Bipolar help?

Question

Im 19 years old, i've been diagnosed with bipolar when i was about 15 or so, i used to have crying spells for no reason, and im getting them again. How can i control myself? My mind is the worst place for me, all i do is think, and worry. Is this another "episode"? my family isn't really suportive of me....just of my school work..ha....please tell me somthing i need to do

Answer 1

I have a big issue with teenage (and younger) diagnosis of bipolar disorder: psychiatrists seem only too happy to hand out a diagnosis.

So, you were diagnosed four years ago on the basis of random crying spells. You should check out the current diagnosis criteria for bipolar disorder here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder. and try to work out, honestly, if this really is you.

Were you put on any medication? If so, what is it and are you still on it?

Random crying spells hardly constitute a major clinical depression, and you make no mention of manic or hypomanic symptoms. Mood episodes in bipolar are relatively long: even in ultra rapid cycling, a manic episode will last days, and depressions a week or two.

Tell us more.

Answer 2

Although there are certain criteria one must meet to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, people have very different manic/depressive episodes, so do not take any medication that isn't prescribed to you. You could end up just exacerbating your current condition.

PLEASE talk to a therapist or a counselor! If you're attending school (high school or college), you can request to speak to one. Otherwise, you should be able to find something in your community even if it's just a hotline. If these aren't options, please talk to a friend you trust. Alleviating the stress you feel may help until you can speak to a therapist.

Good luck!

Answer 3

My daughter and I are bi-polar. Sometimes, you will feel fine for a year or two on a certain medication and then you have an episode like you described and you need to revisit the doctor and get your medication adjusted. Bi polar is one of the most complicated types of depression to treat because the mania and depressed states are hard to managed together. Hang in there.

Answer 4

See a doctor and they can give you medication to help during these rough times. I have the same disorder, but I do not take meds other than anti depressant when it gets bad. Good Luck to you

Answer 5

Are you medicated? I hear that bipolar disorder is more of a chemical imbalance than anything.

See your therapist, or, if you don't have one, get one.

I know from experience that medication coupled with therapy helps a lot. You should try it, regardless of what your family says.

Answer 6

Speak to a trained psychologist. Maybe you need some meds. Lithium & Adderal are two that are commonly prescribed.

Answer 7

I suggest you visit and join some of these links, good luck sweetie! :)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bipolardisorder.html

http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/bipolar/types.asp

http://www.bipolarworld.net/Links&Rings/links3.htm

Answer 8

There is some useful advice here.