Comment by afpx | Hacker News Reader

Comment by afpx | Hacker News Reader

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I can only believe you when you say you cured yourself, but I just want to point out for others that this sometimes can be symptoms of hypomania (bipolar II).

As an example, consider the following author’s self-cure for his bipolar II:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelellsberg/2011/07/18/how-...

Sounds pretty easy and awesome, right?

Then, read his follow-up several years later:

http://www.ellsberg.com/bipolar-ii-follow-up

In particular, notice the change in tone of his writing. Very different people speaking in each of the articles.

I want to point this out because mood cycles can sometimes last several years, and bipolar sufferers are at a higher risk of suicide. It’s not stuff that I would self-diagnose or self-treat.

He said "seeing if I could go without" medication, which I think is different than saying he's cured.

But your point about bipolar II is really important. Taking anti-depressants (SSRIs) when bipolar can induce rapid cycling--a speeding up and intensifying of the depressed-elated cycle, which can be very dangerous, as I learned the hard way after being misdiagnosed. Bipolar II is often treatable (I'm deeply grateful that mine is), but with different approaches and medications than depression.

Prescribed Zoloft before I was diagnosed Bipolar II, without lamotrigine & methylphenidate I've lost jobs, been kicked out of college, spent 6 months with major depressive episodes (~20 down days, 4 up days on avg,) and Zoloft was absolutely insane. My ideology is already if you're not successful by 29 and still depressed, might as well suicide. Zoloft brought that down to thinking "41 steps to the loaded shotgun" and a lot of preparation for it. Lamotrigine & methylpheniate have been good for me for the 6 months I've been prescribed them, but recently methylphenidate has not been helping, and i'm starting to spiral again.

Whoa, cool. I guess I ought to go visit a psychiatrist. Thank you.

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