Bipolar Disorder

[pewpewz]

Okay, so I think I might be Bi-polar (type II) and I'm quite scared.

When I finally got round to taking a test and really harshly looking at my behavior for the past couple of years, it's definitely far from normal. I've had days where I've come home singing and dancing, and days where I've been considering suicide. The weirdest part was I could always still laugh, and on my happy days, I always felt a little depressed even though everything was alright. I'm considering getting diagnosed, but I'm pretty terrified of finding out if I'm right.

Has anyone else here felt this way or actually suffers with bi-polar or any other mental disorders/illnesses? How did you go about getting diagnosed? How do you even tell? Or even just tell me your experiences

I think the thing I'm most scared about is that I've exaggerated it in my head or something. However I've done a lot of research and a bit of forum trolling, and where people before have said "Your gf needs help she's bipolar" or whatever, the girl in question sounds A LOT like me.

Haaalp

 

[Smowy]

Ask a professional, not the internet
Most schools have child psycologysts, doctors can refer you etc

 

[ProfessorLayton]

Ignorance may seem like bliss, but it's better to actually go out and figure out for yourself. You might have to start taking medication for it if you do to help control it, but it's better to know for a fact than to spend time worrying about it. I, myself, am not bi-polar but I have a friend who is and it seems similar. Trust me, it's best to go find out. I wish you the best.

 

[Cmwissy]

In before an idiot calls you schizophrenic thinking it means Split personality.



OT: See a doctor - the people of the internet cant help you.

 

[milkoy]

I think you just need to take some time off. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions, especially ones to do with mental disorders.

Take a few weeks off whatever, and plan out your time with activities; like say; today I'm going to watch a film, tomorrow I'm going for a bike ride. That sort of stuff.

You might just be feeling burnt out. Depressed when you are spending your time working or whatever, and still depressed since you don't feel you are using your spare time to its fullest potential.

 

[Biosophilogical]

Well, from the sounds of it, the ability to laugh even when you are depressed sounds like a gift, though admittedly you really should get it checked out. If it turns out to be nothing, then at least you can always laugh, and during the happy times you will know that there is something wrong and you can try and figure it out.

 

[pewpewz]

Hmm thanks for your quick comments! I appreciate them.

Since it only occurred to me recently I might have bi-polar, I've decided to watch my mood swings for a week and go to a doctor.

BTW does bi-polar also aggravate or enhance paranoia? I'm convinced my doctor hates me.

 

[TailsRodrigez]

Okay, so I think I might be Bi-polar (type II) and I'm quite scared.

When I finally got round to taking a test and really harshly looking at my behavior for the past couple of years, it's definitely far from normal. I've had days where I've come home singing and dancing, and days where I've been considering suicide. The weirdest part was I could always still laugh, and on my happy days, I always felt a little depressed even though everything was alright. I'm considering getting diagnosed, but I'm pretty terrified of finding out if I'm right.

Has anyone else here felt this way or actually suffers with bi-polar or any other mental disorders/illnesses? How did you go about getting diagnosed? How do you even tell? Or even just tell me your experiences

I think the thing I'm most scared about is that I've exaggerated it in my head or something. However I've done a lot of research and a bit of forum trolling, and where people before have said "Your gf needs help she's bipolar" or whatever, the girl in question sounds A LOT like me.

Haaalp

seriously, ask a professional, i work at a camp where some of the campers are bipolar, and you should find out, trust me. Plus, why are you on the internet for this sortof thing, and spelling help like Haaalp makes it seem like you don't really think you do and are treating it like a joke, it isn't.

 

[MelasZepheos_v1legacy]

See a doctor, it's absolutely crucial. Whether you have bipolar or not, to be even pondering suicide is not normal, and could be a sign at least of unipolar depression.

As to whether you do have it, try not to think of yourself in terms of being someone with bipolar, because it can be made worse the more you identify with it. It's uncertain whether people can give themselves the disorder, but no sense risking it. It sounds hackneyed, but the more you think positive, the more thinking positively will become the norm. Someone truly bipolar will still have relapses, but they will be less frequent and much more managable.

If you have the more extreme versions of bipolar disorder you will require medication, hence why the doctor is essential, and if you have the less severe side of things, you will still need to look at ways you can control your thoughts, even when in a manic or depressive period (there are ways, but they take work.) It sounds like you don't have the worst kind, since that would make you literally incapable of functioning for long periods (weeks and months, not days)

Above all, don't worry about it.

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

I have manic depressive disorder, its true name (bipolar disorder just makes it seem less serious), and you could just be normal. Talk to your local therapist and consult doctors and family members for a family history.

 

[Zacharine]

If you feel like you might have it, go get diagnosed. You don't have the years of training and experience to make a proper call about it. The worst bane for any doctor is an untrained know-it-all who read something off the 'net and thinks he's an expert.

Don't be that know it all who read something off the 'net. You've taken mark of your behavior and you're thinking it might not be healthy: next step is go to an expert.

 

[MissAshley]

First of all:

Ask a professional, not the internet

Second of all, don't be too frightened. Thousands of people manage to live comfortable lives despite bipolar disorder. The key is to be honest with yourself (which you seem to be), be honest with any professionals with whom you interact, and to follow all of those professionals instructions for care.

EDIT:

I have manic depressive disorder, its true name (bipolar disorder just makes it seem less serious) [...]

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems [http://apps.who.int/classifications/apps/icd/icd10online/?gf30.htm+f31] begs to differ.

 

[pewpewz]

snip (

seriously, ask a professional, i work at a camp where some of the campers are bipolar, and you should find out, trust me. Plus, why are you on the internet for this sortof thing, and spelling help like Haaalp makes it seem like you don't really think you do and are treating it like a joke, it isn't.

I am taking it seriously - hence crapping my pants atm. Honestly I don't think it's possible to judge whether someone's serious or not by spelling something "Haaaalp" as opposed to "help". I'm on the internet just for some guidance and support. It's a pretty terrifying thought for me to turn up in a clinic and say 'i may or may not be ok', so having at least someone say they've done it and give some advice would be nice.

That's all.

 

[Mcupobob]

I have a uncle who is bi-poler, One questin do you try to self medicate as in drinking heavily or doing drugs?

 

[pewpewz]

I have a uncle who is bi-poler, One questin do you try to self medicate as in drinking heavily or doing drugs?

How's your uncle affected by it?

I get days where I just need a drink and keep going until I'm in a stupor. I smoke quite a bit of pot as well as a calmer...

 

[badgersprite]

Hmm thanks for your quick comments! I appreciate them.

Since it only occurred to me recently I might have bi-polar, I've decided to watch my mood swings for a week and go to a doctor.

BTW does bi-polar also aggravate or enhance paranoia? I'm convinced my doctor hates me.

Yes, it often does aggravate a sense of paranoia, or the feeling that things around you involve you.

The first thing I want to say is that there's nothing wrong or shameful about having manic-depression. Many of the most inspiring people throughout history, and some of the most wonderful people I know are bipolar. Your life does not end when the diagnosis begins; it's just a step on the road to finding the balance between the two extremes.

I do recommend seeking treatment - the concept that medication turns you into a zombie is really a myth, but you do need to find the treatment that works for you. If there are medications that you think are affecting you badly, there are others that might work much better. You don't have to give up after one prescription.

And, most importantly, you are not alone; there are millions of other people who have lived with bipolar disorder who know exactly what you're going through and can offer you advice and share their experiences with you.

And, remember, that if you ever just need to talk, for any reason, my inbox is always open.

 

[Mcupobob]

I have a uncle who is bi-poler, One questin do you try to self medicate as in drinking heavily or doing drugs?

How's your uncle affected by it?

I get days where I just need a drink and keep going until I'm in a stupor. I smoke quite a bit of pot as well as a calmer...

Oh well his a drifter now we haven't heard from him in awhile but he drinks heavily to deal with his depersion, he often talks about god and how god tells him what to do and well we know he is bi-polar but he won't admite it and refuses medication.

 

[DMonkey]

This thread made me finally make an account.
Hello escapist!

Pewpewz, it might not be bipolar, but a combination of stress, not eating right, the drinking and definatly the weed can be a factor...

Sleeping schedules!

Shoot, if you are a teenager, hormones could very well be a factor!

Your brain is as part of your body as your foot...

The problem with bipolar however, is its like ADD, in that many people are diagnosed with it, but very few people actually have it...


I myself was diagnosed, was on medication for the longest time, then I started taking much better care of myself, and it really evened off... 5 years without a pill... know of many people like that, who are misdiagnosed because they take shit care of themselves, and then wonder why they are imbalanced... one idiot smoked pot all day, and then said he couldn't hold down a job because he had ADD...

Not saying this is your case, I don't know you (and neither will the shrinks, keep that in mind before you enter the cluster-fuck that is the mental health field), you might very well be bipolar, but trying a different approach in the way you live might produce more positive results...