Is it possible for someone to just become "Bi-Polar"?
I am 29 yrs old and for the last 4 yrs my ability to cope with my regular bouts of depression has become almost impossible. I feel that I am about to have a total melt down. I went to our local mental health screening place and they got me an appointment for Nov. 15th. I just hope I am not dead by then, but I guess that is the best they can do for free care. It's like you can only fill a balloon with so much air before it burst and I am just about there. Every self help test I take points to that bi-polar thing are these tests suggestive for the drug company? Is there a test I can take that is similar to what the doctor will use? Is it possible I may have had this disorder my whole life and just unaware of the signs?
2006-10-23 16:17:24 · 14 answers · asked by hehehehehehehe 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Others have said it: you can be born with a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder, but it seems to take an external trigger for it to start to manifest itself. Very often, the swings will be small and slow and difficult to recognise, but will become worse if untreated (and effect known as kindling).
You cam learn more from existing bipolar sufferers at:
http://z9.invisionfree.com/Bipolar_Haven
Good luck with the appointment.
2006-10-24 05:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by Random Bloke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm i'm not sure, but a doctor doesn't "test" you for a mental health problem, they will evaluate you.
I don't think those online self tests really mean anything, particularily if you are suffering from a mental disorder, you won't be answering the questions properly. You could be sub consciously aiming for the diagnosis of bi-polar, or you could be answering differently due to your current mood. In real life doctors can asses things such as tone of your voice and go by your expressions etc.
Nothing you have said suggests bi-polar, you have spoke only of depression, so we would need more informaiton.
I believe you can develop any mental illness at any time, the stuff you read is just guidelines and no-one fits into them perfectly which is why I think they are bad to rely on in the first place.
I know someone (not me) who was not taken seriously by the doctors for depression because he did not have one of the major symptoms and he ended up attempting suicide.
2006-10-23 23:24:59 · answer #2 · answered by Fluffy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The causes of bi-polar disorder are debatable, but many people believe that you can be genetically pre-disposed to it, but it takes a life event to trigger it. If that is the case (I believe it is) then it is very possible that you have "developed" bipolar disorder. As for the tests, if they are online tests, they are probably not reliable. Even psychiatric screenings are not 100% reliable, they just suggest to the psychiatrist what MAY be wrong, so they can work with you and find out more. The best thing to do is to hang in there until your appointment on the 15th, and make sure you get regular sleep and eat right until then. Good luck!!
2006-10-23 23:22:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I did, and it did run in our family. None of us realized it until one of us did have a melt down. It has to do with the amount of Serotonin in your brain, and it does run in families. I suspect they will put you on Lexapro, as it is the latest one with very little side affects. You may start out on a low dose and gradually work up. I take 20 mg., and if it makes you feel better, then you need it. If it makes no difference, then it is something else probably. They don't know how it works, but they do know that if you need it, you will feel better. It also is what is in your brain anyway, just you need more probably. Good luck, call and tell them you need help now, and is an emergency, and I hope you are going to a Dr. of mental health. They can give you a prescription, whereas just a counseller can't. Good luck. Your insurance will also pay for a doctor too.
2006-10-23 23:24:32 · answer #4 · answered by shardf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder at 19. She never showed signs before that, but the transition from home to college might have been enough to get really depressed. She tried to commit suicide our freshman year and it was devesating. Look to friends and family to talk to. And hold out for that appointment! She was able to find a balance with the help of medication and not 6 years later she is doing great! Help is coming you just need to hold on! If you are feeling that low call a hotline and talk it out with them. I added a link that supplies numbers for every state! There is so much hope, just a few more weeks! I know you can do it!
2006-10-23 23:25:16 · answer #5 · answered by viscomunderground 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm wondering the same thing myself. I have had long bouts of depression ever since I was a teenager and then in my 20s it seems like I was getting bi-polar because I was going up and down. At this present moment I am in one of my down times but early last week I was high as a kite. During the bad times its rough, especially now....Best wishes and hang in there you should swing out of it hopefully soon. By the way...they make some meds for bipolar now i have just not taken any...you and me might want to look into it.
2006-10-23 23:22:22 · answer #6 · answered by sandstorm222 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one has all the answers. You just need help ASAP, I know I've been there. I don't know if we are born with it but it seems to be in families. My family is full of it and usually it doesn't come up until we are in situations or until we are of the age where we have stresses on us and then for some reason we just can't get through the things that we used to be able to. The only way you can get immediate help is if you call the mental health clinic and say you are thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, they will move fast then. Just so you know. My daughter is in the field. So, I suggest if you can get through till then, depending on your responsibilities, I would take it as easy as possible. don't allow anyone to get you to agree to do anything you don't think you can do. If you are close to someone and can trust them, have them around you, if they are calming and helpful because you shouldn't be alone. Ask them to stay with you or you stay with them, whatever until you can see someone. Good luck to you. This will get better. You are just in a tough spot now and asking for help is not a bad thing or anything to be ashamed of. My Dr. says we need prozac in the water supply. It's hard to live without being stressed out. You aren't alone. There are many of us here with you.
2006-10-23 23:32:20 · answer #7 · answered by MISS-MARY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anyone can just become bi-polar..unless they are just acting. But it is definately possible to be bi-polar and not recognize the signs. I have never heard of a test you can take for it. There are web pages that have symptoms to look for. Hang in there. If you are bi-polar or there are other problems there is help out there. Best of luck.
2006-10-23 23:21:05 · answer #8 · answered by Mav 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the people who replied before me said it best, you can be born with it, it can be acquired, and it is a serious affliction. I'm glad you're getting help. You could very well just be dealing with something very difficult right now, even on a subconscious level, which is why you don't understand what's happening or why you've been so irradic. Good luck and best wishes. Hang in there. Life is definitly worth living, crazy or not ( and you are NOT crazy, believe me!!!).
2006-10-24 00:03:44 · answer #9 · answered by pinkofaggot16 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed when I was 28. It is usually hereditary but I think that it takes years to manifest itself and get to the point where you have to see a doctor and then you are finally diagnosed. In my case it took a very serious suicide attempt before people realized that there was something legitimately wrong with me. Until then they just thought that I was a raging *****. Don't let it get to that point with you. If you don't think that you can hang on, call a hotline or something and talk to someone immediately.
Good luck!
2006-10-23 23:22:35 · answer #10 · answered by elk312 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋