Do I have Bi Polar Disorder/What should I do?

Question

For the last 8 years I have been on and off depressed, more so due to the fact that I am very shy and find it hard to meet people or discuss my feelings with my close friends. I seem to lock everybody out of my world; I would say I am a definite introvert. However, lately, I thought I was getting better... I felt very upbeat a lot of the times, and felt like I was finally starting to be able to achieve more out of my daily life... that lasted about a week and a half. I don't feel as depressed right now as I used to be, but I feel down.. and not really for any specific reason. I don't know if I have some sort of bi polar disorder, or if everything just stems from being debilitating shy and wishing I could be like normal people. I've been dealing with this on my own for a long time, occasionally letting one of my closest friends in on some of my thoughts, yet the suggestions he gives, albeit excellent, I cannot bring myself to follow, or even see myself doing.

Answer 1

Only a doctor can diagnose you with bipolar disorder or lack of thereof. From what you say it doesn't sound like you have bipolar disorder, but only a doctor knows what questions to ask you in order to diagnose you.
I recommend going to a doctor, therapist or psychiatrist, this is what you should do. Are you getting regular exersise or physical activity? This is what you should do too.

Answer 2

I would suggest,before you label yourself, you talk to a good medical practitioner. I am bipolar and am well aware there are many variances of the disorder and it effects different people in different ways, although many of us are really classic cases.
From my personal experience, I found it most helpful to google for mental health groups and then find one that had a listing of GPs who were practising everyday medicine but also had experience in mental health. Then, visit several before you decide which one you can relate to most and seems to be able to connect with you. (I was lucky the last time I moved, the first one was the right one)
Your issues may be connected to self esteem but the causes may be chemical. The most important thing is that you do something about it. If you are bipolar and are up-front about it and explain it to your friends, most of them will accept it. If you are suffering from some other sort of depression, there is help out there. And a lot of medications to work through if the first one isn't right.
It took me from my adolescence until my late 20s to get my life on track and that it too long for anyone to waste just because they didn't know what to do.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder makes a person swing from one pole (depression) to the other (hyper). Stying in the so-called normal range doesn't last too long. It sounds like you are a depressive due to circumstances...shyness, unsure of yourself, etc. As these negative qualities go away you will feel better. As long as you do not swing to the other extreme which is really quite hyper, you are not bipolar. The trick for you is doing the things that your friend tells you to do...whether you like them or don't feel comfortable or not. The way out for you is to push yourself even if you have to suffer. You will be happy you did...but do not try it all at once. Don't overdo it. One step at a time. Stay with it. It takes time to break loose.

Answer 4

Bipolar disorder involves periods of extremely high energy along with the depression. Depression isn't always a constant misery. It can come and go to some extent, but that doesn't make it bipolar disorder. The cycles are far more pronounced in that case. Regardless, if it's interfering with your life you should see a therapist or a doctor about it. Depression can be successfully treated.

Answer 5

OK, I'm bipolar, just to let you know....i have some questions...

when you feel good, do you want to have sex a lot?
do you want to spend a lot of money?
do you want to party?
do you do stupid things, dangerous things? (drive fast, go to a bad neighborhood just for the hell of it)
do you find it hard to sleep?
does it seem like your brain just wont stop?
do you have thoughts running through your mind constantly?
do you obsess about conversations you've had, or you want to have with someone, and spend hours reliving or having that conversation with yourself?
when you aren't feeling good....
do you want to sleep constantly?
do you go days without cleaning?
do you eat a lot, or go long periods without eating?
do you feel lethargic?
do you cry for no reason at all?
do you have to be forced to go into public?
do you feel like nothing makes you happy?
do you go weeks without sex?
when you do have sex, do you just lay there and wait for it to be over?
do you stop doing the things you enjoy? (reading, bike riding, etc.)
*if you don't experience these extreme highs and lows, you probably are not bipolar