bi polar?

[lizzy16]

I've decided I may be bipolar after looking at a list of symptoms. Any random suggestions, advice, experiences would be helpful :)

[Saldrin]

I've decided I may be bipolar after looking at a list of symptoms. Any random suggestions, advice, experiences would be helpful :)

Don't decide that you are, talk to a doctor or a couple of doctors (physiologist) about it and see if they can diagnose you.

[lizzy16]

I said I may be. Not that I am. I will talk to a doctor. I'm going in Monday :)

[Saldrin]

rock on. surround yourself with friends and family. just keep occupied I have been diagnosed with depression (not bi polar) but i find its always worse when I'm alone sometimes.

[lizzy16]

Its not the depression part. Its more like angry mood swings or super happy :)

[Guest]

Its not the depression part. Its more like angry mood swings or super happy :)

Welcome to the club. It's called manic depressive. And... I could care less what label they call it. It doesn't define me. And I've lived with it most of my life meds free. Because I am the master of me.

[Dr T]

Being happy and angry are emotoins and not necessarily a manic episode which is required.

[pam]

My suggestion is to wait and see what your doctor tells you. I am only aware of one person on this forum (I'm sure there are others) that have the credentials to tell you anything more. But even he is limited as to what he could say or recommend as you are not a patient of his.

People can give you their experiences, but take with a grain of salt UNTIL you are diagnosed properly.

[Dr T]

I you read through the DSM-IV you'll discover that you meet a lot of criteria for various disorders. Don't do that to yourself. Pammy is right. Wait and see.

[Guest]

Uhmm.. yeah, she already said that. That she's seeing a doctor on Monday.

[jayanna]

Great and get a second opinion

And consider your level of current functionality before deciding on when/where/how to try medications.

Also, I know this is a rubber stamp, knee jerk reaction, but consider it may be hormones. I got a hormone shot once before a surgery, and even though I was warned about the effects, on my way to bed...for some reason I was completely overwhelmed by rage.

Thankfully, my hubby didn't make any quick movements, he just said, "honey, what kind of shot did you get today? and do you have to get any more of those?"

It brought me back to reality pretty quick, but the wave of anger was unbelievable.

[pam]

Uhmm.. yeah, she already said that. That she's seeing a doctor on Monday.

We know that. We are just reemphasizing the importance of seeing a doctor for proper diagnosis.

[slamjet]

Sounds more like 16 year old hormonal swings.

[pam]

Sounds more like 16 year old hormonal swings.

That thought crossed my mind as well.

[Guest xforeverxmetalx]

The thing that makes the difference between normal emotional swings and a disorder is, well... is it a disorder? Does it cause problems in your life and get in the way of normal functioning? If it does, that's when you seek outside help. There's not really a point to getting tested just to find out if one specific label of a mental disorder applies to you. That's only part of the process to figuring out the problem to help you.

[Bini]

Glad you're consulting a physician over this.

And whatever the diagnosis is, you're never alone, just remember that. Being informed is half the battle and then being properly treated is the other half. I've been diagnosed with Bipolar years ago. Keep us posted.

[Suzie]

I've decided I may be bipolar after looking at a list of symptoms.

Decided?

I hope you are not. All the best.

[Wingnut]

Lizzy, I've often noticed that when you post on this board, your emotions seem to be all over the place. Sometimes you're very rational, and seem mature beyond your years. Other times you get really worked up, highly indignant, and I want to shake you and tell you to get hold of yourself. From what I've observed, though, it seems more like a difference in your approach to different situations than in your personality itself. At your age, you haven't yet developed consistently appropriate communication techniques; or learned to rationally approach a situation, setting aside your own emotions. It seems to me that it's more a product of what slamjet suggested:

Sounds more like 16 year old hormonal swings.

That is, simply your age rather than a mental disorder. It could be bi-polar, but I doubt it.

Disclaimer: All this is based on an online persona, having no knowledge of the real, "in-person" Lizzy.

Edited April 9, 2011 by Wingnut
typo

[Lost_one]

My ex-wife has bi-polar. It took years for her to accept she needed to see a doctor. Doctor gave her pills, she took them for a short time, But had been taught by her parents that mental illness was not real and just an excuse for people to be lazy and selfish. She stopped taking the meds quite quickly, dispite the positive effect they were having on the marriage. Coming off the meds, dispite the doctor and I practically begging her not to, pretty much caused the end of the marriage.

With all that said, my advice is, get checked out, if you are given meds, take them. Listen to professional advice and follow it. If you are married, keep communication lines open with your other half. Keep a note of the symptoms of your particular condition, so that when you are more rational you can better tell what was real and what was not during your less rational moments. Be mindful of pride.

I also have mental health issues and while I have managed to do everything above. I still struggle badly with my own pride. That seems to be the crack in my armour and something I need to work on fixing.

[Captain_Curmudgeon]

I'm bi-polar and I have some close bi-polar friends and relatives and other bi-polar friends of friends.

First (maybe only) point. Even if you get a solid diagnosis of bi-polar disorder, there is a HUGE variety of conditions. To start with, the DSM recognizes two types (I'm type 2). But even within types, there is still an incredible variation. Hope you don't have it, but even if you do, I have to tell you that you'll pretty much have to find your own way. The experiences and suggestions of others may have very little bearing on your case.

(Minor point: people with this condition are very resistant to the idea of medication, but when I see people going without, they invariably wind up in a worse place. On the other hand, finding an effective medication is often very difficult. In my case, any medication is good only for a limited time.)

(Other point(er): If you are so diagnosed, might not be a bad idea to read Jamison.)

[Gatekeeper]

Hello. I recommend referring to Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce R. McConkie. Reference the subject of “Psychiatry.” Then read Gospel Principles Chapter 29: The Lord’s Law of Health. Each will explain doctrinal conditions relevant to a healthy body and to vitality of the mind. In my personal view, bi-polar has become somewhat of a dangerous, speculative “fad” today among young people. Much like infectious Mononucleosis was during the seventies (seemed like everyone had it). You could most likely be as others on board have suggested—dealing with the wiles of puberty. Most certainly, a professional opinion can do you no harm. Also remember that bi-polar disorder is often confused with depression; thus make sure that your health care professional or therapist prescribes the accurate medication for your treatment plan. A bi-polar patient on depressants will have an extreme negative reaction to this type of meds, often vicious behavior will result. God Bless!

[Blackmarch]

I've decided I may be bipolar after looking at a list of symptoms. Any random suggestions, advice, experiences would be helpful :)

ya don't self diagnose... generally there are a lot of symptoms that overlap with many things.

If youre really worried check with a registered/professional psychologist.