Sometimes Bipolar is Misdiagnosed

With all of the bipolar labels going around these days you would think this medical term and/or diagnosis was a worldwide epidemic. It really does concern me because the more that it is over used the more it takes away from the real meaning and needed treatment.

Previously the general public was lead to believe that there was a magic test, or blood drawn or some physical attributes, etc. taken into account along with what the patient was telling the doctor about their symptoms. Only, recently has it come to light that doctors can give you that diagnosis fairly easily and there is not just one physical or psychological test that clearly states that you either are or you are not bipolar.

I had to wrestle with this type of diagnosis years ago and I am glad I was able to figure it out for myself. The real key for me came when I kept a very detailed Journal for at least 6 months to a year. The reason that this Journal worked for me is that we as human beings don't even notice how many emotions and moods and actions we go through even on an hourly basis let alone 6 months worth. When our minds are trying to equate "how long have I felt this or that way", it is usually coming up with faulty data. It really surprised me when I did this. I could clearly see all kinds of patterns that I didn't even know were there.

Here are some suggestions of what to keep track of to get you started:

You won't need to over think what you are writing down spontaneity is best. But you really don't want to just guess, either. It will be hard at first if you are not familiar with keeping track of or even naming your emotions or actions, but as everything does, it gets easier the more you do it.

Feelings & moods: Up, down or maybe just normal. It can be a wake up call to see any patterns of when you were either down in the dumps or manically wild out of control. If you don't keep specific track of these times, it is very easy to sort of "guess" um, yes, I think I usually feel this way or that way. The people and even pets in your life that you are either with or without: There are going to be family, friends, coworkers, strangers, clerks, etc. that pull our triggers. But, there are also people who make us feel good and balanced and include them too. Sometimes our pets can bring us true joy. Again, this is better to write down instead of just guessing. Children can be such a joy and sometimes you are just overtired or not in the mood to enjoy them. Just be honest, this journal is meant to help you and no one else has to even know about it unless you want them to.

Other outside influences in your life, diet, sleep patterns, money, home life, career, anything you can think of that influences your life, your mood and decisions you make. Only you know what your triggers are, the good and the bad ones.

This should be enough to get a journal going and it will give you a place to start looking into some of your own patterns of behavior and feelings. Good luck and I hope this article has helped to find some answers for you!