Does this sound like bipolar?

[NameandAddressWitheld56]

Symptoms include-
Phases of productivity, busyness, working,
Projects, volunteering etc
I spend recklessly then get depressed and regret it.
I can't hold down a job for longer than three months. Despite liking it, enjoying it.

I'm 42.
I will go to bed early feeling very down, even crying then wake up all excited and happy for no reason - this can last for a few days then I will get a headache and the headache will cause depression again.

Anti-depressant don't work - some have even caused me to feel supercharged and hallucinate.

Dr says is not borderline personality disorder as I don't meet criteria.

I've never been level in my mood - I'm either OK and excited about life or I'm very very low (think binge eating, isolation etc).
I just feel like at my age I should be ok by now. But I'm not.

I see people having friendships for over x years or working somewhere for x years and I feel inadequate. I could never be the same for that long.

I'm not stupid - I just can't seem to commit to things coz my mood changes and I want to do something else.

I have lofty ambitions eg running a marathon and I am obese and can't run. Joining a graduate programme when I can't hold a job down. When I feel really good I will apply for these things and buy the time an answer comes Im depressed and don't want to know.

I just need some advice about what's wrong with me. I feel like I can't sort myself out.

Bump

Hi name this sounds very much like me I could have written your post. I was recently diagnosed with bipolar. I don't have any answers unfortunately as I'm just still in a bit of a shock about the diagnosis and in the midst of a depressive state (binge eating binge sleeping binge crying) it's very exhausting. I'll be watching to see if someone else with more knowledge has some advice.

Thanks so much for your reply justabitloopy. There's nothing worse than opening your heart up and having no response!

Did you go to the doctor? Do you have meds? Does it get better?

I know what you mean name I don't really start threads anymore in fear of no response or worry if I comment on a thread that I will kill it.
My diagnosis is very recent and I've just started tricking some meds so I really feel unsure about what the future will hold. Everything that I read says it is possible to manage the symptoms so I try and hold that positive thought.

Thanks so much for responding. Sometimes I really do feel like the only person in the world who can't cope with real life so to hear someone couldve written my post is very reassuring. Thanks x

Sounds like Bipolar 2. I would ask G.P for a referral to an pyschiatrist. There is a lot of it in my family!

Sounds like me but my periods of highs or lows last a long time.
I'm bipolar!!

Thanks for your replies. I will book an appointment first thing tomorrow x

I know very little about bipolar, but in answer to your question of 'does it get better'? An old and very dear friend has bipolar and it has waxed and waned throughout her life.

With the understanding of her manager she has kept her job (professional, and she's very good at it) for over a decade.

She has periods of illness, but much longer stretches of wellness and stability. She has family support when she is unwell (dare I say, supervision, at times!)

She has had to advocate for herself at times. She's been at the mercy of the medical receptionist more than once when she has presented for medication when she recognised the signs of impending illness. But these have been ironed out, and when she is ill these days it's usually limited to a few weeks duration.

Good luck with the GP. Ask to be referred to a specialist.