Am I really bipolar?

Question

K, my best friend thinks I'm bi polar but I say she's wrong. [Probaly from the mental disorders we learned in Health class]. Like, every symptom of Bi Polar I match but it doesn't mean I have it right? Yes, I tend to go from extremely happy to deeply depressed fast, without anything causing it. Yes, I tend to have moments of extreme hyperness. But I haven't been told by a doctor that I have...probaly cause I haven't been checked for it. But my mom says I'm perfectly fine. But because of my mood swings, I've noticed if something DOES bring me down, I tend to become suicidal. Like, I came to the point where I had a noose around my neck in my closet [I'm short so the bar is high for my height of 4'11 ft] & the rope snapped so yea. I don't know really but I have a feeling, even if I'm not bi polar, something IS wrong with me & I'd really like help.

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#bp1

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

* Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
* Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
* Extreme irritability
* Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
* Distractibility, can't concentrate well
* Little sleep needed
* Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
* Poor judgment
* Spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
* Increased sexual drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
* Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.


Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:

* Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
* Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Restlessness or irritability
* Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
* Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
* Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

When four or more episodes of illness occur within a 12-month period, a person is said to have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Some people experience multiple episodes within a single week, or even within a single day. Rapid cycling tends to develop later in the course of illness and is more common among women than among men.



I strongly urge you to seek out the advice of a psychiatrist, especially since you mentioned being suicidal and having a noose around your neck. Those are things that a psychiatrist can help you deal with, whether you're bipolar or not.

Answer 2

It certainly does sound like bi-polar. I suffer from it. But I am no expert, so instead of trusting me you should go to the doctor for a check up and tell him what's going on. Especially since you are having suicidal thoughts. They need to be sorted out quick-fast.

Answer 3

Yes, judging from my experience with several bi-polar friends, it sounds like you may be too. It wouldn't hurt to talk to a doctor about how you feel and your mood swings. But its the thoughts of suicide that bother me most. A person of perfectly sound mind might have passing thoughts of "I wish I was dead", but doesn't act on those thoughts.

Answer 4

Tell your mother about the noose incident. She needs to be aware of your feelings. Mom's can only help you if they know the whole picture. She may just think you are going through "normal" teenage mood swings and so she is not alarmed. She needs the whole story.

Answer 5

It may not be full blown bipolar, but there is a similar disorder that individuals go from a hypomanic state and depression. Something like a disorder called cyclothymia. When in psychology we describe hypomania it basicallly means that you're in a less severe and briefer mania that would not be considered psychotic; their view of themselves becomes inflated. An example of a psychotic mania would be if you thought yuo were jesus or something. This hypomania may be cycled with depression.

Also check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclothymic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_spectrum

Answer 6

I am bipolar and so are you my friend. Dont fight it, get treatement or you will succeed in your suicidal quest. You know how ridiculous it seems to have done that now? I swear to god if you do not get help you will end up DEAD. No S H I T

Take it very seriously. i have lost some of the friends I was hospitalized with.

I almost did exactly what you are talking about. Like a carbon copy. Get help now

Answer 7

That definitely sounds bipolar. But im not a doctor, and i certainly cannot diagnose you over the internet.

You should see a doctor or a psychiatrist. They'll ask you questions, or give you a sheet of questions to fill out. They'll be able to tell you what, if anything, is wrong with you.

Answer 8

Get thee to the doctor and get checked out. Bi-polar is nothing to mess with or ignore.

Answer 9

That is how I was (except the suicide stuff). I wasn't diagnosed as being bipolar, but as having depression/anxiety. I agree somthing is wrong and you should talk to a doctor.

Answer 10

bi-polar "ism" is just another b.s. label so that the psychs can drug you and collect insurance for it. Don't believe me? Go to www.cchr.org and watch the videos of them and see for yourself.