i think im bipolar?

Question

Im a male 18 years old and i live at home with my mom and dad recently ive been felling alot of different emotions just about 10 minutes ago i was really depressed and right now im kinda happy , i switch from emotions with out warning i dont really know whats wrong with me it might be that my girlfriend got put in jail about 6 weeks ago but i have these weird erges just to cry ill be siting on the coutch and out of nowhere i wanna cry.

Answer 1

It seems that you just have reactive depression because of what happened to your girl friend. Try to overcome this and seek medical help if this emotion continue.

Answer 2

Bi-polar usually doesn't surface til later in life and consists of long periods of manic and depressed states. There is a rare type where you have frequent mood swings, but this usually just happens when the disorder is left uncontrolled for long periods of time. A "manic" state is more than just being happy--you are bursting with energy, unable to sleep, have constant thoughts running through your head, have an exaggerated sense of your abilities, often abuse drugs and alcohol, have increased sex drive, may even have hallucinations or hear voices, this is all beyond what a normal person would describe as "happy"(often accused of drug use, even when you aren't using anything). Honestly, it sounds like you are depressed. Many times with depression you are moody and can "snap" without warning, this is one of the symptoms. Also wanting to cry out of nowhere is another symptom. It sounds like your girlifriend going to jail has been hard on you and may have triggered a mild depressed state, which is totally normal considering the circumstances. If the depressed state persists, or you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide you should seek help from a licensed professional. Otherwise, a therapist or counselor might be able to talk you through the things you are going through.

Answer 3

I have bipolar II - I get depressed and then episodes of "hypomania" wherein I'll spend lots of money and get really edgy.

going through a manic episode (even mine which are "only hypomanic") is almost like becoming another person - I "dissociate" - like being in some hypertrance. That's the difference between euphoria and happy. Being euphoric is like being on drugs and totally out of control. Happy is causative (i.e. you do well on a test and have a REASON to be in a good mood)

On the other hand, when I had my first depressive episode I was suicidal but with therapy and medication my depressive episodes are much milder.

I think it's unlikely that you are experiencing a bipolar episode. the fact that your emotions are switching so much in a short period of time is actually a GOOD sign. people with bipolar may have a single manic episode last 4 days and weeks/months later a depressive episode. I generally experience 3-4 hypomanic episodes and 2-3 depressive episodes a year...the mixed emotions you are experiencing are highly atypical for a bipolar patient except in severe/rare cases. Also, bipolar usually gets diagnosed in the mid-20's...however I think that's mainly because most sufferers waited until a major depressive episode in college (or after in my case) to see a professional. Looking back I'm SURE I had BP II all through my adolescence.

I think it's great that you're introspective enough to ask yourself about your mental health. I don't think enough teens are brave enough to do that.

I would make a mental note of how you're feeling right now. try to keep tabs on your general mood over the next 6 months. If you notice sweeping periods of depression/euphoria then see your doctor and ask him/her what he/she thinks...if you're too uncomfortable telling your parents that you want to ask your doctor mental health questions, lie and say you feel crappy and need to see the M.D.

Mental health is nothing to shrug off - but I believe you're a vicitim of the blues - something everyone gets -

give it a month - I think you'll feel much better.

Answer 4

There is a difference between having mood swings and havng bipolar disorder. The term "bipolar" has been thrown around way too much in today's pop culture, to suggest mood swings or someone who is extreme in behavior. Biploar disorder is symptoms of depressions AND mania experienced over a period of time like WEEKS, not moments or even days. If you need more info look up bipolar disorder or Major Depressive Disorder on wikipedia.org they have some great articles. Or even better I would even suggest seeing a psychiatrist (they are MD's) or even I psychologist (not MD's but usually a Master's or PhD.) If they decide that you DO need help they can offer you help throuhg a variety of medication and behavioral therapy. That is your best bet....

PS--I was diagnosed when I was 19 and had battled it for now (27) had some real bad times and some real GREAT times, but it's a part of me NOT ME...hopefully, you don't have it perhaps you arte adjusting to your first taste of adulthood, lack of structure from school, NOT having independence living with your folks, could be a ton of things, but if you are coming here to ask for help, then I would see someone it can noly help

Answer 5

being bipolar is more than just feeling different emotions. at 18 it could just be your hormones being crazy. there is 4 main types of mood episodes :
DEPRESSION — Depression is when people with bipolar disorder feel very sad. Sometimes this can go on for a long period of time. They may not even want to get out of bed or eat. They don’t enjoy doing things they used to do.
MANIA — Mania is the other side of bipolar disorder. Mania may start with a good feeling, almost like a “high.” Or it may make a person feel very irritable and angry. People with mania may do very risky things.
HYPOMANIA — Hypomania is a milder form of mania. It can make people feel good. They may think they are getting more things done. But the “feel good” stage can change into mania or depression. Hypomania is different from mania because it doesn’t get in the way of things like work or family. It sometimes is not even noticed as a problem.
MIXED MOOD— This is when feelings of mania and depression go back and forth quickly, sometimes even in the same day. if this sounds like you check out www.bipolar.com. has tons of info, even has a link to a Mood Disorder Questionnaire. http://www.bipolar.com/what_is_bipolar/mood_disorder_questionnaire.html

Answer 6

You can't be sure of what you have without seeking help. It's embarrassing but you have to do it for your own good... I am diagnosed as being bipolar mix.... it causes problems with relationships, at work, practically everything so I really hope you dont have it cuz it sux... Most likely its just a phase of depression because your girlfriend is in jail. Go see a counselor it helps...

Answer 7

I'm kinda Like you. One minute I'm mean and one minute I can be nice. Do you eat a high amount of sugar or caffeine in your diet? If you do then thats probably the reason your acting like that. Sugar can really do something to your mood . Every time I let go of the sugar and eat more fruits and vegetables, I stop acting bipolar. So, just cut down the sugars in your diet and eat more healthy and exercise. Your mood will probably change.

Answer 8

You need to see a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis. This could be stress, depression, or any number of other things. The only thing I can say for sure is that you should consult a professional.

Answer 9

Your emotions could be about what has happened to your girlfriend.
Anyways, you can't diagnose yourself and nor can laypeople on this site.
I would recommend finding healthy outlets for your emotions.
If it becomes unbearable then it's time to go to a therapist.

Answer 10

Welcome to the club. seek medical help and get up and do something energetic!