,
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
As an example, suppose I get into an argument with someone I am being
irritable, high energy and impulsive. Would you say I am on the way to
mania? Because there are symptoms of mania, I is my car parked in the
mania slot? What about the other person? They participated just as
much in the argument? Would you say they are on the way to mania.
Suppose these are just parts of my personality? I think sometimes,
because we have the Bipolar Conditon ,all of our behaviors are
scrutinized as maybe being part of the Bipolar Condition.
I don't believe most people fit into the DSM-IV criteria. I think you
might need to have fewer or more symptoms to qualify you for mania.
And doesn't everyone experience mania in a different way, that is
unique as they are as a person?
How do you tell one's personality from their Bipolar Conditon?
Do some people have pure "fun" manias? Unfortunately, all of my mania's
are dsyphoric. So, I can't answer this question.
I would be interested in what the rest of the group has to say on this
topic.
Mark
maybe not either / or.but then we all have traits,some bipolars have a
condition diagnosed as a personality disorder.To know you really have
to pay attention."Things fall apart"-Yeats
lmj_31
2006-10-08 00:50:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Markey
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
As an example, suppose I get into an argument with someone I am being
irritable, high energy and impulsive. Would you say I am on the way to
mania? Because there are symptoms of mania, I is my car parked in the
mania slot? What about the other person? They participated just as
much in the argument? Would you say they are on the way to mania.
Hi Markey,

A really interesting question because often I feel inadequate around
others after an argument because I feel they are thinking "she is
having an episode" or "she is bipolar, I should excuse her behaviour".

Perhaps there are some people who use the other person's illness to
their advantage. For example, I was telling my father off for something
he did and he rebutted by saying "you are not well are you". I was so
so insulted that he would use the illness to better his position in an
argument.

My partner once said to me after I raised this question with him, that
everybody gets irritable, angry and goes overboard sometimes so it's
not necessarily the illness.
Michael
2006-10-08 06:02:49 UTC
Permalink
I understand what you are saying. Tonight we went to a family wedding. I
finally felt decent for a change after being on a new BP med(GEODON). I'm
having a great time. Conversing on one topic with a cousin and his wife and
mom...then on another topic. I felt really good mentally and physically.
All at once my wife says so everyone at the table can here "Can you tell he
is having a MANIC episode....he is talking up a storm and going from one
topic to another!!!" The table got quiet...i said..."I sure didn't think I
was going "Off the wall"? " No body there thought I was being
strange....except my wife. I was just having a great time? Is my wife just
being overly sesitive to my behavior?? Sometimes I feel she just wants me
to sit in a corner and drool and show no emotion to anything!!!!
Opinions??
MIKE
http://www.myspace.com/bigdaddykahuna2

"When my body stops and my brain has to slam on its brakes, will it skid a
few more feet before it crashes?"
John Hartford
You are only given a small spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. Robin
Williams
Post by Markey
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
Markey
2006-10-08 19:28:58 UTC
Permalink
I think people control us and too often any little behavior that hints
of BP. we are considered having an episode.

A psych doctor, which I fired, when I saw him the last time, I started
to question his treatment plan. He told me you need to up your Lithium,
because it looks like you are having a manic episode.

And I held back with him. I didn't say all I wanted to say. Then, he
threatned me and told me if I was this way again, it would be the end
of my treatment. If he thought I was having a manic episode, he should
have help me to take care of it and not threaten me.

My therapist said to me, doctors sometime use these labels sometimes to
control people.

Does anyone have an idea of how we could handle this problem?

Mark
Post by Michael
I understand what you are saying. Tonight we went to a family wedding. I
finally felt decent for a change after being on a new BP med(GEODON). I'm
having a great time. Conversing on one topic with a cousin and his wife and
mom...then on another topic. I felt really good mentally and physically.
All at once my wife says so everyone at the table can here "Can you tell he
is having a MANIC episode....he is talking up a storm and going from one
topic to another!!!" The table got quiet...i said..."I sure didn't think I
was going "Off the wall"? " No body there thought I was being
strange....except my wife. I was just having a great time? Is my wife just
being overly sesitive to my behavior?? Sometimes I feel she just wants me
to sit in a corner and drool and show no emotion to anything!!!!
Opinions??
MIKE
http://www.myspace.com/bigdaddykahuna2
"When my body stops and my brain has to slam on its brakes, will it skid a
few more feet before it crashes?"
John Hartford
You are only given a small spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. Robin
Williams
Post by Markey
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
Harry
2006-10-10 00:01:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by Markey
I think people control us and too often any little behavior that hints
of BP. we are considered having an episode.
A psych doctor, which I fired, when I saw him the last time, I started
to question his treatment plan. He told me you need to up your Lithium,
because it looks like you are having a manic episode.
And I held back with him. I didn't say all I wanted to say. Then, he
threatned me and told me if I was this way again, it would be the end
of my treatment. If he thought I was having a manic episode, he should
have help me to take care of it and not threaten me.
My therapist said to me, doctors sometime use these labels sometimes to
control people.
Does anyone have an idea of how we could handle this problem?
Mark
Post by Michael
I understand what you are saying. Tonight we went to a family wedding. I
finally felt decent for a change after being on a new BP med(GEODON). I'm
having a great time. Conversing on one topic with a cousin and his wife and
mom...then on another topic. I felt really good mentally and physically.
All at once my wife says so everyone at the table can here "Can you tell he
is having a MANIC episode....he is talking up a storm and going from one
topic to another!!!" The table got quiet...i said..."I sure didn't think I
was going "Off the wall"? " No body there thought I was being
strange....except my wife. I was just having a great time? Is my wife just
being overly sesitive to my behavior?? Sometimes I feel she just wants me
to sit in a corner and drool and show no emotion to anything!!!!
Opinions??
MIKE
http://www.myspace.com/bigdaddykahuna2
"When my body stops and my brain has to slam on its brakes, will it skid a
few more feet before it crashes?"
John Hartford
You are only given a small spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. Robin
Williams
Post by Markey
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
the word control gets overused but it seems to fit in the situation
youu described.I would change doctors if one couldn't bear examination
and input from a client.But my words are not advice or counsel
here,just a thought or maybe two.I would try to know as much as
possible about the next one's practices .It is hard out there
sometimes.-good luck,Harry
lmj_31
2006-10-10 03:20:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by Markey
My therapist said to me, doctors sometime use these labels sometimes to
control people.
That is probably true. It's a way to make themselves seem right and you
seem wrong.

Re: your wife and her table comment, perhaps you should tell her how
you feel so she doesn't put you in that position again.

Also, often we can't tell we are rambling on and on and if we do ramble
it doesn't necessarily mean we are having an episode.
Maggie
2006-10-10 23:52:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by Markey
My therapist said to me, doctors sometime use these labels sometimes to
control people.
Does anyone have an idea of how we could handle this problem?
Part of labeling is the fact that we can apply a label, "other" and
write people off. Simone de Bouvier wrote an excellent book, The
Second Sex, on how women have historically been dismissed, labled as
other, and excluded from things they are perfectly capable of doing
just because we are not men. My generation has shown that many things
are sex neutral.

The question of personality is a good one. Are you familiar with the
Myer-Briggs Persoanlity Inventory? Apparently there are many
preferences that seem to be inherent in personality. This test
addresses four types of preferences and how the combinations result in
16 different personality types, non of which are pathologies.

Education, talents, background mark and define who we are and want to
be. i know that there is a consistant ME in there, even under this
cloud of BiPolar Affective Disorder.

As to handling your therapist. I think you hit it just right. You
have selected a professional for professional reasons. sometimes the
one you have is the wrong one, full stop, other times a perfectly
competent one but the wrong one for you. Wrong fit.....Aloha....and on
to the next one with a eye towards not replicating the experience.

Good luck.

Maggie
HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
2006-10-11 14:54:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by Maggie
i know that there is a consistant ME in there,
This is a very important concept, not just with BP. Consistency is a
trait that is universally admired, even if the trait you show is not
admired.

I have a talent to see this in people sometimes. I see it strongly in
you.

Be well,

HoP

The preceding message represents personal opinions
and/or advice that may prove incorrect or harmful. But then maybe not.
Feel free to disregard.

------- Words have no Warranty ------
------- No View without Merit ------
..
HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
2006-10-13 04:11:41 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 11 Oct 2006 10:54:28 -0400, "HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥"
Post by HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
I have a talent to see this in people sometimes. I see it strongly in
you.
That did not translate very good. I mean that I can see the person you
want to be, and I see who you are. I wonder some times if others can
see the two of me?

Be well,

HoP

The preceding message represents personal opinions
and/or advice that may prove incorrect or harmful. But then maybe not.
Feel free to disregard.

------- Words have no Warranty ------
------- No View without Merit ------
..
Maggie
2006-10-14 07:35:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
Post by Maggie
i know that there is a consistant ME in there,
This is a very important concept, not just with BP. Consistency is a
trait that is universally admired, even if the trait you show is not
admired.
Oh get over it. if you want to insult me just spit it out.

MAGGIE
Post by HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
I have a talent to see this in people sometimes. I see it strongly in
you.
Be well,
HoP
The preceding message represents personal opinions
and/or advice that may prove incorrect or harmful. But then maybe not.
Feel free to disregard.
------- Words have no Warranty ------
------- No View without Merit ------
..
HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
2006-10-14 19:51:49 UTC
Permalink
Post by Maggie
Post by HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
Post by Maggie
i know that there is a consistant ME in there,
This is a very important concept, not just with BP. Consistency is a
trait that is universally admired, even if the trait you show is not
admired.
Oh get over it. if you want to insult me just spit it out.
MAGGIE
Hehe. It was mainly a compliment.

Be well,

HoP

The preceding message represents personal opinions
and/or advice that may prove incorrect or harmful. But then maybe not.
Feel free to disregard.

------- Words have no Warranty ------
------- No View without Merit ------
..
Maggie
2006-10-14 07:35:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
Post by Maggie
i know that there is a consistant ME in there,
This is a very important concept, not just with BP. Consistency is a
trait that is universally admired, even if the trait you show is not
admired.
Oh get over it. if you want to insult me just spit it out.

MAGGIE
Post by HoPpeR© trading at 1492¥
I have a talent to see this in people sometimes. I see it strongly in
you.
Be well,
HoP
The preceding message represents personal opinions
and/or advice that may prove incorrect or harmful. But then maybe not.
Feel free to disregard.
------- Words have no Warranty ------
------- No View without Merit ------
..
p***@hotmail.com
2006-10-21 22:36:41 UTC
Permalink
Yes, this is interesting. I can recall people saying things like "you
are not your self." It is very strange to be told that you are not
yourself, because who else can you be? I remember becoming upset about
this. Is it *illegal* to act differently than you "normally" act? Why
can't you change if you feel like it? I can act however I want as long
as I don't break any laws or threaten to hurt anyone. Apparently not.
I wasn't doing anything illegal. Then because you get "upset" over
people forcing you to do things you must be locked up and all your
freedom taken away because you are justifiably angry over something,
even though you have not broken any laws or threatened anyone. I have
been petitioned because someone didn't like the look in my eyes. And
you are expected not to be "upset" over that! It can be very
frustrating and cause escalation of irritability. Now when anyone
suspects I am not "normal" they call the police. Any slightest
upsetness or disagreement with something triggers the petition threat.
Imagine not being able to disagree with someone even calmly without
them threatening to petition you and take away your freedom, even when
there is nothing wrong with you. I have had people literally make
something up to get me petitioned, even when I haven't threatened
anyone or myself. This petitioning process can be easily abused. And
you can't get upset about anything especially that! It is unnatural
*not* to get upset over certain things. You must be docile and
compliant with every command even though you are a college educated
adult. So anger is not ever an acceptable emotion no matter how bad the
injustice which is taking place.

When I have a manic episode it is like many other sides of my
personality *wake up*. Some of the sides of your personality are
dormant most of the time and it is nice to get back into them
sometimes. For example, you might enjoy your own sense of humor more or
just enjoy being yourself more. Then people tell you you are not
yourself!

I did notice that during my last manic episode (which was good then
really not good then good for me) I found sides of myself that I had
never had before or knew were there. This is interesting. I did have
one experience where it seemed my voice changed a little bit and I
didn't like that. I said "this is not my voice" in another voice. very
strange. It went away. I didn't know I could do that without trying.
Kinda scary. That was a while ago and things are fine now.
Post by Markey
Hi,
How do you tell the difference between a persons personality vs their
Bipolar condition?
As an example, suppose I get into an argument with someone I am being
irritable, high energy and impulsive. Would you say I am on the way to
mania? Because there are symptoms of mania, I is my car parked in the
mania slot? What about the other person? They participated just as
much in the argument? Would you say they are on the way to mania.
Suppose these are just parts of my personality? I think sometimes,
because we have the Bipolar Conditon ,all of our behaviors are
scrutinized as maybe being part of the Bipolar Condition.
I don't believe most people fit into the DSM-IV criteria. I think you
might need to have fewer or more symptoms to qualify you for mania.
And doesn't everyone experience mania in a different way, that is
unique as they are as a person?
How do you tell one's personality from their Bipolar Conditon?
Do some people have pure "fun" manias? Unfortunately, all of my mania's
are dsyphoric. So, I can't answer this question.
I would be interested in what the rest of the group has to say on this
topic.
Mark
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