[Diagnosed] bipolar depression sufferers.

[similar.squirrel]

I've been feeling decidedly off-colour lately, and I've kind of come to realize that it has been a running theme for the last half decade, varying only in severity. I'm hesitant to self-diagnose, since that's been known to exacerbate all manner of mental kookiness, but I wouldn't mind hearing some stuff about the ins and outs of bipolarity, just to have some frame of reference. It may be a matter of just growing a pair, or it could be a job for a professional. I'd prefer not to splash out on the psychiatric option needlessly.

 

[Ninjamedic]

I'd prefer not to splash out on the psychiatric option needlessly.

Since we're both Irish allow me to ask this: Can't you have a basic evaluation for free?

No idea myself, speaking as someone with Anxiety.

 

[similar.squirrel]

I'd prefer not to splash out on the psychiatric option needlessly.

Since we're both Irish allow me to ask this: Can't you have a basic evaluation for free?

No idea myself, speaking as someone with Anxiety.

My medical card is taking its time. I assume you kind of need one for this sort of thing.

I officially have that myself, although it appears to have buggered off, thankfully.

 

[Ninjamedic]

My medical card is taking its time. I assume you kind of need one for this sort of thing.

I officially have that myself, although it appears to have buggered off, thankfully.

I'd honestly wait for the card and get more official advice. The internet isn't exactly the best place for advice of this nature.

Actually, are you still in third level?

 

[similar.squirrel]

My medical card is taking its time. I assume you kind of need one for this sort of thing.

I officially have that myself, although it appears to have buggered off, thankfully.

I'd honestly wait for the card and get more official advice. The internet isn't exactly the best place for advice of this nature.

Actually, are you still in third level?

Seems to have a high concentration of mental illness.

Yep. Triumphantly back..

 

[Ninjamedic]

Seems to have a high concentration of mental illness.

Part of the reasons why I don't fully listen to it.

Yep. Triumphantly back..

See if you can get counselling where your course is.

 

[Klumpfot]

Bipolar disorder (not bipolar depression) essentially means that you may enter extended periods of elevated mood. Whether it be a low or a 'high'. For me, the depressive episodes tend to last for a couple of months while the so-called 'manic' episodes are significantly shorter, and signified not so much by happiness as by feeling antsy, creative and (to people around me) annoying. During depressive episodes I tend to isolate myself as much as I can. I become lethargic and I regularly sleep 12 hours a day. These episodes are also marked by a very low sense of self-worth, nightmares and loss of apetite. I have medication for it, but it gives me very strange dreams and it tends to make me feel unlike myself.

It's not a bad idea to go see a psychiatrist if you're feeling bad. There's no shame in it.

 

[Acier]

I'm not diagnosed but someone who I'm close to is. During his highs he would spend ludicrous amounts of money of drugs and at one time leaped off a building. Depressive stages marked by lethargy and isolation (like the poster above) and a few more extreme things.


You should go to a professional to make sure. And if you're not bipolar, so what? You got help when you were in a slump, don't let the stigma get in your way of going to someone who can help you

 

[wooty]

Go to a pro lad, I was having trouble with something and so sought someone with more knowledge in the area. Turns out I've been diagnosed as a manic depressive, now half of me is concerned and the other half thinks its all bullshit, I've got nothing to be depressed about.