signs i ignored that were actually bipolar 2
signs i ignored that were actually bipolar. 🪧
(stay tuned for part 2: how i manage these bipolar symptoms)
bipolar is best seen through behaviors. it’s those behaviors that tell you what part of the cycle you’re in or what episode may be approaching.
i try to focus less on the feelings aspect and more on what behavior pops up because all the stigma wants you to think is that it’s back and forth feelings.
for bipolar 2 it’s like…months of depression and months of highs or weeks of depression and weeks of highs. it’s sinking into depression or jumping into a hypo manic episode after a breakup. its struggling to hold on to jobs because the tides of these two cycles bring new things in and then wash everything out. its fixations and executive dysfunctions too.
been diagnosed for going on 5 years and it was my therapist that started tracking my cycles before i did. now i know there’s probably gonna be half the year when im sad and half the year where i am God™️ hahaha no, but ultimately it’s about maintaining balance and a state of equanimity with various resources. therapy helped me a lot with the cognitive side and i really released a lot of the distortions, really grewed up hehe but the other portions take different type of work.
stay tuned for part 2: how i manage these bipolar symptoms
#bipolar #mentalhealth #neurodivergent
Living with Bipolar II disorder often means encountering complex mood cycles that can easily be misinterpreted as normal ups and downs. One key insight from personal experience is that bipolar disorder is best understood through behaviors rather than purely feelings. Unlike the common misconception that bipolar disorder is just about emotional swings, it’s the specific behaviors—like impulsive spending, rapid speech, or shifts in routine—that signal where one might be in their cycle. For instance, hypomanic episodes can manifest as bursts of intense productivity, excessive talking, or impulsive decisions such as sudden expensive purchases or last-minute travel plans. These behaviors may feel like positive energy surges but are actually signs of an oncoming episode. On the other side, depressive phases may involve persistent low mood, executive dysfunction, difficulty prioritizing tasks, and struggle to maintain jobs or relationships. Tracking these cycles can enable better prediction of highs and lows and prepare coping strategies accordingly. Executive dysfunction—an often overlooked symptom—can be particularly challenging, where organizing and planning daily tasks becomes overwhelming. Recognizing this as part of the disorder rather than personal failure is empowering. Therapies focusing on cognitive aspects help reduce distortions in thinking patterns, but managing bipolar symptoms also requires different approaches such as lifestyle adjustments, social support, and mindfulness techniques to maintain emotional balance. Online communities, such as Reddit, offer a platform to share experiences with similar challenges, including coping with impulsive spending or emotional extremes. These shared stories not only validate personal experiences but also introduce practical advice for managing bipolar symptoms. Understanding these behavioral signs early can promote seeking professional help and enable living a more balanced and fulfilling life despite the disorder.
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