As someone with Bp type 2, i appreciate this!

The worst part about bipolar that nobody talks about is never knowing who we are. I look back at a depressive episode/manic episode when I'm out of them and I don't recognise that person, but I'm always switching back and forth. I hate it.

Does anybody else get insanely creative during a hypomanic episode???

I have absolutely never been able to tell if I'm experiencing hypomania or just having a really productive few weeks. The irritability should be a tip off, but that just comes and goes all the time.

I also want to make sure that people know that Bipolar II is NOT a milder form of Bipolar I. It is considered a separate diagnosis in itself underneath the umbrella of Bipolar-type disorders. In fact, research has shown that in the long-term, Bipolar II can have as much impact on your functioning as Bipolar I because the Depressive episodes in Bipolar II seem to be more long-lasting and the episodes themselves come and go more frequently.

One of the things I struggle with is constantly chasing difficult jobs I can’t handle, degrees & hard certifications, thinking I’m great & I can do it (at the time I sign up.) It always ends up in a downward spiral that leads to massive depression with suicidal ideation & anxiety that lasts for months. I always swear it will be the last time, but then I repeat the cycle. Ugh.

The book “I’m Bipolar 2, You’re Bipolar 2” really, really helped me a LOT. Highly recommend.

Diagnosed with bipolar 2 today. Knowing what is wrong with me after a long time is a relief. Started medication . Feeling hopeful.

One major challenge that I've seen in my personal experience is that those with bipolar disorder spend most of their time in a depressive state, and that the self perception is that those hypomanic episodes are what "normal" should feel like. Thus, we never consider that what we think of as normal isn't actually normal. People like us more, we achieve more, we think faster and function at a high level. When in those seemingly perpetual depressive episodes family and friends tell us we're not ourselves and we get so frustrated that we can't be in that flying, elevated state. As you mentioned, people are commonly misdiagnosed with depression and may continue to do so because the deceptive self perception doesn't recognize hypomania. When prescribed with antidepressant medication that pushes some people with bipolar disorder into hypomania or mania, they get that feeling that they are normal again. We can only communicate what we can perceive and usually peoples' self perceptions are quite distorted. This is why it's important that friends and loved ones who know is best to approach us whem appearing to be going through these mood cycles and to encourage us to seek help. Thank you Katie for addressing the importance of timing to make this approach and for encouraging the process for seeking help. I would like to raise one more point that is not commonly raised when discussing bipolar disorder. Often people think that hypomania and mania--because it invokes a sense of invulnerability and elevation--that it feels blissful and euphoric. It can feel that way at first but that state of overdrive and hypersensitivity to everything is actually becomes quite uncomfortable and even painful. People around those with bipolar disorder can't see what those suffererd are feeling. How can feeling good be painful, right!? A lot of impulsive behavior can be driven (usually subconsciously/instinctively) by that state of discomfort to ease the unrest and hyperdrive. This impulsive can manifest in many ways. I think that the underlying pain is a big catalyst for substance abuse; the desire to feel good but to numb the extreme discomfort that underlies mania and hypomania. I know the experience is different for everyone who falls within the bipolar spectrum. From personal experience and those who share their own, all express this simultaneous uncomfortable bliss. Despite it's painfulness hypomanic and manic states are still seemingly better to feel intensely than to be in the heavy and numbed state of major depression. Driving a car at high speed is exhilarating and fun but when the engine revs too high the car begins to vibrate and the driver can lose control with the slightest bump or diversion. "Next time I'm feeling hypomanic/manic I can behave myself, control it and make some progress in life.". Until ZOOM, CRASH! Thanks again Katie for all you do to promote mental health support.

My hypomania makes me feel this intense connection with everything... kind of hard to explain but I don’t have pressured speech or racing thoughts. Everyone is different.

I’ve been formally diagnosed with BP2 and this is actually very informative! My hypomania usually makes me lose sleep for up to 3 or 4 days and I usually end up cleaning my house or getting advanced on homework. But I still go to school and I’m more talkative in class. To give an idea, because I’m also a psychology major, I’m still able to moderately function when I’m hypomanic. My time for dysfunction is when I’m depressed; I usually have problems getting out of bed and I have hypersomnia and binge eat.

Thank you for telling me to write down my moods because one minute I can remember the feelings and the next minute iv completely changed moods so its hard to recall and explain how i felt.

What I wish more people understood about bipolar is that, even though we’re on medication and going to therapy, there is no cure and episodes with continue to occur, even while taking meds. I think there is a false belief out there that once we pop a pill, that’s the end of it. It’s a hard road to be on, not knowing how you’ll feel from one day to the next. It can take months to get on the right cocktail of medication because what will work for one person, will not work for another. It’s just so very hard to live with and manage. Medication with help reduce symptom severity, therapy will help identify triggers and hopefully catch an episode early on. It’s the combination of both that gives us the best chance for a healthy and balanced life I am also very appreciative of Kati’s support and advocacy of medications. I know a lot of people don’t want to take meds, but I am so very thankful they’re there.

I have Bipolar 2, and I think it has helped me lead a creative life...we need a creative outlet to channel all these emotions towards....

I wasn't diagnosed with this but I thought I was having signs of it. Now I'm definitely going to talk to my psychiatrist about it. Thank you for this video. 💜

Thanks for splitting the parts of text up to distinct, colored chunks Kati. It makes it easy to keep concentration and read :) Stellar video as always, keep up the great work!

Kati Morton: our number 1 source for mental health information❤

I was just diagnosed today. At age 29. I never sought help before. This video really helped me to understand this disorder better. Thank you for this video.

Thank you for making the content you do and helping those who suffer in silence❤️

As someone with bipolar II, I really appreciate this video. In particular, thank you for stating explicitly that the hypomanias are not enjoyable. Mine feel closer to a drug-fueled paranoia than they do anything that resembles happiness. The way I describe my episodes is that in the hypomanias I dig my hole, and when the depression follows I lie in it.

Kati, thank you thank you thank you for making this video! As someone with bipolar disorder type 2, I'm so excited to have someone help eliminate the misconceptions about bipolar disorder!

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder and autism last week after 5 years of going to the therapist. Perfect timing.

I was recently diagnosed with bp type 2. Thank you for this video. I sometimes worry I'm "not really bipolar" because my hypomania isn't usually related to sex/alcohol/drugs. But I definitely fit the irritable symptoms. When I get hypomanic I try to renovate my house or do other home/craft projects and throw actual childlike tantrums when things don't go the way I want. It's very stressful. But I'm on good meds now and it's definitely better

This is what happened to me. I went in for depression was diagnosed with MDD and put on an SNRI. I was pushed into a hypomanic episode and realized that I actually had BP2. I heard that about 50% of BP2 patients were originally diagnosed with MDD. It’s easy to miss and if you aren’t really in tuned with your feelings it probably goes unnoticed.

One of the hardest part is that when I am confident, I got to question if my confidence a symptom of hypomania.

I started noticing that I had these episodes 2 years after it started. I'm 13 now and I got diagnosed today. I already got diagnosed with ptsd at 12 and adhd at 8. I'm getting medicine, working on the ptsd and adhd. Best of luck to everybody.

I'm so glad you covered this so I can send to people close to me so they can understand better. Lots of people understand the depression but not the hypo mania. Before this, my best way to describe my hypo mania was once before leaving the house to meet a friend who knew I wasnt doing great, I walked in and out of my bedroom 6 times rapidly. I KNEW i needed something. I just couldnt focus enough to know what i needed but i also couldnt sit still while i tried to work it out. Turns out, i needed to pee. That's how unexplainable your brain can be in a hypo manic episode. I was SO frustrated with myself that I almost cried but I could not stop moving. As if my body had other plans and my brain wasnt bothered joining in with it. It's scary when it happens it's the closest I've ever come to feeling "insane". Just letting ya'll know, you're not insane. You're not wrong. Your brain just needs some help to manage and you can give it that help x

Thank you so much for addressing BP2! This is my adult daughter’s diagnosis and I really never knew the different between 1 and 2. Really helped me understand a little more...

Has anyone else experienced ocd like symptoms when having a hypo manic episode?

I have bipolar 2, thank you for making this video! I was misdiagnosed for 8 years as having dysthymia, because my depressive episodes were so prevalent and also because my drs weren't the best. As soon as I was told what hypomania was (when I changed drs) I was like oh yeah I have that happening. I definitely have major depressive episodes more than hypomanic episodes. My medication is a work in progress, I definitely drag my feet with it because I've had a couple make me really sick.

Yet another amazing video! With each video I continue to learn, grow, and most importantly derive hope! Stay beautiful as you continue to heal the wounded and provide hope for those who struggle in silence!

You helped me be honest with my therapist and get more help with my mental health 💙 you saved my life. I’m living stronger everyday getting ahold of my bipolar disorder 2

I was diagnosed with BP2 last January, after being treated for depression, off and on, for about 20 years. My mom is BP1 and generally experienced more manic episodes than depressive ones over the years. So, I never made the connection that I may have more than just “down” times because I never had truly manic or psychotic times. My hypomanic episodes mostly come in the form of high activity and extreme productivity. I rarely sleep and have little spending control. My most recent depression period lasted for about 9 months and was the worst that I’ve ever experienced. I was diagnosed with BP2 during that time and I honestly don’t know where I’d be today without that new treatment and therapy. Not to ramble on or get too personal, but Kati was so right about how important the right diagnosis is. It really is a matter of life and death. Loved this video, Kati! ❤️

Kati Morton: [lists off bipolar 2 symptoms] Me: *"just @ me next time"*

I have been diagnosed with BP2. The comments you made about when we reach out for help and often it’s in the depressed mode are so true! When I first went to the doctor I was put on antidepressants. That pushed me into Hypermania and lead to my first hospital admission and finally my diagnosis when my doctor and my sister started communicating more. She was able to give a more clear view than what I could to what was actually going on. I felt fantastic in my hypomanic episodes so never thought to bring them up to my doctor. It has taken 2 years and another hospital admission after becoming toxic on my medication to finally be on the right medication. Working hard with my doctor, my therapists and my family has finally got me back to myself. I feel strong enough again to deal with daily life and not feel like it is going to push me into an episode. Thanks for the video it was so clear and something I will get my extended family and friends to watch

Omg Katie I appreciate this so much. Wow. My doctor diagnosed me with bipolar 2, but I've questioned it (maybe just in denial) but this helped clear things up and explain things better. Thank you so much ❤

Hi Kati. I have this disorder and I feel that you have done an excellent job of explaining it. Thank you very much for your hard work and dedication to your base.

I have BP type 2 and thank you for educating people. :) I wasn’t diagnosed till this year and I am almost 21 years old. I had so many highs and lows each day that it made it so hard to live my life. For anyone out there thinking about ending their life, trust me it gets better. My medication has made me feel like myself again. I don’t feel numb and like I am living in a cartoon world that I am just a visitor in. Don’t let your diagnosis and your self become one person, separate yourself from your disorder and don’t let it win. I know things get rough and there are many tears and unsettling feelings everyday for no actual reason but just know that you aren’t alone in this fight.

Thank you so much for this, I love sending your videos to my family members who have a hard time understanding what I go through 💕

Thank you so much for this video Katie, it makes me so happy to see you empowering those of us who suffer from mental illness! I had to learn all of these things the hard way, especially the medication part.

It's generally wise to avoid pushing someone towards treatment during a hypomanic episode, BUT (as someone with BPII) please please be sure to give someone love and support and encouragement when they're feeling manic-- not just when they're depressed.

i have BP2 and i'm unmedicated. my hypomanic episodes can range from feeling extra anxious and irritable every couple weeks to occasionally experiencing symptoms similar to OCD. My most unbearable symptoms are the racing thoughts, stuttering a lot, can't settle down for bed, and feeling like my skin is crawling (so much so that I have to go on a run to feel somewhat normal). These symptoms happen sparingly. It's mostly just the anxiety and irritability. The depression is more common and it's gets annoying to deal with but I'm used to it now and have learned ways to cope.

Thanks Kati!! I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder in January and I’m so grateful for more information! 💛

I just have to say that it's so nice to finally find a video full of information on this particular topic. Bipolar 2 can be so misunderstood. In my experience, I've had a difficult time learning how to cope with the intensity of the depression and still do the little things like have job, pay the bills, take care of the kids... the list goes on. Thank you for your video.

I've been trying to get my boyfriend diagnosed for years. They keep giving him a diagnosis of depression because of his episodes of depression. They also give him antidepressants which NEVER work. I've always thought he was Bipolar 2. It's been an exhausting journey to see him struggle and hurt. I had to call the police on him tonight and they took him to the hospital for an evaluation. Because of Covid, I can't be there so I have no idea what's going on. I really hope they correctly diagnose him and give him proper medication. He is really angry at me for calling the police but I can't watch him suffer anymore. This will probably cost me my relationship but as long as he can be stabalized and get he help he needs, I will feel ok moving on. This has been a nightmare. For him and for me. Thank you for your video.

I was diagnosed with BP2 about 7 years ago when I was 19. I have always struggled with depression, getting diagnosed when I was 13 years old after my first hospitalization. Being diagnosed with BP2 really changed things for me, I was able to understand why I was feeling this or doing that. It is quite true on the severity part, on a hypomanic episode and a manic episode. Over the dozen major hypomanic episodes over the years I’ve only been hospitalized a few times. So I guess I still had a semblance of “functionality” with my everyday life. I just had one last summer, dozens of ideas on opening up my own candle shop online, I was writing and writing and researching and bought a bunch of stuff for it. I wanted to quit my job, I put my two weeks in, I worked as a banker and I could barely get through the day with not being irritated with every little thing. I was unraveling, crying with frustration that I couldn’t control my emotions, and was so disappointed in myself that I let this happen. But I know I didn’t do anything wrong, I know I didn’t let myself down, this is what having BP2 is like. About two weeks later I decided to stay at my job(eventually quitting a few months later when I realized that was still what I wanted to do), and now I have a bunch of candle stuff. Which isn’t the worst, now I don’t have to buy any candles for the next few years! LOL It’s tough, I’m also having a rough day because I don’t normally post things like this on KZfaq. I just want to say it’s okay, not just to those who have BP2, but anyone struggling with mental illness. It’s such a long journey, and the most important thing is to be patient with yourself and be kind to yourself. There is nothing wrong with you, and there are so many people who support and love you. Stay strong out there ♥️

You are by far the kindest mental health professional that I've ever seen. Thanks for this video! as someone diagnosed with BP 2, I am grateful for the information.

Thank you for the video and for being so understanding! I have bipolar 2. Therapy and medication has made a huge difference in the best of ways. Your videos made the diagnosis more bearable. Thanks again!

I didn't realize I was Bipolar type 2 until I was put on zoloft which made me DEFINITELY go into hypomania. When I showed up to my Dr. (My OB/GYN believe it or not) she recognized it immediately and sent me straight to a psychotherapist, where I then got my diagnosis after a few weeks. Glad you brought up the SSRI stuff.

Thank you for the video, personally this gives excellent clarity for those who do not understand. I have BP type 2 and have suffered for around 8 years now. I had seen so many doctors and had so many counselling because I was diagnosed with depression. Often I ended up in a worse place particularly when I tried SSRI’s I was suicidal. I finally managed to see a psychiatrist last year who diagnosed me with type 2 BP. I have since started quetiapine and it’s changing my life. The biggest plague is the irritable side because I know it’s my onset of hypo mania, it’s getting better and manageable!! The periodic depression is subsiding and my life and relationship is finally being rebuilt ❤️ Please seek the necessary help. Here in the UK it’s very difficult to see a psychiatrist via the NHS because of funding. I’ve personally I’ve battled so hard to get to where I am, I nearly lost it all. Wishing everybody suffering happiness and love because they are the most greatest gifts 💙

I love your explanation. You explained the hypomanic state in a clear and concise way. I don’t experience euphoria like some with bipolar 1 or 2 but I do experience the mixed episodes, racing thoughts and very risky behaviors. I was even suicidal. It has helped me to watch videos like this and even more when I talk about it with others

Love your channel!! Keep it up!! Know that you are a helping a lot of people through your videos and the awareness they spread!

A couple things to note about bipolar 2: Hypomania can still seriously disrupt your quality of life if not addressed. I lost a job in part because I wasn't able to stay in the office for extended periods of time and kept leaving to go on walks. This could also be prolonged by the lack of accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. In other words, if your therapist only recognizes your depressive and anxious systems, they may not provide interventions that really help with manic symptoms, which may allow things to worsen. It's also risky to characterize bipolar 1 as "not as bad" or "easier" than bipolar 2 as evidence suggests that bipolar 2 is associated with longer and more severe depressive episodes than experienced by people with bipolar 1. I also wish Kati brought up how frequently bipolar 2 is misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety. Pressured speech, restlessness, an inability to sit still are all common in people with anxiety. It takes an attentive eye to notice other symptoms as well. Ultimately, bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are *separate* diagnoses with some differentiation in diagnostic criteria, not different extremities of the same disorder

Thank you for this video. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 last week, and have been experiencing major impostor syndrome, like thinking maybe I was lying or making stuff up. But I remember being very honest with her and saying "I dont know" to some of the questions. The hardest part about the assessment and the diagnosis is the amnesia about my hypomanic episodes, I forget I've had them, or I think "they weren't that bad, I was just very excited!". And also I dont fit neatly into the box because I can experience the pressures speech, and hyper activity, but then all the sudden feel depressed and lose all my energy and want to die. Come to find out that is called a mixed episode. How fun. But anyways, I guess my point it, thank you for this video because it was very helpful to hear the diagnostic criteria again, I pretty much fit all of it, except that I'm not sure how long my hypomanic episodes last.

Hey Katie, keep up the good work. Your vlog has helped me so much!!

Thanks Kati, this helps me really understand someone in my life a lot better! Thank you for your videos!

I watched her first video on Bipolar 1 and 2 a few years back and it helped me so much. I had just left college due to sever depression practicaly crippling me, my social life, and academics. At the same time I learned I was misdiagnosed, but scared to admit I had bipolar 2 because of negative connotations I've seen/heard in life and by family. But watching that video and learning more about it, it helped me accept it and pushed me to try and better myself. I'm so glad theres a new and updated video. And I hope it continues to help people learn more about mental illness. Thank you so much.

Thank you for the video Kati! Hope you are well 💕

Thank you for making this and helping all who suffer. This helped a lot.

found you randomly and I love the way you speak to us viewers, thank-you for being understanding and open minded ^.^

I've been diagnosed as having bipolar 2 but my depression is the part that's pretty much ongoing. I've rarely had hypo-mania, but when I did it was a welcome change for a while.

An important difference in mania and hypomania is that mania can include psychosis

As someone who has this , thank you for getting the details out there. It’s troubling that they have those commercials that have the “pretty “ visuals..... It’s not fun at all. When i was finally correctly diagnosed just a few years ago( 4 or 5) I was living with my grandmother thinking i could care for her and myself ( physically disabled). All those symptoms yeah, pretty sure i had them all. Antidepressants ( been on A LOt of different ones growing up) certainly does make things worse. Thank you again. ❤️

I have bipolar II and BPD. A lot of symptoms overlap, however, it was the hypomania, my mental health nurse noticed and made me more aware of. Thanks for the video! It is very helpful for people to understand the disorder.

Hi everyone!!! I'm 24 with no kids...but I have a 4 year old Cousin who I love dearly but that reminds me why I will never have kids. Its nice to give him back to his mom when I'm done spending time with him. Anyways I don't know if any of you can relate to this...but a big reason I don't want kids is I have Bipolar Disorder and Mental Illness runs deep in my family. I don't even want to take a risk of bringing a child in this world who might inherit that and have to suffer through what me and my family has. Plus I just don't have the patience for kids but thats my main reason....

Just to add some awareness, the suicide rates for Bipolar 2 are alarmingly high, even up to 50% in some studies. I believe it has something to do with the rapid cycling of moods and recurring exhaustion. In my experience, this has definitely been shown to be true. Best of luck to all, remember there is always hope, and anybody can reach out to me. I understand better than most how hard it can be. We're all in this shitty world together, so let's make the most of it,

I was diagnosed with depression until my therapist raised a suspicion in my decision making, that led to the revelation of the hypomanic episodes. Can't emphasize enough how crucial it is to have a good therapist and to educate myself, and so thankful we are living in a time where we can find such brilliant videos like yours. Thank you for explaining it in a clear and simple way. Sending love!

I was very happy to see you do this video, I've spent a lot of time as of late looking up ways to deal with my condition since it is so wonky to other people. I was diagnosed as BP2 almost a decade ago, and over most of that time I was doing all the right things, talking to a therapist and taking my medication. Trouble is I never really talked about my feelings a lot, I talked about what was happening in my life more than anything else, no so much what I felt because of it. I also just went around as if trying to hide my condition and seem "normal" even when it was clear that I had a very difficult time and had to fall back on disability insurance since I couldn't hold a "normal" job. I then just slogged from one day to the next, mostly just keeping up appearances and never improving or even fully accepting my diagnosis was a very serious disability. The stigma just from just two words "mental disability" kept me from fully accepting my own condition. The death of a friend and mentor plummeted me into a deep depression just over three years ago, I gained weight over the years even though I was doing everything I was supposed to do, I never improved at all. In the end I had to give up on medication, the side effects, the weight gain and especially when I discovered one I had been taking for years seems to have caused some damage to my liver. I never actually wanted to take pills, but it was the correct path to follow first, even if it did fail me completely. Fortunately at the start of this year I looking into getting a medical cannabis card as in my state it is legal to have one and buy the products, has been for ten years now... my father recommended it since he also has a card and uses it for his back and knee pains. Since having my medical card I have actually felt alive, felt like I could do and change things for myself and live my own life. I was able to accept the term disabled completely, because I looked back on the past 8 years and saw how secluded, afraid and alone I constantly feel. I am certain that being a man in the USA didn't help how opposed I was to just accepting my so called mood disorder as most men in this society aren't taught how to correctly manage their emotions to begin with. Instead of trying to bury my emotions I have been learning how to harness them and to realize that sometimes they are also a warning. I can burn out very quickly from social interactions and I have become keenly aware that I have to put a large chunk of time aside to comfort and recharge myself. Thankfully a long bubble bath in a pitch black bathroom helps me out the best, I need to completely unplug myself from everything and everyone or else my moods will turn sour very quickly. At the same time as my BP2 diagnosis I was also diagnosed with severe social anxiety, in my case that means I will actively avoid seeing, interacting, calling or talking with others because simply seeing or interacting with another person causes me anxiety with no valid cause for it. My best way to describe it is simply to tell a person "Imagine if you were always afraid of people" and just that single idea puts a noticeable weight on the persons mind when they think of what living with that mental disability is like. Both disorders feed off each other in good and bad ways, if I am hypo-manic I can get a lot done, maybe make a few bucks here and there get some appointments done... but sometimes I find myself posting long winded comments on KZfaq at almost 3am ... my sleep patterns have always been just as bad as my mood shifts. I always feel tired because of the lack of sleep and the fact that I still need to try and live my life. The drain on my energy is constant, going outside can be a very uncomfortable due to having some degree of sensitivity to bright light and noise levels. Places like busy restaurants and crowded places are the worst sort of environments for me some days. To end on a good note, I have improved a lot since the start of this year, I have been able to manage my eating habits better as I had to accept that just like my father I am prone to stress eat. That I use alcohol a great deal over the past 25 years as a way to cope with my disabilities since I was diagnosed for most of my life. And most importantly that I need to accept my disabilities, something that is always difficult for anyone since not one person wants to have that label put on their lives. Invisible illnesses such as mine need to be spoken about openly with friends and family, the sooner they understand what your condition is doing to you the better things can be managed by everyone. My disability isn't seen, and the common reference that explains why it best to manage your disabilities when diagnosed is to simply use a disability someone CAN see as an example. A person confined to a wheel chair needs to accept their condition, get help and assistance from those around them, manage their condition as best they can and try to improve their lives in whatever way is available to them. Seeking out professional help is the very first step, and never an easy one due to gender norms, fear of being discriminated by others as "crazy" but most often because getting medical assistance is a privilege not everyone can get in the USA right now. Just being able to talk with a professional about your feelings and moods can help you to enjoy living your life again, it might not be a so called normal life... but at least it will be yours.

Thank you for this. I have BP II, and this is so accurate. I wish that you could talk to my family, because they still don't get it.

I don't get why there are dislikes! Your videos are wonderful! Thanks for this amazing video! :)

Thank you! I love your channel. I'm currently taking a psychopathology course. This video is very helpful for MSW students. ❤️

I had never heard of bipolar 2 until I was diagnosed today. This video is so informative and makes me feel heard. Thanks

Hi Kati, and thank you for yet another very instructive video! Could you please make a video about highly sensitive people? Is it a real diagnosis? I tried to talk about it with my psychiatrist and she talked about generalized anxiety. Could it be the same as borderline personality disorder? Thank you SO MUCH in advance! Love you and keep inspiring us!!!

Can you also do a video on rapid cycling and/or mixed episodes? I know you did a FAQ 5 years ago about mixed episodes but maybe the two would be good together for a new video.

My dad and I had a conversation when I turned 18 to tell me he struggles with BP 2. He explained it to me as a warning and to help me look for the signs that I may have it too, but he only felt comfortable talking about it that one time so I've never gotten many questions answered. I'm 23 now and so thankful you made this video! One thing he told me that resonated with me is that his "cycles" were much longer than BP 1. He said they would change close to every decade instead of multiple times in a week or even a year. I'd love to learn more about BP 2 from your channel. ❤️ thanks

I really appreciate this. I feel like since some of my family members are sufferers of bipolar 1, they dont necessarily understand or believe that I have bipolar 2. Because it's a different diagnoses. It was helpful to hear you explain the difference. Both so I feel like my experiences are validated and also for reference if I need to explain to my family or other people close to me in thefuture.

My understanding is that a person with BP2 can indeed have manic episodes that are simply shorther in duration. At least that's what I heard Andrew Huberman speak about. He says that a BP1 charecteristc is mania for 7 days whereas a person diagnosed with BP2 may have a manic episode os just 3-4 days for example. The hypo can stand for less intensity or less duration according to AH. What are your thoughts on that? Thank you :)

the hardest thing is to say what i feel right now. If I was down and out then it would be easy to describe but when im up and over i would never know how to or why to say anything at all... no more coffee after this.. oh thanks KM!

This is a great video. As a bipolar person I did just want to say don’t always wait for an episode to end before talking to your loved one- episodes can be the absolute worst and they can get dark and scary really quickly and a lot of us are afraid to open up about what’s going on inside because we don’t want to scare our loved ones. So if you think a loved one is having a hypomanic or depressed episode, sometimes it’s best to just take them straight to the doctor. Especially if they have a history of suicidal ideation or self harming.

I love your delivery with this video( all your videos, but this one hits home) bipolar 1 and 2 are often talked about in such a intimidating or clinical way, which is hard for people to relate. I went to my physiatrist after being on Zoloft for 6 years, all it did was sky rocket my anxiety and shit decision making. When my dose was upped...I went right to her and was like no, I’m bipolar. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. The mood stabilizer saved my life, and brought me back to who I am and a person who functions on a normal range of emotions. I still have longer than I would like Good days and bad days. But Not the spikes and valleys I once existed in.

Beautiful and informative.

I saw this and clicked finally something on bipolar 2❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥄 much love Katie love your videos

You "Welcome." *wave* was so pleasant. I legit feel welcome. Thanks!

Thanks for this. I had been diagnosed with depression, then bipolar 1, then finally, bipolar 2, and now I'm on the right meds!

‘WELCOME! 😄’ I love when Kati says that! 😂

I really appreciate your energy. This is a great video, thanks.

This is what I have. Thank you for covering this. ❤️

would you say that issues with memory, like loss of memory during hypomanic episodes or difficulty remembering details or events, could be related to bipolar 1 or 2? i was previously diagnosed with BPD and as i’ve grown older i’ve noticed similar symptoms, but moments of really increased energy and loss of memory during those times to the point where i forget where i’ve put things!

hey kati, can you do a video on having both BPD and Bipolar?

I was diagnosed bipolar 2 at 17. This video is everything. Thank you so much.

I was diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety in 2013. I was on anti depressants for years, and while they allowed me to live my life, I still had episodes of depression and anxiety. I just figured this was the most "normal" I could feel, and that I would just have to deal with that. After having some talks with my family, I went to a different doctor and was re diagnosed with BP 2. I was put on a mood stabilizer, and I can't tell you how much better I became. I started to really feel emotions again. I didn't realize how much the anti depressants were numbing me. Thank you so much for this video!

also, as i’m currently on an SSRI, and you mentioned that taking these can push you into hypomania, do you think that might be why i could be experiencing those spikes?

I have to take a mood stabilizer with my antidepressant/anti anxiety or else well it’s bad. My dad is type 1 and I’m thankful I’m type 2 cause when he’s manic and goes into psychosis it’s horrible and it uproots his whole life every time it happens and takes a while to get back on track after he gets out of the psych ward. Which also uprooted our lives too growing up.

You are an angel! Thank you for all that you do to help educate us

Finally!! 🙌🏻 ❤️ THANK YOU!

I've been diagnosed with BP2 6 years ago now. I have been on several meds, but a simple SSRI combined with abilify seems to work the best for me. Don't scare people away from antidepressants, please, mine saved my life!

I’ve noticed a lot of symptoms I have in common with many of these tho I’ve never had any medical physician screen me or audit me for a full diagnosis

100% solid and accurate information and advice! Thank you for the reaffirmation

I was diagnosed with bipolar II a year ago (along with PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and other things) and I think the hardest for me is to explain to people how they can help me... They are always thrown off by how quickly I can go from hypomania to depressed (I am fast cycling). And even if they want to help me and ask me question, I cannot explain because I dont always understand or know what I am feeling... Other than that I am actually thriving, sometimes hypomania help me to increase my goals and during that time I can really work on how I feel in order to "prepare" for another low or another high... Also every episode is different but I started to recognize pattern and I learned to accept my ups and downs. Keeping a journal is actually really helpful... I usually just write 1/2 sentences about my overall mood of the day, it helps a lot to have a written trace of my cycling when I seek help... It is hard and tiring to always have my thought racing or to lack sleep, but at the end of the day I don't feel "different". I just feel like I feel more, I experience happiness, sadness, anger, (etc.) more and I learned to use it to my advantage rather than being frustrated...

I have bipolar 2 and it took a long time to diagnose cause of drug use and also my hypomania is subtle I just am I little peppy, sort of euphoric, taking a lot but irritable and have to keep moving. And eat far far less. While my depression is extreme and I also think almost an inbetween state if that’s a thing idk I could be misdiagnosed but idk