I Think I Have Bipolar! 8 years + of depression + normal mood and I can't deal with it anymore....?

Question

I am currently seeing a CPN & I like her but don’t feel like I am getting anywhere. I’m taking Citalopram at 40mgs for 8 months but it’s not working for my depression. I called my CPN 4 weeks ago to see her to which I was fobbed off and told to keep a diary and call back in 4 weeks, Anyhow I saw her today, whilst I appreciated the time to talk I’m not sure it’s working. I have researched what I am experiencing a lot & I am sure I have a form of Bipolar but how do I go about approaching the subject with either my CPN or with my GP. I find it so hard to talk to people I prefer to write things down & I was a little disappointed today when my CPN didn’t read the mood diary I had kept as it really went into detail about how I feel and also mentioned the fact I had been feeling suicidal again. She didn’t actually ask me that. I am seeing her again in 4 weeks & tomorrow I am seeing my GP to see about changing the AD.

Answer 1

I would definately approach my GP and tell him/her of your diary and perhaps he/she will read it. I would think about changing CPNs if possible. If you are suicidal, go to the hospital before it gets too bad. Bipolars have a high incidence of suicides and suicide attempts. Good luck.

Answer 2

You don't say how the "high" side of bipolar effects you. It is possible to be bipolar and experience only mild "highs" - this is known as hypomania.
I would suggest checking out www.mdf.org.uk (the bipolar organisation, then, armed with any info they have that sounds like you, go to your GP and say, "I have looked this up, it really seems like it fits how I feel", show him / her the diary and take it from there.
Be aware that many bipolar people can experience "switching" on anti-depressants, which basicaly means they get catapulted into a really big high by the effect of the drugs. This does not always happen though.
Also, if you are feeling suicidal, please go to the emergency reception at the local hospital - the receptionist of your CPN should be able to give you the number. Failing that, you can always go to A&E if you need urgent help.

Answer 3

I've seen a CPN and i think in my experience there little or no good your right you do seem to feel fobbed off i've found going to a mental outpatients and seeing a psychiatrist regularly is much better ask your doctor to arrange the same for you they do seem to go more in depth with how you feeling and diagnosing a condition.
after 13 years of seeing CPN's and counsellors it was my psychiatrist told me i am bipolar so push to see one good luck

Answer 4

Do you have extreme highs and lows? you didn't say. There is a checklist of things you need to show to be Bipolar. See if you really do have those signs. Is there Bipolar disease in your family? Generally there is atleast one in your family that is Bipolar. Suicidal--I'm really concerned about that. Tell your doctor right away. That is nothing to fool with. If it gets too bad, call the crisis clinic or a help line, if it really gets bad go to the hospital. It sort of sounds like you have clinical depression. Ask your doctor if he can perscribe more anti-depressant for you? You are going to have to be proactive with your doctor or he/she will not do anything. I went 16 years without a correct diagnosis because I wasn't proactive with my doctor, don't be like me.

Answer 5

Bipolars normally swing between manic highs and low moods....so if youve just been experiencing normal moods and lows that sounds like clinical depression to me..not bipolar.
ask for a referral to see a consultant psychiatrist ..if you havn't sorted it out after 8 years change your doctor,
I have been to both the Arctic and the Antarctic...does this make me Bipolar,,?

Answer 6

Why are you so sure its bipolar? What do you do when manic?