Tommy, there is a Bipolar II designation--also called cyclothymia which is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Any sort of reckless behavior can be associated with the manias--spending, drinking, drugs, sex, etc.

Fall is here so there is also Seasonal Affective Disorder to consider.

Tommy, there is a Bipolar II designation--also called cyclothymia which is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Any sort of reckless behavior can be associated with the manias--spending, drinking, drugs, sex, etc.

In'eresting....

((((Aims))))

P-C, if it's interfering with your life, or your ability to enjoy your life, talk to someone. Even if you don't, you might want to find a few things that help you keep your equilibrium. Daylight helps me -- so much so that I try to get out at lunch every day. And if the weather isn't suitable for sitting outdoors, I know several places where I can at least sit by a window. Or in a greenhouse (I work near the National Botanical Garden, and there's a bench there that might as well have my name on it in winter.).

Mild, reoccuring depression is diagnosable, P-C. Lots of people have periods of dysthymia but if it's enough to cause you concern, talk to your doctor.

What Cashmere said. Mania can also be characterized by sleeping little and sometimes getting a WHOLE LOT done. Like, staying up all night to clean your house, or something.

And going to sleep brings my emotional state back to baseline.

Not a professional, but this inclines me to say no, you are not bipolar.

Fair warning: there's a new Sarah McLachlan ad out. Snuck up on me last night.

Oh, lordy. Lemme stock up on tissues.

I'm actually the reverse with seasonal affective. I do better with cooler temps and overcast days actually give me a sense of security and satisfaction. I don't dislike sunny days and in fact, like them a great deal, but the heat just saps the life right out of me. A hothouse flower I ain't.

I do better with cooler temps and overcast days actually give me a sense of security and satisfaction. I don't dislike sunny days and in fact, like them a great deal, but the heat just saps the life right out of me.

Heh - I can see why you want to move to Seattle.

You know, you say that, but I've always joked that I'm sort of bipolar and last night I was wondering whether there's actually something wrong with me.

Sorry, I should have clarified - that wasn't a joke. I have bipolar disorder (type II). As Cashmere says, it's a milder form of the condition (never feels very mild, of course...!)

P-C, if it's interfering with your life, or your ability to enjoy your life, talk to someone.

I would agree with this. My symptoms used to distress me (and others) a whole lot, so I got help for them. These days I'm at a sort of 'maintenance' level, where they don't worry me so much because things don't get so extreme. I had to do a lot of work to get here, though. I'm still crazy, but I have many coping strategies these days. Including a wonderful Girl who makes phone calls for me, when I am having meltdowns of various sorts. Even if she has to make those phone calls from Israel.

P-C, do you know things that help? For example, I know being around people can make me crazy, so I try not to be, if I start getting stressed. Some people find it helpful to make sure they get enough daylight, as Fred Pete says (I have a daylight lamp by my bed which helps with that). Other people find that eating better makes a difference.

Talking of my wonderful Girl, she just broke a massive family taboo and told her grandmother that she's a dirty lesbian*. She has been banned from doing this since she told her parents, many years ago, but she decided she wants her grandma at our wedding. Turns out her grandma already knew, and is being lovely about it. It's as sweet as when my mother blurted it out to my grandmother, and the next day the two of us were invited to my grandmother's for Sunday lunch.

*OK, probably she used less scary words.

Mania can also be characterized by sleeping little and sometimes getting a WHOLE LOT done. Like, staying up all night to clean your house, or something.

Or baking. Not that I've ever done that. Ummm....

Aw. Yay for grandmothers.