"Even experienced clinicians know surprisingly little about bipolar II disorder (BD II), despite its inclusion as a distinct entity in DSM since 1994.
BD II is considered a “lesser form” of BD I, despite numerous studies showing comparable illness severity and risk of suicide in these two BD subtypes."
This all just hits so close to home. It’s like someone’s been peeking at my solitary struggle.
You’re definitely not alone! Type 2 doesn’t get as much attention, but that depression can be absolutely debilitating. If you like podcasts, here’s an episode specifically on type 2.
Thanks for the recommendation! I know there are a bunch of us, but it’s just so surreal to see my same experience, which I don’t talk about much, explained in such detail. It’s heartening.
I’m really glad :)
Eyyyy, how u doin? It’s me, the one that’s been peeking. Just happy to have another bunk mate in this crazy place. :)
No peeking! Just kidding, I can’t talk to most people about my REAL struggles, so I depend on my friends figuring it out.
I’m actually really lucky to have a best friend who also has BP2. We met when I first moved out here 10 years ago, and neither one of us were diagnosed. I got mine a few years later, though I had been in remission for a long time. And then he got his just a couple years ago. Now we both have someone to talk to about things and it makes such a huge difference. I hope you have one too, Mr Sackles.
Yeah, my best friend is pretty understanding and patient with me. Lucky for me we married, and we’ve been inseparable for many years now. Having someone capable of empathizing is a big help. But it’s nice to see a gaggle of us running around together in forums. :)
