i just found out i am a manic depressive like 5 days ago and i have no clue on what it is?

Question

my doctor is sending to a person to talk things though but i never have talked about my true feelings with any one i am scared of what would happen if i do

Answer 1

Manic depressive - What does it mean?
Manic depressive refers to mood swings from overly “high” (manic) to overly “low” (depressed). Another name for manic-depressive illness is bipolar disorder. This refers to a person’s mood alternating between “poles” of mania (highs) and depression (lows). Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in the person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.

Manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder affects both men and women. Although it can start at any age, it usually begins in late adolescence. Bipolar disorder is found among people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and social classes. It appears to have a genetic link and tends to run in families. Unfortunately, in addition to affecting the sufferer’s life, this disease also has the potential to devastate the lives of the caregivers and those in the immediate family circle.

Manic depressive - How is it diagnosed?
The symptoms of manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder are classified according to either manic or depressive episodes. Manic depressive states are diagnosed as:



Manic episode: A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, or for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, 4 additional symptoms must be present.


Depressive episode: A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, or for a period of 2 weeks or longer.


Mixed bipolar episode: In some people, however, symptoms of mania and depression can occur together in a mixed bipolar state. A person could have a very sad, hopeless mood, while feeling energized at the same time.

Manic depressive-What are the treatment options?
Know your personal triggers: Manic-depressive illness has a recurrent pattern, and continuous treatment is necessary. An adequate amount of sleep and regular sleep times are of primary importance in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Knowing personal triggers such as sleep patterns and life events help in the proper treatment of the disease.

Medication: Psychiatrists generally prescribe medications known as “mood stabilizers” e.g., lithium or valproate. If needed, antidepressants are used to balance the highs and lows of the disease.

Monitor your thyroid function: People with bipolar disorder often have abnormal thyroid function. Thyroid levels need to be monitored carefully because they affect mood and energy levels.

Learn to spot relapses: For a person with manic-depressive illness, understanding the illness and learning to spot relapses is vital to successful treatment. This applies to the person who has the illness as well as family members who often seek treatment.

Manic-depressive – Is there hope?
It is not uncommon for the sufferer and his family members to have a sense of sadness and incompleteness concerning the diagnosis of manic-depressive illness, despite having carefully monitored treatment options.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Those who trust Jesus for salvation become children of God, and God gives them His spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. No one has to ‘go it alone.’ Despite a diagnosis of manic-depressive illness, if you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son, and rely on Him for guidance and direction, you will have the power to live life.

Answer 2

Manic depressive is an old term for Bipolar. This is simply a chemical imbalance that causes depressive and possibly mania episodes. Do a search for Bipolar depression on the internet and you will find a lot of information of the symptoms of Bipolar.

First of all, don't freak out. It is very hard to trust someone you don't know. The therapist isn't going to ask or push you to talk about stuff that you are not ready to talk about. Each session will be taken as it is. Each time you will go a little farther and as you grow to trust the therapist you will open up a little more.

Second, make sure you take your medications that your doctor prescribes. Take them regularly and continue to take them even when you feel good. No matter what, always take your medications.

Third, get into a support group. This is critical. Education for you and your family is important. In the sources section is a link to a source that has support groups around the country. My wife and I attend one. I struggle with depression and my wife is manic depressive or Bipolar Type II.

Fourth, always take your medications.

Fear is a very normal feeling. When you meet with the therapist, tell him or her that you are afraid to talk about your feelings. This would be a great way to start.

Things will get better, gradually. Be patient.

Blessings, Robert.

Answer 3

Hey, manic-depression is when you have really severe mood swings because of the chemicals in your brain not working properly.

Don't worry about the talking bit, the Dr will take it nice and slow and ask you a few easy questions to begin with, do you have friends, what have you been doing recently, etc and build up to the feelings stuff. Don't stress out about it, the Dr has to keep everything confidential so no-one will know what you've said, you'll be fine. They won't make you talk, just take it at your own pace. And please ask if you don't understand anything, they won't mind, it's part of their job and people ask them questions all the time. Good luck!

Answer 4

Manic depressive is the same as bipolar disorder. There are a lot of great sites on bipolar disorder. I would suggest doing a search on Yahoo or google. Also, get books on the subject from your local bookstore. You will also likely be put on meds to stablize your moods. Lithium is one that is used a lot, but there are others.

Bipolar involves extreme mood swings and everything in between. The difference is that the highs are so extreme that they cause problems for you, as do the lows. Best thing is to google or yahoo the words bipolar disorder and go from there.

There are many ranges to the disorder. It can be very severe to fairly mild, and it manifests itself very differently in each person affected.

There is a great bipolar community at www.dailystrength.org. The message boards there will really help you. There are a lot of real people there willing to share their experiences with you. Hopefully this will help. Best of luck.

Answer 5

Do not attach importance to convenient labels. they need to ascertain whether your state of mind is due to circumstances other than chemical. Thyroid can be an issue here.
Psychologists and the like are like engineers, in that there is no one type for everyone...over 400 type of psychologists exist! Determination must be made to ascertain the type to refer you to. Behaviouralists for example will treat you differently to a psychodynamist. As already assured, you will be VERY OK, as we love and adore our subject.
MD is notoriously difficult to diagnose correctly, as questioners may ask a sad question and reinforce a sad response. (none cared for Iraq until mention was made of deaths!) Questioners have to be careful not to ask leading questions. Bipolars can be determined by brain scans and dopamine tests. Manic Depressive is just a buzz term.

Answer 6

i am a licsened phsycoligist and there is no need to be scared .this disease is very over rated...... more people have it in other words than dont. but i would suggest to go to another doctor that will explain things to you, not leave you in the dark till you see a therapist..you have the internet we see you could research the diagnosis yourself and know what to expect.by the way good luck and if it makes you feel anymore at ease there are meds to control this along with local support groups

Answer 7

don't worry i think we all have sore kind a depression and don't like or want to talk about it , is like me I'm gonna share something with you , i been bulimic for the past 10 years but is something that i will never will talk to my family and im depress because of that , but if you tell someone about your true feelings sometimes your "soul" feels a relief
i wish you the best and i wish everything works pretty good for you!!!
http://www.depressionisreal.org/depression-resources.html
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htm
EDIT: i been researching and what you have is call BIPOLAR disorder i know is weird but you have to go Thur this and you have to take some kind of medication i wish you good luck , i include some links that can help you understand about it!!

Answer 8

Its really important to talk things through because a big part of successfully treating in the early stages of bipolar is therapy . You won't get anything out of these sessions unless you want to, they aren't to fix you at all and the therapist can't tell anyone else about them with out your consent. No one needs to know about the counselling or your bipolar unless you tell them. Bipolar isn't a life sentence and once you get the basics sorted, your life will be much easier and pleasant! Promise!

Answer 9

you'll be speaking with someone that will in no way judge you. Be open and honest. Without a willingness to open up, you will never get the treatment you need. Did they put you on a mood stabilizer? If not, before they give you any anti-depressants you'll probably get a mood stabilizer to go along with the therapy. It's nothing to worry about.

Answer 10

You have nothing to fear but the fear of going itself. I assume your gp is referring you to a counsellor they are very understanding and will not push you to talk about things you do not want to including the feelings. Together you can develop whats best for you. Maybe looking at a site about counselling will help you finding out what to expect from counselling will elliviate any fears you have. Try link below