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Hi,<\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/span><\/p>\n How’s it going?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n I hope you have a great day today.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Yesterday was really funny. I was reading my blog responses and saw one obviously from a person that if I had to guess wasn’t doing well.\u00a0 She said: “you seem to repeat information over and over. are you bipolar?”<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Actually several people who work for me with bipolar disorder laughed and laughed about this.For a number of reasons. First, we all think it’s funny that if someone see something, like a typo, writing fast, repeating yourself, etc. they say, “are you bipolar?” We laugh because if you look at the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder “repeating yourself” isn’t one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n I actually don’t really repeat myself over and over and over and over. I do however repeat themes and important concepts, strategies and ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n One of them is getting the basics. You see this is where I come from. I come from a place where my entire life whether it was football or business, we drilled on the basics EVERYDAY.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n I believe the basics are super important. When I speak to people who are dealing with bipolar disorder and having a hard time, whether they are bipolar supporters or have the disorder themselves, I notice that they do NOT know the basics. The basics are what kill them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n You can’t have a loved one who is really successful with bipolar disorder or you can’t be with knowing the basics.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n So in responses to the post of “are you bipolar because you keep repeating yourself?” let’s look at the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.\u00a0 Here is an excerpt from www.bipolarcentral.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n “There are two types of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar I is characterized by severe, debilitating symptoms, with extreme episodes, including some or all of the following:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Manic Symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Agitation, nervousness, irritability, feeling edgy, short-tempered, <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Feeling you can ‘do no wrong’, inflated sense of self, grandiose feelings, inappropriate or poor judgment <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Increased sex drive or desire, loss of inhibition <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Dressing or speaking in an extreme, or unusual manner <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Inability to focus <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Delusions, hallucinations <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Euphoria, or feeling ‘high’ <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Heavy use of drugs or alcohol <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Boundless energy, sleeplessness, insomnia <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Rage, aggression or combative behavior <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Racing or disassociated thoughts, extreme talkativeness, rapid speech <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Reckless spending, high speed driving, high risk activities, decisions made without considering consequences <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Depressive Symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Abnormally low, listless mood and energy <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Constant fatigue, increase\/decrease in sleep, insomnia, excess sleep <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and unworthiness <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Inability to concentrate or focus, or to make everyday decisions <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Excessive drug or alcohol use <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Absence of self-esteem or confidence <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Extreme increase or decrease in appetite or weight <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Sadness, hopelessness, an attitude of ‘what’s the use?’ <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Withdrawal from family, friends, co-workers <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -No interest in activities, even normally exciting or interesting tasks <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n -Self abuse or injury, thoughts, talk, plans or attempts of suicide <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Bipolar II is also called Hypomania. Bipolar II or Hypomanic episodes, and symptoms, are significantly less extreme than Bipolar I behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Also let me say again, I am NOT a doctor, therapist or attorney. I am NOT offering medical, legal advice or professional advice.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Bipolar Disorder should be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, a specialist, equipped to recognize the symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, because treatment usually includes medication. If the wrong medication is prescribed, symptoms may worsen, or side effects may occur. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n To diagnose Bipolar Disorder, doctors look for at least two years of numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. In children, the duration of symptoms must be at least one year. Symptoms must cause significant impairment in social, work or school or other functional areas.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The bottom line is a good doctor is the key to getting a proper diagnosis and then getting the correct<\/span><\/p>\n medication.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span>WARNING!!!!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n It’s VERY important not to get any old doctor. You need to SHOP for a doctor. You need to really find a good one. One that knows disorders like bipolar disorder really well. One that will work with the patient AND the family or supporters as well.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n In my courses\/systems below:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?<\/span><\/p>\n Visit:<\/span><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.bipolarsupporter.com\/report11<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n SUPPORTING A CHILD\/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?<\/span><\/p>\n Visit:<\/span><\/p>\n