My mother was not diagnosed as bipolar (then called manic-depressive) until she was over 50. Ironically, one reason I was not diagnosed until almost fifty was my that my mother had been diagnosed -- and my condition was different than my mother's.

My mother was what is now called Bipolar I, which was the only type of bipolar recognized for many years. It is dramatic. BP Ones in mania have hallucinations, believe they are God, fly into terrifying rages at little provocation. BP Ones in depression rage in grief, cut themselves, commit suicide. My mother was "unipolar" for many years, experiencing only manias. She began having depressive episodes only late in life. They included suicidal ideation and at least one suicide attempt.

What is now termed "Bipolar Two" is not that dramatic. I don't rage or hallucinate when I'm manic; I don't weep or get suicidal when I'm depressed. But it is just as disruptive to life, work and relationships.

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The Quantum States of Thunderheart

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More about Mom: Mother of Dragons

A friend like Mom: for Marion

There are many kinds of mood disorder. Even "depression" comes in more than one color. Don't let a stereotype keep you from getting help, as it did me.