After writing a paper for an abnormal psych class, I was convinced that the periods of joy I felt after my depressions were more than just ‘happiness’… it was clinical.
It was hypomania.
I went to one of my former professors and told him that I was sure that I was an undiagnosed bipolar person. With his help, we found a local clinical psychologist who could properly assess my condition and confirm or deny my suspicions.
At first, it appeared that I had Bipolar II, a condition defined by periods of depression and hypomania (or “mild” mania).
As time went on, my hypomania turned more extreme, transitioning into full-blown mania.
I started traveling and spending excessively, getting little to no sleep.
I was in a state of euphoria.
I was MANIC.
This was followed by hospitalizations to bring me back to a baseline level of functioning.
After the hospitalizations, my clinical psychologist said that she could no longer see me.
Apparently, having cyclothymia (‘bipolar lite’) or Bipolar II is fine for her, but Bipolar I is too much to deal with.
How many patients that need it the most get turned away by professionals?
What is the impact of such rejection?
Does this lead to self-medicating behaviors, or even suicide?
What can be done to avoid getting turned away from seeking professional help?
The Calculating Mind 