Hyper and delusional - Am I going mad?

Question

Sorry for the long post. I just really need some advice.

About 8 months ago I had a severe depressive episode, and attempted suicide. I got the right treatment and got better after 5 horrible months. The only thing now is, recently I've been as high as kite, and no it's not down to any drugs or medication (haven't been on anti-d's for months). My friends and family have notice things ive done which were completely out of character for me. I had absolutely no desire to sleep, I'd only get between 2-5 hours a night and feel completely rested. I started smoking cigarettes. I'd spend money on things that I didn't need. I began gambling and was driving round quite recklessly. The consequences of my actions never once entered my mind. Once I had an idea I'd go with it, my mind would just race and I'd go with my mood.

The thing I'm most reluctant to share with family and friends is that I think I've had some kind of religious delusions - and I'm not in the slightest bit religious - I believed my fish was "God", and that he was doing me favours, like playing my favourite songs, letting me win games etc and also gave me great ideas... i suppose i believed i had been given good luck and sense of creativity, although I couldn't tell anyone because he was keeping a close eye on me. Yes I know, Mad!

I haven't the slightest clue what's going on. A friend suggested I might have been hypomanic and that I could possibly have Bipolar disorder. I want to approach my GP about all this and possibly have me referred to a specialist, but I'm sooo embarrassed! What do I say? Where do I even begin explaining all of this?

Answer 1

I think you've listed every symptom of bipolar disorder II.  I most definitely  have bipolar and I have done pretty much everything you have.  And yes, there is a religious side to it.  I also am not deeply religious but this is an effect of a manic episode.  Go to your GP and say that you've had some symptoms that might be bipolar and you'd like a referral.  Just be matter of fact like its an ingrown toenail or something.  And look him in the eye.  Actually, docs are very understanding people.  You really need to do this soon, as medications can take quite a while to be effective.  And keep on the meds.  They have helped me a lot.

Answer 2

no you are not going mad, as  people  would put it,

sounds like you, have got withdrawl symptoms from coming off

of   a/dpst's,

be brave and go back and tell your dr how you feel ,

nothing to be ashamed of.

you , will not be the 1st or last person to do this.

everybody who takes a/depressants will understand how you feel

  

and that covers well over 3/4 millon people in the uk.

go ,on you can do it?

  

hav a bit of faith in yourself, for once.    

    

Answer 3

It sounds like you're able to describe your feelings in a clear way so if you can move past the embarrassment then you should be able to get decent help. The depression then hypomania does sound alot like bipolar. Bipolar symptoms vary between people, some can switch moods alot, whereas others are depressed half the year and manic the rest. Although the delusions sounds like there's something more there, it would be wise to see a psychologist (although it's a good sign that you know they're delusions!)

Answer 4

It does sound alot like bi-polar with psychotic features.

Regards to getting help, there's nothing to be embaressed about 1/5 people have a mental illness. Just say what you told us, but if your embaressed smooth it out a little and don't give so much detail.