i think I'm bipolar?

Question

I go through stages of depression and being really happy...
My mom says to take in account the stages of the moon, time of the month, what I eat, if it's sunny outside...

But i mean, one day i'll be upbeat and confident and the next I'll be downright angry, depressed and tired.

Any help??

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#intro


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.
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.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#bp1

Answer 2

Same ol, same ol. i hear ya. The thing to remember is that every day is different. and your mode of dealing with each new days events differ as well. however a doctor may be the one to consult about anti depressants, they may help. the brain goes out of chemical balance every so often, in some people more than others. anti depressants could correct this.

Answer 3

Could very well be your diet??? Are you getting enough of the B vitamin complex??

Some signs for B2 deficiency are - scratchy and grainy feeling under your eyelids, sore tongue and cracked lips, split skin around your fingernails, sore and tired eyes..........

If so eat more - liver, kidney, cheese, leafy green vegies, fish, eggs, yoghurt and beans.

You need to increase B2 intake in stressfull times. Recommended daily allowance for adults is 1.2 - 1.7mg.


B3 (Niacin) deficiency? - Canker sores, bad breath, fatigue.

If so eat more - fish, lean meat, brewer's yeast, liver, wheatgerm, fish, eggs, roasted peanuts, chicken (skinless), avocadoes,dates, figs and prunes.

Recommended daily allowance is 13 - 19mg for adults.

Lack of niacin can bring on negative personality traits and attitudes. Niacin will increase energy through proper utilization of food. Give you healthier - looking skin. Increase circulation and reduce high blood pressure. It also aids in metabolizing fats and promoting a healthy digestive system, alleviate gastrointestinal disturbances..

B6 deficiency symptoms - help reduce dry mouth and urination probs caused by antidepressants???

If so you need to eat more wheat bran, wheat germ, liver, fish,soy beans,cantaloupe, cabbage, blackstrap molasses, unmilled rice, eggs, oats, peanuts and walnuts.

Recommended daily allowance is 1.6 - 2.0 mg per day for adults.

B6 is required for the proper absorption of vitamin B12. It is also necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and magnesium in your body !! magnesium is known as the antistress mineral. B6 will also strengthen the immune system and help prevent various nervous and skin disorders..

B12 deficiency? - Neurological disorders, this is most likely the one you are most deficient in along with the niacin. However, all the B vitamin complex work best in conjunction with each other.

Best natural sources of B12 are liver, beef, pork, eggs, milk, cheese, fish, green leafy vegies.

B12 is not absorbed well through the stomach so go get yourself a good multivitamin B complex supplement from the chemist/health food store. Just ask the assistant for advice on which is the best quality to buy. Be careful though, avoid buying multivitamins and supplements in the supermarket !! A lot of the time they are synthetic versions and fairly useless !!


GOOD LUCK

PEACE

.. :0)

Answer 4

Too many people are being called bi-polar. Everything we eat, vitamins, hormones, just daily life can affect us. I don't think its healthy to always be happy or depressed. Sounds like you're a normal teen to me. Hormones are strange between the teen years and early twenties.

Answer 5

OMG honey that's so Bi-Polar! I'm not making light of it, I live it.

1. It's completely normal and you have no control.
2. See a doctor, so you can go on a mood stabilizer. It will change your life and you'll have such clarity

Answer 6

your mom's comments are valid.... all these external stimuli i.e. time, weather, seasonal effects are understated by the a-ho phsychs looking to get you hooked on a medication...

...HOWEVER there are chemical imbalances inside us that may cause all kinds of feelings so it is surely wise to seek psychiatric evaluation for a medication to stabilize your moods...

...the KEY is to also go to phsycoanalytical counselling (NOT with a psychiatrist, they are USELESS for this... they medicate and that is all.... re: counsel they do more harm than good)... AND go to a support group.

http://dmoz.org/Health/Support_Groups/Mental_Health/

.

Answer 7

well I'm no psychiatrist you should look up bipolar and check into it but i think it is periods of highs and lows, one right after the other not day after day, but how old are you? maybe take that into account your mom is right though you have to take everything into account, go talk to someone if you need to

Answer 8

see your doc

Answer 9

SYMPTOMS
1..PROMISCUOUS SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
2 ..SPENDING ALOT OF MONEY
3.. HIGH AND LOW MOODS
4..RACING THOUGHTS
5..HYPERACTIVE
6..NEEDING LESS SLEEP