What symptoms did you have before you were diagnosed?
depression (my ENTIRE life), hypomania.
What events led to your being diagnosed bipolar?
My ex set me up several times with various situations over several years, (while trying to obtain what he calls "ownership of his boy") but the ultimate was the ex having police waiting for me in '03 (while I was picking up our son from his visitation with him). The police were convinced I was drunk, allowing our son to leave with him, and then deciding to conduct a field sobriety test which proved that I hadn't been drinking. Within a week's time the ex had full custody. I saw a therapist for 20 m. the first visit, then within 2m of next visit she labeled me bi-polar. Within the year I was also labeled with clinical depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, as well as borderline personality.
Lessons Learned
- I should have continued working with Domestic Violence Advocate because leaving that protected environment which she provided left me wide open for more abuse.
- NEVER LIFT A PROTECTION ORDER FROM AN ABUSER FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.
- An abuser will use his calculating ways to obtain anything he wants quite successfully.
- Don't give up when you are labeled with bi-polar disorder as well as the other labels that may be tacked on.
- Realize when the condition bi-polar is applied it includes most of the other labels as well, so why allow them to be added?
What Is Your Current Diagnosis?
Bi-polar, clinical depression, PTSD, borderline disorder, anxiety disorder.
Do You Agree With the Diagnosis? Why or Why Not?
Yes to the bi-polar. Aside from PTSD I believe it includes all other 'diagnosis' and needn't be put in my medical records. I sound like a lunatic. Gosh, sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next label...
Additional Thoughts
I don't believe every therapist diagnosis every client correctly. Most therapists/counselors/CDC's have gone into the profession because of their own experiences in life. It allows them to focus on someone else's problems rather than their own. No sour grapes here, simply my experience w/them.
