I have a niece who is brilliant and bi-polar. Internship at Nasa and a member of Mensa. When I was in the military, I had soldiers who were bi-polar as well. When they were on the high side, they were the best soldiers you could ask for. Then the low side would swing around and it was a disaster. I spent quite a bit of time taking them to see the psychiatrists to get them evaluated. It took a long time for the military to recognize bi-polar disorders as a valid condition (and even longer for commanders to do so). I don't know what they do now because some medications are not realistic in times of war, but back then they were giving them medical discharges and compensation. When I was in Germany, I had a coworker who had severe diabetes and he couldn't go to war but he had 15 years in so they kept him busy in the rear echelon.


>That *is* one of the signs of hypomania and, sometimes, in males, depression. Depression is fairly easy to recognize and control in one's self after clinical diagnosis but hypomania is almost impossible to self-diagnose and difficult to control even with medication because it's ingrained deeply into the way you approach things so it's hard to see the onset.
>
>>I think some have learned to recognize the 'outward' signs. Extreme belligerence or negative posts seem to be one of the signs. Everyone has their moments of passion, but when it tends to be more than that in numerous msgs, it is concerning. Some recent posts were so out of character I was worried you had temporarily slidden off the track, but hadn't thought of the absolute worst until this post. I am so relieved that 'Mike' is back :o)
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>>>That went out publicly but it's OK. I did not know that. I thought you were just a very smart and occasionally belligerent redneck <g>. I really am smiling as I say that.
>>>
>>>Today it's a new day and the sun is shining. We have no right to ask for more.
>>>
>>>>Hey Mike,
>>>>
>>>>As some folks know already, I'm crazy as a bedbug at times. I had a brief nervous breakdown in November 2004 and am fighting severe and cyclothymic bipolar disorder. I don't advertise it but I don't hide it either and I don't mind talking about it because we're amongst friends.
>>>>
>>>>When in a down swing you can feel that everything is crap and that it's time to stop fighting and accept the fact that you're worthless and it's all for nought. But, but, if you can recognize that you're in a down swing and that the feelings are caused by biochemical inbalances then you can ride it out.
>>>>
>>>>You have my number so call me and let's talk about this. Maybe I can help. Hang in there.
>>>>
>>>>>>>Just so tired of fighting against it. I have always tried to stay positive. At the end now, It wasn't so bad. I had a nice life. I'm just a little crazy, I guess.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Wait for a while and we'll help you Mike.
>>>>>
>>>>>Now there is the voice of experience ;-( --- wait a while.
>>>>>
>>>>>You and the others here on the UT have helped me probably more than you know. I have been depressed practically from birth. Even as a kid I was depressed. I do my best, it just comes roaring back sometimes.
>>>>>
>>>>>When I am sober and stable I am OK. You wouldn't know me from your neighbor. Staying that way, that's the hard part, even with medication.
>>>>>
>>>>>Have a good night. Talk to you again soon.