Between Two Worlds

As a young child, I was diagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In my forties, a psychiatrist diagnosed me as having Bi-Polar Disorder.

Though I am currently being medicated by a health care professional for Bi-Polar Disorder, in my mind I’m not sure how I should be identified as I see commonalities in both of these intellectual disabilities.

My wish is that the information below will be helpful in dealing with your own issues (if this applies), or those of a friend or a family member. It is vital to be diagnosed, and medicated (if needed) by a psychiatrist for either one of these conditions.

What are the characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?

1.  Doesn’t deal well with frustration – Almost everything (and everyone) tends to cause irritation sooner or later.

2.  Easily flustered and stressed out – What seems a simple challenge for the non-ADHD individual tends to put your emotions in negative overdrive status in seeking a solution.

3.  Hypersensitivity to criticism – Constructive criticism is not an advantage. It wounds rather than helps.

4.  Irritability or mood swings – This person is never quite sure where they will be emotionally (at any given time). It can be exhausting as many people thought to be friends are lost because of the above.

5.  Low self-esteem and sense of insecurity – Though your creativity and personal connection with other individuals is above average, “normalcy” is all that is desired like other friends. Feeling good about the person inside is a life goal.

6.  Sense of underachievement – Self-worth at any endeavor is low (and poor).

7.  Short, often explosive, temper – One minute anger is a raging fire over whatever the issue is. The next minute there is calmness like it nothing ever happened. If there is another individual involved, they are wounded beyond belief, and have not forgotten the verbal explosion.

8.  Trouble staying motivated – Unless enjoyment exists in what is being done; difficulty exists staying focused on the task at hand.

  

What are the characteristics of Bi-Polar Disorder?

1.  Alcohol or Drug Abuse - Half of Bi-Polar Disorder individuals have substance abuse issues. Drinking can occur during a manic phase to slow themselves down. Alcohol is often used to improve moods when depression is present.

2.  Depression – There is a lack of energy, appetite, sleep, and focus as in regular depression. Typical antidepressants alone don't work well with Bi-Polar Disorder. This regimen can worsen this condition, or cause a break-with-reality episode.

3.  Erratic behavior – In this manic phase, individuals can have an inflated self-esteem. They feel grandiose and don't consider consequences. Everything sounds good to them. Spending sprees and unusual sexual behavior can often happen during this stage.

4.  Flight of ideas - This may be hard to recognize, but it occurs frequently when someone is in a manic phase. People feel like their mind is racing, and that they can't control or slow down their thoughts. This can sometimes take place with pressured speech.

5.  Inability to complete tasks – Incomplete task completion; planning grand and unrealistic projects that are unfinished before moving on to something else.

6.  Irritability – This can include both mania and depression. During this state, extreme irritability is possible. Since everyone has bad days, it can be hard to recognize. (The severity of this can interfere with interpersonal relationships.)

7.  Rapid speech – There is natural talkativeness, “pressured speech” is one of the most common symptoms of this disorder. This kind of speech occurs when someone isn’t part of a two-way conversation, but rapid communication occurs (often talking over others trying to speak).

8.  Sleep problems - People with this condition may sleep too much, and feel tired all the time. During a manic phase, they may sleep little, but still feel energetic.

9.  Trouble at work – These people often have difficulty in the workplace. Their symptoms can interfere with their ability to show up for work, do their job, and interact productively with others.

10.                 Varying Moods – There can be up-and-down episodes of mania and depression. During a manic phase, there can be a total break from reality.  Hypomania is a high-energy state of exuberance, but hasn’t lost a grip on reality.* 

Whether you see yourself pictured above (or not), the Almighty knows your limitations. Do you? He loves you just as He made you.

God wants to use you in His work. Look for those God moments where the Heavenly Father is calling. You are important to Him.

Psalms 139:13-14 (MSG) is a great self-esteem reminder for us all. Believe its truth. “Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God-you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration-what a creation!”

*Adapted from the article, “10 Subtle Signs of Bipolar Disorder” by Tammy Worth