OK, so I lied. The quiz isn’t specifically for lesbians. But a lesbian wrote to me asking about this and most likely lesbians will read this. I don’t think there is actually a quiz specifically for lesbians with bipolar disorder, but we can pretend for the hell of it. Because really, wouldn’t it be nice if everything in the world had a “gay” version of it? I think so.
Anyways, on to the seriousness:
Dear Sasha,
How do I know if I’m bipolar or just depressed? My mother is bipolar and reading your blog has made be wonder if maybe I am too? Any advice?
Sincerely,
Worried about heredity
Dear Worried,
First off let me start with all the disclaimer crap. I am not a medical professional so please contact your doctor if you feel that you may have Bipolar disorder. The test I am going to share with you is by no means meant to take the place of medical advice. But I would urge you to take this test or any other online test for bipolar (just google it), print it out and take it with you to your doctor.
I found the following test by googling “bipolar disorder test.” So please, don’t depend on this one. Do a little or a lot of research for yourself and please seek some kind of professional help.
Screening for Bipolar (History of Mania)
I. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and…
1. …you felt so good or so hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self or you were so hyper that you got into trouble?
Yes
No
2. …you were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?
Yes
No
3. …you felt much more self-confident than usual?
Yes
No
4. …you got much less sleep than usual and found you didn’t really miss it?
Yes
No
5. …you were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual?
Yes
No
6. …thoughts raced through your head or you couldn’t slow your mind down?
Yes
No
7. …you were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track?
Yes
No
8. …you had much more energy than usual?
Yes
No
9. …you were much more active or did many more things than usual?
Yes
No
10. …you were much more social or outgoing than usual, for example, you telephoned friends in the middle of the night?
Yes
No
11. …you were much more interested in sex than usual?
Yes
No
12. …you did things that were unusual for you or that other people might have thought were excessive, foolish, or risky?
Yes
No
13. …spending money got you or your family into trouble?
Yes
No
II. If you checked YES to more than one of the above, have several of these ever happened during the same period of time?
Yes
No
III. How much of a problem did any of these cause you – like being unable to work; having family, money or legal troubles; getting into arguments or fights?
No Problem
Minor Problem
Moderate Problem
Serious Problem
IV. Have any of your blood relatives had bipolar disorder (“manic-depression”)?
Yes
No
V. Has a health professional ever told you that you have manic depressive illness or bipolar disorder?
Yes
No
If you answered “YES” to 7 or more items in section I, and….
if you answered “YES” to question II, and….
answered “moderate” or “serious” problems for question III
then this is considered a positive screen for Bipolar Disorder, and further evaluation by a mental health professional is strongly recommended. This free online Bipolar test is a commonly used initial assessment tool. Other causes of your symptoms will have to be ruled out before a diagnosis can be accurately made. Your therapist or psychiatrist may choose to use an additional bipolar test, and should conduct a full diagnostic interview. The bipolar test is also more accurate when close family or friends can offer accurate history and observations of your behavior.
I think everyone goes through stages in their life when they are so happy they could explode, as well as the less enjoyable flip side, where circumstance or events cause sadness and even despair. These are normal phases and just because you experience extremes in happiness or sadness, does not mean you are bipolar. Bipolar disorder is a cyclical destabilization, and it can be difficult to diagnose. If you suspect that you may be bipolar, then these types quizzes are a good place to start. If you are bipolar, you may not be able to sufficiently focus and concentrate enough in order to organize your concerns so they may be expressed in a coherent fashion. Having something like this in hand when you see your doctor will help you to communicate so you can get the most out of your visit.
Most people who struggle with bipolar disorder are depressed. The disorder can be treated, and like Rexie said, if you think you could be bipolar, this quiz is an excellent place to start.
You could also opt for the professional approach. There are a couple of drugs that help reduce the onset of these types of ups and downs in your life. You could also talk to a therapist, just know it costs money to talk to a shrink. So, if you think you are sick, choose your options wisely.
I just really wanted to note that being bipolar is not the end of the world, there are tons of medicines out there, or you can go the route that people who are medicine resistant go and treat it naturally (Sasha and I both do this.)
I know sometimes it seems like the end of the world but I know for a fact that its not, look at Sasha, She has a house, 2 adorable dogs, a AWESOME AWESOME car, a job where she gets to work from home BY CHOICE, and Remi – her awesome supportive and Sexy Lubby or My Life: I just started my own Jewelry business, I am in a great relationship with a very loving, supportive and understanding woman. I have 2 awesome dogs and have run of two, 3 bedroom houses, this may not seem like a good life to everyone, but its not meant to, this is how we want our personal Lives and these are things that make us happy, for you it may be different.
I am pretty much trying to say that there is help and while I do sink into my lows sometimes, they are few and far between, it takes work to get what I call “stable” the balance between Manic and depressed, but Life is beautiful and its so worth it.
Sorry about grammar, spelling and punctuation, I am in a huge rush to get ready to pick my girlfriend up from the airport, She is seeing her new house unpacked and clean for the first time today!
Saphy
I am a lesbian with type one rapid cycle bipolar disorder. I am currently insuranceless and without medication. I enjoy the productive high of the mania, but man, the angry depression blows. I have been formally diagnosed. I think about suicide all the time. I am spinning out of control. I always wonder what’s going to happen to me. You seem ok, though. Any advice greatly appreciated. Feel free to email.
I always just thought I had my ADHD and doctors have said I have depression… I’m beginning to wonder if I’m actually bipolar! Hmm, I’m gonna bring it up at my next doctors appointment