Bipolar Terminology: The Difference Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in research, I forget some people are looking for some introductory information like the different between the types of bipolar disorder. Thanks to commenter on my GooglePlus feed, I was reminded of this fact and I decided to answer her question here so I could give her more detail.

Bipolar Terminology

Unfortunately, within bipolar terminology resides more bipolar terminology. But don’t be scared, I have information on most terms on my site and I shall try to walk gently into that good encyclopedia.

But let’s try to get rid of the terminology confusion: What is the difference between bipolar type I and bipolar type II?

Bipolar Disorder Type 1

Bipolar disorder type I was the first recognized form of bipolar disorder and truly personifies “manic depression.”

Manic Depression

Manic depression was the old term for the disorder and in spite of the fact that the term “bipolar” has been around since the 1970s, you still see manic depression in a variety of places both for historical reasons and simply due to lack of up-to-date knowledge. In reality, manic depression and bipolar are the same thing.

Bipolar Disorder I

As the term manic depression implies, bipolar type I consists of two mood states: Depression and mania.

Depression is a low mood state and in bipolar disorder the diagnostic criteria for depression as the same as for major depressive disorder.

Bipolar I Depression:

Has symptoms like lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, weight and sleep changes, loss of energy and preoccupation with death or suicide
Goes on for two weeks or more
Can become psychotic

Bipolar type I also includes mania. Mania is a high mood state.

Bipolar I Mania:

Has symptoms like delusions of grandeur, lack of sleeping and eating, racing ideas and speech, distractibility and high risk behaviors
Lasts at least one week
Can become psychotic
“The mood disturbance is sufficient to cause impairment at work or danger to the patient or others.” – it tends to be life-threatening

Mixed Episodes

Mixed moods, where evidence of mania and depression occur together, are currently considered part of bipolar type I (and not bipolar II) but will be included as part of bipolar type II in the next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Bipolar Disorder Type 2

Bipolar disorder type II was actually recognized very early on as well but wasn’t initially included as a mental illness diagnosis. In bipolar II, a person experiences the same depression as in major depressive disorder but they experience hypomanias – literally “lesser” manias – elevated moods that aren’t as high as manias.

Bipolar II Depression

Bipolar II depression is identical to bipolar I depression and major depressive disorder and is diagnosed in the same way.

Bipolar II Hypomania:

Has the same diagnostic criteria as mania except:

Lasts four or more days
Does not cause life threatening consequences
Does not contain psychosis

And, “The mood disturbance is observable to others.”

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder where a person mood swings over a period of years that go from mild depression to elevated mood and excitement.

Bipolar Moods

Bipolar moods last the minimum duration as noted above, but can last for weeks or months beyond that. There may be periods of “normal” mood in between mood swings.

Note that there are rapid-cycling versions of bipolar disorder where moods last shorter periods of time (sometimes only hours) but these are not officially represented in this version of the DSM.

More Questions About Bipolar Disorder?

Just ask.

bipolar 1, bipolar 2, bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, hypomania, mania, manic-depression, mixed-mood

30 Comments

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Debbie - March 26, 2013 ← Reply

Family member has these symptoms

Repeatedly lies for no reason
Dreams big and rambles about how great things will be
Ignors any disapproval of her brhavior
Mskes up stories about things in the past that never happened to make herself look good or someone who is deceased look bad.
Excagerates to make people feel sorry for her.

What is this??
- Mandi - April 23, 2013 ← Reply
  
  Debbie,
  
  That sounds very much like borderline personality disorder to me.
  
  I have several friends who have been diagnosed with either bpd or borderline traits. A diagnosis of borderline traits is often employed to avoid various insurance or even child custody issues (even if the patient’s psychiatrist/psychologist “real” diagnosis is bpd).
  
  The traits you are seeing in your family member mirror my friend “Anne”‘s behavior very closely. Does the family member in question have a history of trauma? Trauma of all sorts – especially when experienced as a child – is associated quite strongly with the development of personality disorders, while mood disorders often do not manifest until adolescence or early adulthood.
  
  I hope your family member has received the assistance he or she needs, or has at least accepted and admitted that his or her behaviors do deviate significantly from those of lucky souls who do not suffer from mental illness. Change must be preceded by awareness, and unfortunately awareness only opens the door to the possibility of change.
  
  For me (I have bipolar 1), the support I received from my family at the time of my diagnosis, as well as through the devastation and triumphs of treating my illness, was absolutely crucial. My parents read Kay Jameson’s “An Unquiet Mind” as an introduction to the new understanding of my mood disorder, and they have continued to educate themselves about my illness and my various treatments. Readi g Jameson’s memoir was also amazing for me, because finally I was reading a book filled with my own thoughts, moods and troublesome and dangerous behaviors. I am confident that you could find similarly helpful resources about bpd.
  
  It was very important for both my loved ones and me to understand that my diagnosis did not change who I was in any way. I was Mandi suffering from undiagnosed bipolar 1 and then I was diagnosed AND treated: the same exact Mandi, except with a better understanding of myself and someone(s) to help me manage my illness.
  
  Debbie, I wish you and your family member well, and hope a solution has or will be sought and found.
LucyE - October 25, 2012 ← Reply

Evening,

I am on 300mg of Lamictal 150mg at bed and 150mg in the morning. I am also on 90mg of Cymbalta. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II but that was almost 6 years ago and I think they are wrong.
I used to be extremely manic. My episodes would last for a few weeks. I would sleep a few hours a day and then all of a sudden I would crash and sleep for days. I was a Master’s student at the time and the manic phases were great because I accomplished so much. I was also working full time. I was in financial crisis because of it. I kept pushing my then husband away. I was struggling with suicidal thoughts and planning.

Now, I work half time because I am on FMLA for my mom’s health. I work 25 hours a week. I have been well managed on medication and self care for my six years. In the last year I have, gotten remarried, my daughter graduated from cosmetology school and moved out, my mom has gotten very sick and I have taken time off from work to care for her. This has caused issues with my finances, my home is in foreclosure, my mom is sick, my brother was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, I have a severe case of frozen shoulder, and now my mom’s long term care insurance is denying her claim and we are trying find a solution so she can stay there. Now that I am so busy with my mom’s care, I don’t have time to care for myself with exercise. I have gained a bizarre amount of weight. I am not depressed but I can tell it is because of the medication.
Are there better choices for medication that will still help my depression but make it feel more real? Does that sound weird? I don’t want to hurt myself or anyone else but at the same time my non-depression feels fake. Robotic? I can’t explain it well, I guess.

All ideas are welcome!

Lucy
- Natasha Tracy - October 29, 2012 ← Reply
  
  Hi Lucy,
  
  Well, you said a lot. :) Here are a few thoughts:
  
  1. You have not said why you think you are not bipolar. If you were having manic episodes it is very likely that you are. The medication has likely controlled them since.
  2. You may find you are simply on too much medication if you are not feeling “real.” But then, that feeling may be as a result of worsening depression, which would be understandable given your circumstances.
  3. There are many choices of medications our there so yes, there are many other medications that could likely control your symptoms but you need to work with a doctor to find the right combination that would work for you.
  4. You need to find time to put you positive coping strategies (whatever you were using before) back into place. Those are really important in getting, and staying, well.
  
  I hope that helps.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Sheila de Valera - September 7, 2012 ← Reply

I have bipolar número uno…Diagnosed six years ago, had to be sectioned three times..thankful for each one as it saved my life. I don’t understand sufferer’s worries regarding lifelong medication for a life threatening illness, there is as yet no cure so what is the problem with taking tablets. Other diseases often require a much more punishing medicalised regimes such as kidney dialysis, ms, motor neurone, cystic fibrosis etc etc.
Yes bipolar disorder is hard to get you head around!…but humour and a ‘why not me’ attitude helps considerably, taking the tablets saves your life even if it takes years and changes of doctors to get the right neuro-chemical fit for yourself. if anyone has to ask if they are bipolar 1 then they aren’t because believe me or any other polar bear who’s had even one manic episode..there ain’t no mistaking the condition.. despite the DSM stretching the parameters of the illness for insurance purposes..but that’s another story..

So be as happy as you can when you can..great blog by the by..
- Natasha Tracy - September 9, 2012 ← Reply
  
  Hi Sheila,
  
  Thanks for the comment.
  
  I think people are concerned about lifelong medications for a few reasons:
  1. They don’t like the idea of being on meds (who does?)
  2. They don’t like the side effects
  3. They are worried about long-term effects
  
  You are correct, though, that other illness do have much worse treatment – no doubt. Some people find the bipolar treatments mostly ineffective though and I think this just pours lemon juice into the wound.
  
  I like that, “why not me?” I might use that in an article.
  
  “So be as happy as you can when you can..great blog by the by..”
  
  Great advice, and thanks :)
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Michael DiMaio - March 31, 2012 ← Reply

I find your information very informative. However It’s never been explained to me what I have been diagnosed which is Bi-Polar with psycotic features.. Can you help me out with my disorder.

My background for meds are
600mg of serequel (bedtime)
200mg of Lamictal (200@ bedtime)
(200@ morningtime)
3 mg of klonopin. (1mg 3x’s daily)
5 mg of abilify. ( Morning)

I still have very depressed days, in the last 1 year we have tried 5 different meds and it still doesn’t hekp with my down ward spirals of depression, at times I want to end it all cause this “disorder” dictates how I’m going to live my life…

Thank You,
Michael DiMaio
- Natasha Tracy - March 31, 2012 ← Reply
  
  Hi Michael,
  
  Perhaps you could contact me directly and let me know more about what you’re asking. http://natashatracy.com/about-natasha-tracy/contact-natasha-tracy/
  
  (I removed your phone number from the post so you don’t get unwanted calls.)
  
  - Natasha Tracy
kylie - March 22, 2012 ← Reply

this has been a bit helpful tonight, i was diagnosed a year ago (@ 38) after three years of serious probs- although my mental health issues go back to when i was about 12 really. the last few weeks, even when on mood stabilizers depokate) & antidepressants flouxetine) which many would dispute counteract the symptoms, has proved the best way pf stability for me. a month ago I stopped needing to take buspirone, as i did not find it helpful at all after a year. also, funnily enough, my wieght is now dropping down to where it was before I went on the buspirone (I had put it down th the depokate, plus several hospitalisations- suicidal self cutting, subsequent surgery, cellulitis due to the depth of cuts to thigh and shin- got the veign rather than the artery which apparently saved my life), also undiagnosed appendicitis all the way through which meant three stays in hospital, malapsorbtion of meds and eventual peritonitis. My question is, when the october appendix/ tummy bug stuff kicked off, and i didn’t have the confidence to ask for help as they didn’t do the right tests in june, therefore went from my usual hypermanic very excitable productive no need for sleep, ability to be irritable but funcitonally fine and life of party in social circles, as well as kicking butt at work, I actually got to the point where I was happily (yes it sounds shocking) carving myself to the bone, thinking my little girl wouldn’t notice (I have managed to never let her see me lose control- i know one day she will know but for now she thinks it was done by a stanley knife opening boxes- my ex husband knows now as social workers told him) and I have been told by friends that I was quite happily sat up in a & e with her (at seven years old!) with blood pouring from my pyjamas, with my local elderly friends, and my work laptop with a film on for her. it made sense at the time, she was safe, the cut was a release, no i didn’t really feel any pain… she had always been considered my “safety factor” and I know you are all thinking shit mum. but she has emotional behavioural difficulties and her dad was emo0tionally abusive to me and i had no local support network, so my social worker actually decided I was at that point too ill to parent her- i am her lifeline-. I spent 2 weeks in hospital and her dad had to look after her. i was all over the place. I guess my question is was that mania or hypomania?
and also to give a bit of hope- i can now recognise (like now) when i am in a hypomanic state- two weeks on 2 hours sleep a night, very productive at work, but a bit reckless driving, very flitty with thoughts and very irritated by my daughter’s spiteful comments- i had just got to a position of disassociation but struggle now with it. so i will see the gp tomoz @ five, know work is brill, they understand where i am at (just look at the time- i have been awake since five and am wired still) but am beggining to wonder on the grey areas of bp1 and bp2- by the way when i was in the hospital (for those of you in the us- they reeeeeally try not to ever get you as an inpatient) they talked about eid (borderline personality disorder) so am attending a course on that and its all about filters, cbt etc, but i think mine is very mild and is more about becoming overly stressed and emotional about the way i am treated by others as i am never physically or verbally agressive, internalise a lot (which i am working on changing) and now I can disassociate from my duaghters emotional behavioural disorder and my ex husbands bullying that is not really and issue. this really really feels bichemical. help!
- Natasha Tracy - March 23, 2012 ← Reply
  
  Hi Kylie,
  
  As to your question about hypomania vs. mania, I can’t say for sure but I suspect that was mania because, by definition mania is life-threatening and hypomania is not, although self-harm is not a symptom of either one. I might suggest though, as you were “happily” cutting away at yourself you were probably psychotic, and that _is_ a symptom of mania.
  
  I’m glad to hear you are getting a variety of help for your situation. It sounds like you need it and I trust something will work for you.
  
  I’m glad you’re still with us. Try to keep it that way. :)
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Tara Kent - December 4, 2011 ← Reply

heiio my name is tara and the father of my 3yr old daughter has just attempted suicide twice by an overdose on seraquil,which is a drug that has never benifited him.my question is what do we do with him now?where do i find the right doctors , therapists,suport and living conditions to substain him in to better educate and moniter his situation.and how do i prepare for my daughters future(asuming she may have dificulties that i have already noticed to affect her)
please help i dont know where else to research for education and support
- Natasha Tracy - December 4, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Hi Tara,
  
  I’m sorry to hear of the situation you are in. That’s very difficult to be sure.
  
  Without knowing the details of your situation, here are some general suggestions.
  
  In my opinion, anyone who has attempted suicide twice needs to be in an inpatient, probably locked, facility. This might be a hospital or a private facility depending on what you have access to. You can’t monitor a person like that, who is in constant danger, at home. They need more stability before they are not a danger to themselves.
  
  I also recommend limited access to all drugs. Get one week of medications at a time from the pharmacy so that you don’t have enough on hand to overdose.
  
  You didn’t mention a diagnosis, but you should be looking for a specialist in that area. Ask your GP (family doctor) who they would recommend. Be sure to note it is an emergency. Look for facilities in your area that specialize in treatment of the disorder if you can afford them. There are many site online that help you find a doctor by speciality like healthgrades.com (there are many others as well; you may wish to view multiple sites to see doctor ratings).
  
  I recommend getting counselling for your daughter as all this will be difficult to deal with. Be sure and see a counsellor or psychologist who specializes in working with children. Again, web sites can point you in the right direction.
  
  And while you are doing this, make sure you get help and support for you too. That might be professional support, like therapy, or it might be being surrounded by friends and family who can help you. Remember you are not alone in this.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
ManicSleepTeacher - November 26, 2011 ← Reply

Slightly confused by this as I have a Bipolar II diagnosis but had significant suicidal ideation and psychosis in my last acute episode …..
- Natasha Tracy - November 26, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Hi ManicSleepTeacher,
  
  Any one person’s diagnosis is often directly related to the opinions of the doctor rather than the official DSM diagnostic criteria itself. Perhaps you can ask your doctor why you have been diagnosed with bipolar II when psychosis specifically is considered a bipolar I indicator. They may have a very good reason why, I just don’t know what that is.
  
  And suicidal ideation is present in bipolar I just as much as bipolar II, FYI.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
  - JulieC - October 7, 2012 ← Reply
    
    Okay, yeah, but can I scream now? Natasha, I’d like to put in a column request for the next time you have something coming up for medline or one of the articles you get to put “out there” if they’ll let you. I know you sometimes may have very limited editorial say in the topics for articles (I’m a writer), but the “types” of bipolar are showing up more and more in the news and I have heard major media idiots more than once describe bipolar type II as a “lesser” or “less serious” version of bipolar disorder.
    
    I’ve heard people with medical credentials after their name describe it as “lesser” or “less serious” or “less severe.” I’ve heard them use some kind of minimizing language comparing it to bipolar I that has implied that people who have bipolar II aren’t as sick as people who have bipolar I.
    
    While our *ups* are less severe, if research exists that suggests we have a lower risk of dying than folks with other subtypes of the disorder, I haven’t seen it. In any case, rather than competing for who wins the ribbon for the most suicides, someone needs to shake up a little bit of sense out there.
    
    Whether someone has I, II, Rapid Cycling, Ultra Rapid, NOS, whatever—maybe the cyclothymics don’t die, but as far as I know the rest of us all face about a 20% lifetime risk of suicide.
    
    So anyway, I don’t know what your position on this is, but I have had trouble advocating for disability accommodations before because of minimization. My child is type I, so this wouldn’t affect her (and she’s almost grown). I rarely have to seek accommodations for myself. But when people do need accommodations, it can be a problem when the guy or gal you have to deal with looks you in the eye and says, “Yes, but I’m familiar with this disorder and you have the less severe version.”
    
    Anyway. Just my thoughts. I seriously want to scream when people minimize the major mental illness that’s been trying to kill me since I was 5 years old and has damned near done so, repeatedly, and kicks my ass every day, as “less severe.”
    - JulieC - October 7, 2012 ← Reply
      
      Most of the Bipolar II’s I’ve known don’t hear voices, because only one or two external entities talk to them in their head and it’s not psychosis because they’re really there. But, you know, the pdoc and therapist wouldn’t understand that, so they kinda don’t mention it. Ya know? Besides, it’s not like they physically *hear* them, so it’s not a hallucination, right?
      - JulieC - October 7, 2012 ←
        
        Um…tongue-in-cheek doesn’t always carry well over the internet. The post just above this one was dripping with irony, for anyone who missed it.
    - Natasha Tracy - October 8, 2012 ← Reply
      
      Hi Julie,
      
      Well, I can see that _someone_ touched a hot button for you?
      
      Yes, you are correct that some in the media to suggest that type II is “less severe” than type I and you’re correct that this isn’t remotely true. In face, just a while ago I was speaking with a doctor who has type I himself and he feels that type II is _more_ severe due to the prevalence of depression. People with bipolar II spend 35 times more time depressed.
      
      So I can understand your pet peeve. I’ll put it on the list. And, in case you were wondering, I have complete editorial freedom in all my columns. :)
      
      - Natasha Tracy
Lisa - October 22, 2011 ← Reply

Being diagnosed with a mental illness created fear and relief–now I understood my problems and could get help but I feared how my next 40 years would unfold. I now seek out new information regularily to keep myself up-to-date.

From what I understand I have Bipolar I and looking back I believe I suffered from as early as my teens if not earlier and I was only diagnosed at 46 years of age. I too fear taking medication for the rest of my life but I understand how important it is that I do so. I tried going off the medication once as I challenged the diagnosis and I quickly learned what a mistake I’d made.

Since bipolar is genetic (my Aunt too suffered) I realise my role in keeping an eye on my children, nieces and nephews as I am likely to be able to recognise the illness and get them medical help. I don’t want anyone to have to suffer half a lifetime before they get relief.

Its been six years since I was diagnosed and I am still closely monitored to change my medication as required. I think we have the right dosages now but I know there is more work ahead.

How many among us can live a life without some illness? We all suffer, we all suffer something. It is not how we suffer that is important but how we shine.

Thank you for your site, it is comforting to know there are people keeping abrest of the issues so all I need to do is go to your and others’ sites.
- Natasha Tracy - October 23, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Hi Lisa,
  
  Thank-you for your comment and I’m glad to hear you are getting help, even if it took so long to get it.
  
  (On average it takes 10 years for someone with bipolar disorder to get appropriate help. FYI.)
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Melissa - October 18, 2011 ← Reply

Thank you for giving such an easy to read and understand description. I have not been diagnosed with Bipolar yet but I have been in and out of therapy for major depression in the past and was told that I needed to be evaluated for Bipolar. I ran from the therapist’s office and never went back. I was terrified for them to tell me that I had it and for the medications I would have to take. Nothing I ever took for depression helped me and I would go into these rages of anger and pure craziness. I am a 34 year old mom of 3 daughters and wife to a very patient and loving husband. A little over a month ago I went into a period of a downward spiral of sorts. I had been drinking more and more alcohol (wine) over the prior 6 months which is something I never had issues with before. I then engaged in a 2 week affair of sorts with a guy I went to high school with via social networking and texting. I sent pictures of myself with no clothes on ( a few of them quite graphic). My husband found it and confronted me. I went into a deep depression and realized that there was something very wrong with me. I could not answer why I did it, because I had no feelings for the guy, no emotional connection at all. The only answer I can come up with is that I was seeking attention maybe. I am thankful for his discovery because it is leading to me finally getting the help I so desperately need. I am terrified of taking the medications for the rest of my life but I know that I need it. My kids have suffered at the hands of horrible mood swings I have. My husband has paid a huge price with my illness as well. My prayer is that I get the help I need so we can live somewhat of a normal life.There is so much I still do not understand about this illness. I go for my psychiatric appointment next week and hope to get the answers I need. I am thankful to have found your blog and know that I am not alone.
- Natasha Tracy - October 18, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Hi Melissa,
  
  Thank-you for your kind words. I’m honoured I can help in any way.
  
  I can understand the terror of the bipolar diagnosis. I felt that way when I found out I was bipolar. I was destroyed by the news. Like you, all I could think about was the medications I would have to take. But the thing I failed to realize is that in diagnosis there are answers too. And there is help. Maybe more help than you have ever had.
  
  Unfortunately, if you are bipolar and you took antidepressants, they like would make you worse. You would experience anxiety, anger and “craziness.” That’s normal and shows improper use of medication.
  
  “I am thankful for his discovery because it is leading to me finally getting the help I so desperately need.”
  
  It’s good you see it that way – in a positive light, because getting help is a positive.
  
  “I am terrified of taking the medications for the rest of my life but I know that I need it.”
  
  Try to take it one day at a time. Work on getting stable today and let tomorrow take care of itself. Don’t think about medications for “the rest of your life” just consider what you need for today. And take a deep breath.
  
  “I go for my psychiatric appointment next week and hope to get the answers I need. I am thankful to have found your blog and know that I am not alone.”
  
  That is an excellent first step in getting answers. You are reaching out, getting help and that is just what you need.
  
  And you are not alone. I have been where you are and so have many, many people. You’ll make it, just focus on making baby steps forward as any forward movement is movement in the right direction. You can’t fix everything overnight.
  
  Good luck. Drop by here any time.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Valerie - October 16, 2011 ← Reply

This is so very helpful and clear!

Thank you very much for posting it. . .
- Natasha Tracy - October 16, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Valerie,
  
  That’s just what I was hoping for :)
  
  Glad I could help.
  
  Thanks.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Roland Behm - October 13, 2011 ← Reply

A polite challenge to your statement that use of the term manic depression reflects a lack of up-to-date knowledge.

Kay Redfield Jamison, author of “The Unquiet Mind,” is also the co-author of the bible of manic depressive illness and recurrent depression. The textbook, in its second edition, is titled “Manic Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorder and Recurrent Depression” In the introduction to the textbook, she explains why she uses the term “manic depression” instead of bipolar. That explanation reads, in part:

“[W]e became increasingly convinced that isolating bipolar disorder from other major depressive disorders and unduly emphasizing polarity [mania or depression] over cyclicity (as do DSM-III and DSM-IV) prejudges the relationship between bipolar and unipolar illness and diminishes appreciation of the fundamental importance of recurrence. … Scientific and clinical advances [since the 1990s] has only added to the strength of our belief that, as important as polarity is, cyclicity or recurrence is fundamental to understanding manic-depressive illness. … Genetic findings will have the ultimate etiologic and diagnostic say, of course, but in the interim we think a broader rather than narrower concept of the illness is warranted by the data; we also think it is heuristically most valuable.”

Roland Behm
- Natasha Tracy - October 13, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Hi Roland,
  
  Yes, I read her perspective in An Unquiet Mind and perhaps I should have also said the term “manic depression” is also used simply due to preference. She, and others, personally respond more to the term “manic depression” which is their prerogative.
  
  Her point that you quote above I agree with but I don’t think the term manic depression somehow addresses it any more than bipolar does.
  
  But I respond to the word crazy and have many reasons as to why I think that’s better than either one of them. Of course, that doesn’t really make it an accepted interpretation.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
Ashley Prince - October 5, 2011 ← Reply

Thank you so much for clearing this up for me. It really helped. :)
- Natasha Tracy - October 5, 2011 ← Reply
  
  Hi Ashley,
  
  You’re absolutely welcome – pass it along.
  
  I always feel that if one person asks a question it means that 100 other people are wondering the same thing, but just not asking, so I like to answer questions where I can.
  
  - Natasha Tracy
  - Isabella de Beer - February 11, 2012 ← Reply
    
    Bipolar -I from family past or why u get it
    I lost my job got no medical aid the clinic don’t want to assist me with all bipolar meds iam off meds for 2mnths iam going crazy what can I do
    - Natasha Tracy - February 11, 2012 ← Reply
      
      Hi Isabella,
      
      I’m sorry to hear that you’re in that situation.
      
      I’m sorry, I don’t have any recommendations via funding. I suggestion you call a helpline or contact a local advocacy groups for more information: http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referral-resources/
      
      - Natasha Tracy