Does this sound like I am bi-polar?

Question

Alright please answer!
I have been having lots of mood swings and I cry alot more often like every night recently.It used to be that if I stayed up late that I was exhausted the next day but not anymore and usually I get tierd by twelve o' clock and all of a sudden I don't anymore.I also used to be really good at concentrating and now my mind is like jumping all over the place.I went on the internet and I have most of the symtoms.Should I tell an adult or am I just being paranoid?I would really like a doctor's opinion but others will work too.

I also don't like to see shrinks so if you guys have any advice on that either.Thanks so much to everyone who answered it already it's going to be tough choosing best answer!!!

Sorry guys it's just that your comments keep having me rethink some things.I think that it is slowly progressing because on the internet it said that it doesn't usually come out until your an adolesent or early adult so that'd be right for me considering I am 13

Answer 1

First off, there are different types of bipolar. I believe there are 6 or 7 different types.

You have to take many things into account aside from your sleeping schedule and mood swings. Have you been sleeping at all or for too long? Manic episodes usually involve little or no sleeping, and the person feels no need to sleep. Depressive episodes can cause you to oversleep, and also sleep very little. In the depressive state though, you don't have energy, but you just don't sleep.

Are you losing interest in things you love? Do you feel no joy and no hope? Are you withdrawing socially? Those are tendencies of a depressive state. Do you find that you are doing things that you wouldn't normally do which are reckless? Do you feel irritable or agitated? Does every little thing make you want to burst out in anger? Those are tendencies of a manic state.

Does bipolar or any other mental illnesses run in your family? And yes, depression is a mental illness. Although it really hasn't been 100% resolved yet, mental illness tends to happen more often if there is a family history. How old are you? Many doctors may refuse to diagnose you at a young age. In terms of my family, a relative of mine knows bipolar started for her around age 11. Looking bad I think it started as severe depression at 12 years old, and started into bipolar.

Concentration could be a sign of depression, sometimes mania as well. When I am having a bad depressive cycle I actually cannot read and write. I know this is strange because I LOVE reading, and I'm actually a writer. It's that I cannot concentrate on a book, let alone a single page of a book. I have to re-read a page 5 or 6 times and after that I don't even remember what I've read, and my brain is tired from trying to concentrate.

I think the best thing for you to do is talk to your parents or someone that you trust. Express your concerns because that will take a huge weight off your shoulders! You should also consider seeing a doctor. You may not have bipolar disorder (I hope you don't sweetie!), but maybe you're struggling with depression. Whatever it is, educate yourself about it and how to handle it! If you ever have any questions, feel free to send me a message! Good luck!


*Note*

Lots of different questions and answers about bipolar here tend to portray people with bipolar as uncontrollable and unpredictable, but that is not the case. Yes, there are people with this illness who are like that, but they usually have not accepted treatment, or deny that they need help. The people that I know with this disorder who take their meds, and do what is needed to stay healthy are very productive members of society. You'd be shocked at how many 'normal' people there are that have this disorder.

Answer 2

You could very well have it. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 25, and when they interviewed my mom and asked me more about my childhood, the dr said that I had had it my whole life, since infancy almost. Talk to your parents--BOTH of them at once if possible. Show them some of the research you've done to help them understand that you've given this some real thought. Then go see a psychiatrist-- it's not as bad as you think to see one.
When I was young, you didn't go to a psych unless you were mutilating yourself or something. The result was that I was in counseling w the school guidance counselor for 8 yrs, told that I was a victim of high intelligence, and that I needed to learn how to socialize better... AARRGGHHH!!!
If you don't have BP, the dr will say so. If you do, congrats on getting a diagnosis before you get REALLY messed up, and take the meds you're prescribed.
E-mail me if you want to compare notes...I am a 30-yr-old stay at home mom and spend a lot of time online.

Answer 3

No you are not bi-polar i think you are just paranoid. If you were bi-polar you would be more like yelling at ppl for no good reason. And then in the next 5minutes you are in some random parking lot and you don't know where your gutair is? So then your dad comes walking in and you start crying hysterically and saying how sry you are for lossing that 13k gutair! don't worry cause everyone has mood swings once in a while.

Answer 4

Dear Friend,

Being thirteen, like I am, we have a lot of problems in our lives. Considering that I am bipolar! I think an adult will lead you the right way, because this does point to symptoms, but most definetely leads to ADHD symptoms. If you think something is wrong, then it is time to take charge! If you need any references, please contact me!!

Best Wishes,
Justin Curtis

P.S: If you ever need to talk to someone about it I have been through it and I can help you since I am your age.

Answer 5

It sounds like you may (can't diagnose I'm not a Dr.) but its not bi-polar
think of bi-polar as opposing ends. first your Really Really sad/depressed, then your in an instant, really happy, or manic

You should talk to a Dr. Your family Doctor can give you a referral to a psychiatrist.

try to go here for symptoms or more answers http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/bipolar.html

Answer 6

Sometimes people just have too many emotions building up that release at the same time, You could talk to a doctor about it if it happens more often than not. Good luck, Hon.

Answer 7

I am not a doctor. Bi-polar can be difficult to diagnose. Adding up symptoms won't give you definitive diagnosis. It could be something as simple as depression, anxiety or something less ominous than bi-polar. Don't talk yourself into something, get a professional opinion.

See a doctor, let him send you to a specialist, if he thinks it is necessary

Answer 8

If this is a concern to you, and I think it is, you should definately tell and adult and/or see a doctor. No matter what the problem is it would be best to have it checked out. Best of luck to you!!!

Answer 9

hi there i am currently studying mental health for uni and without being qualified in that area it also sounds like depression with bipolar you get different mood swings all the time which you are describing but also with depression you cant sleep and also get mood swings my best advive see your g.p possibly try antidepressants
good luck chicky

Answer 10

Well get off the intenet then and go to a doctor!