This week’s blog is close to my heart.
Postpartum Bipolar Mood Disorders.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 after I had my second son, almost 5 years ago.
I had already been through postpartum depression with my first son. I followed the steps to get well, and chose to take an antidepressant to help me through the process. Within a few months, I was feeling better and was able to be the mom that I needed to be for my son.
Fast forward to my second son. I was supermom during those first few months. Both boys were at home with me full time, and I was also taking care of my 11 year old sister who lived with us. I was doing it all. And hardly sleeping. And not on medication anymore. Looking back, I don’t know how I did it.
But then, it hit me like a brick wall. I couldn’t handle it anymore. I started back on my medication, but began having some severe side effects and eventually my intrusive thoughts started up. I got to the point of being suicidal.
I knew I needed help.
People would ask me how I was doing, and I would burst into tears. I was not okay.
I reached out to Postpartum Support Charleston, and they helped me find a psychiatrist to get my medication managed correctly. (I had previously been prescribed medication through my OB/GYN, but she informed me I needed to see a mental health professional.)
Then came the diagnosis. Bipolar 2.
I was scared, felt alone, and didn’t want to face the reality of the diagnosis. But at the same time, I felt relieved. I felt like I could finally start the process of feeling better.
It took me about 6 months to find the right medication for me. That was such a difficult time, but my psychiatrist worked so close with me, explaining every medication and walking me step-by-step through each change.
I live with this disorder every day. Sometimes I’m doing well, stable and happy. Sometimes I’m depressed. And sometimes I’m dealing with hypomania. But overall, I’m well. And I cherish my family for helping me through the whole process.
Postpartum Bipolar Mood Disorder
Many women are first diagnosed with Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 during their pregnancy or postpartum. Often times, Bipolar disorder can be misdiagnosed as unipolar depression and therefore treated with medications that may in fact cause manic episode. It is important that you seek a psychiatrist to properly evaluate your mood history.
Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 are similar in that you might experience a rollercoaster of emotions, with highs (either manic or hypomanic), and lows of severe depression. Bipolar 2 involves mostly depressive states with some hypomanic episodes.
Here is a list of symptoms from Postpartum Support International.
Bipolar 1
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Periods of severely depressed mood and irritability
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Mood much better than normal
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Rapid speech
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Little need for sleep
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Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating
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Continuous high energy
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Overconfidence
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Delusions (often grandiose, but including paranoid)
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Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractability
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Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance
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In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Bipolar 2
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Periods of severe depression
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Periods when mood much better than normal
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Rapid speech
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Little need for sleep
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Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating
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Anxiety
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Irritability
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Continuous high energy
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Overconfidence
If you feel like you might be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, please reach out to us or your medical professional. With professional help, you will get well.