Bipolar Disorder
Everyone experience multiple mental health symptoms throughout their life. That is a fact. A doctor I work with when I was living in Phoenix Arizona told me that a little mania never hurt anyone.
The diagnosis of Bipolar has different degree's, just like anything else. Starting at Mild moving up to sever, then there is mixed episodes, hypomania, etc. However, the key to the diagnosis is the following.
You must have a distinct period of experiencing the listed criteria in the DSM for a period of time specified and the symptoms must be present concurrently during that period of time. It also has to be a specific degree of severity.
The symptoms must occur not by any physiological effects of substance, medication, or other medical conditions.
Also, lets face it, if you find yourself in a situation where you go without sleep for several days. You are working bi-coastal and you fly between east coast and west coast three to four times in one week and you worked long hours at each stop, you might find yourself feeling a little bipolar.
So, I have to ask you. During the time you were diagnosis with Bipolar, what was going on in your environment, how old were you? What was your diet like? There are a host of physiological disorders that can look like mental health disorders. I always recommend my clients to see their doctor and have blood work test to rule out vitamin and other deficiencies rule out. I also recommend them to use a mood chart, track your menstrual periods if you are women. If you do take medication, learn about the medication and track them in your mood chart. Most importantly, understand that symptoms of different mental health disorders over lap. Educate your self on the different differential diagnosis of mental health disorders.
Remember medication is a tool. Therapy and learning coping skills to manage your symptoms is as important if not more important then the medication. If you understand your triggers and your cycles you can take better care of yourself and limit the severity of your symptoms. Understanding your medication is important too. Not all medication have an unlimited life, some medications are for short term use, and others can be taken for years. If you track your symptoms and cycles you will know if your medication is no longer working for you.