Do you think that people?

Question

that get diagnosed with bipolar or depression really have a problem or did they just give up?

My sister was diagnosed with this and thinks it is because she gave up not because she has actual issues. I do not know enough about it other than she has problems. And I wanted to get some opinions. How should I help her?

Answer 1

I was diagnosed with clinical depression.

I was slanted into a program to be a tester for a new anti-depressant medication.

I t worked wonders on me and when the tests were over, i was switched to celaxa.

Six months after the tests concluded, I received a letter telling me I was NEVER on the medication.

i realized that, although i was clinically depressed, it was self-inflicted

Answer 2

Depression is an actual medical illness such as diabetes or other illnesses. Part of depression is a feeling of worthlessness. Actually the opposite. People with depression and bipolar disorder want to feel better but often don't know how or need medical intervention such as medication. The best help you can give is support. Your sister may need to see a psychiatrist for medication or other issues. These two websites are excellent resources. I hope your sister feels better soon. Remember it is a medical diagnosis and she doesn't want to feel that way.

Answer 3

These illnesses really do exist. I do believe that they are often vastly over diagnosed, but you also have to understand that doctors are working only with what the patients tell them. As far as whether or not the actual issues caused the problem, well, that is equivalent to 'did the egg come before the chicken or the chicken before the egg?' The best thing to do for her is to just be there. Be whatever it is that she needs. You should motivate her to stay involved in social activities and any activity which she would normally enjoy because depression feeds depression -> as in you're depressed so you don't want to go out, but by not going out you feel even more depressed.

Answer 4

Bipolar Disorder is a physical illness. It is not caused by any psychological factors such as "giving up". It is a genetic problem and it is a malfunctioning of the chemical regulating system in your brain.

There are several chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. Each of these chemicals must be at a proper level for the brain to work as it's supposed to.

This illness used to be called, Manic Depressive Disorder, as the person cycles between mania and depression with possibly a normal period between the 2.

If your sister has bipolar disorder, she needs to be on medication that helps to restore the chemical regulating system in her brain. The best person to do that is a psychiatrist.

Best wishes to you and your sister.

Answer 5

I can't speak for everyone but I was diagnosed with bipolar and depression when I was 15 years old. I can tell you it is a very real and serious disease. It wasn't something I had any control over at the time. It was devastating to find out but at least now I can control my symptoms with medicine and counseling. I've never been so happy.

Answer 6

I knew someone who was bipolar but when I met her she didn't know she had. However I always wondered if she had it just because of the way she acted. I mean it's not natural to be hyper and happy one minute and crying the next. Out of all the mental disease that could be misdiagnosed I think bipolar is one that probably doesn't get misdiagnosed as much. When someone jumps around to extream emotions it's kinda obviously or they are a super good actor.
Depression on the other hand could be misdiagnosed easily. I think it can be easily abused as well. Depression is common and you can easily tell your doctor your depressed and get meds.

Answer 7

No, I don't believe they "just give up." It is such a relief when you finally, after 50 years find the answer to why you're so different. I always knew something was wrong, but couldn't understand it. When I was diagnosed, it felt like a shroud had been lifted and I had hope because I know there was treatment for this and I could lead a halfway normal life!!

Answer 8

prolly both, if you feel that your sister still might have a chance at being happy show her the way. Don't let her diagnosis get in the way, usually when people are diagnosed as such depression adds. be her light and show her the way into true happiness, don't give up on her. best of luck

Answer 9

Depression and Bipolar disorders are very real...and people who suffer with them cannot help it, nor did they bring it on by giving up or anything like that, however, guilt and feeling like it's your fault is common with both disorders. They are caused by chemical levels in your brain being out of whack...usually, especially with bipolar, medication is necessary. It is in no way a failure of any kind!!!!! I should know...I'm bipolar! Hang in there and make sure she knows you care regardless of anything.

Answer 10

They clearly have a correctable chemical imbalance and I would tend to think that it is very difficult to chemically make it up. Especially when they respond to medication. Why pray tell would anyone want to make up the idea that they are bipolor or depressed. What purpose does that surve?

Answer 11

Yes, they really have a problem. Part of most mental disorders is "giving up," whether that be their faith, hope, sanity, etc. However, people who can be classified as depressed and do just appear to "give up" are those diagnosed with a mild form of depression called Dysthimia. These people usually just appear "down" day to day and do have a tendency to "give up" on situations, people, etc. in life because of their loss of hope that comes with depression. However, I think anyone who is depressed does give up in way. That is what depression is; giving up hope, giving up faith, and sometimes, giving up life unfortunately.