hi there I was wondering how one goes about asking questons on your site. I am searching for resources for people suffering from BD who are not in situation where their life constantly unravells. I am up and down in my moods but not to the extent of most people i hear of i do on occasion get depressed but the lapse is very brief and easily resolved (normally within hours) but there are no resouces for those of us who are pretty normal... I am also looking for studies as i figure if i have it i might as well understand it. but fear that too much insight into the disorder and a lack of medical professionals specializing in this area may get me in the habit of self diagnosing which i dont believe to be a good thing.

So please get back to me.

Chelsea

Dear Chelsea, this is a very good question. If you are mostly normal and have mild mood swings, I am tempted to say that you do not have a problem. At the same time, for you to inquire suggests there is more to the story. Is it possible that the problems are more related to circumstance or situations for the mood change to be so rapidly resolved? Are you denying the seriousness of your own symptoms? It is not uncommon for bipolar patients to deny the seriousness of their "highs" or hypo-mania, although it is uncommon to deny the seriousness of the depression they experience. Their is increasing recognition of milder depression and even mild mania. That condition is called cyclo-thymia. Please check out the descriptions of that syndrome to see if it fits. As always, it is always best to tell your whole story to a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Hope this helps, and if not, please write back if I am missing your question or point. It is an intriguing question and thanks for writing in.

Chris