There is a brook I must hear Before I go to sleep. There is a birch tree I must visit Every night of clearness. I have to do some dreaming, I have to listen a great deal, Before light comes back By a silver arrow of cloud, And I rub my eyes and say It must be morning on this hill!
This is the best description of my own Bipolar II symptoms which I have found to date. Here is the link to the full article.(To my loved ones: please be aware that I am on several helpful medications. I am not feeling suicidal.)
Hypomanic Episodes:Hypomania is a mild version of mania where the symptoms are the same [as bipolar I] but are less intense – they only need to last four days and do not significantly impair a person’s functioning. Many people find they are more productive and have positive social interactions when hypomanic. Others find that although a single hypomanic episode does not cause much impairment, repeated episodes negatively affect finances, social relationships, and/or work performance.
Major Depressive Episodes (MDEs): Depression is the down state when people feel sad or blue, or simply cannot enjoy anything. This state tends to be characterized by changes in sleep, appetite and weight, energy, and cognitive (thinking) abilities. People may feel worthless and guilty, and may consider suicide.
Major depressive episode is defined as a period of at least two weeks with five or more of the following symptoms:
oDepressed mood and/or anhedonia (an inability to take pleasure in things, or greatly diminished interest in activities usually enjoyed)
and
oA decrease or increase in appetite; weight loss or gain
oSleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia)
oFeeling physically slowed down or physically restless
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