how are you supposed to know if youre bipolar?

Question

like how do you know if its real , not just a phase or something??

yes but like what if i dont want to see a psychologist or talk about my 'feelings'

Answer 1

You have to experience certain symtoms, those symtoms have to keep occuring over a period of time.

For example, people that are dianosed with bipolar experience extreme mood swings. These episode are characterized by mania and depression. Depressed episode can be streme to the point of wanting to kill themselves. Manic episode can be excessive spending in money, extremely happy like they are on top of the world. ect.

When you're going through a phase- there is usually a reason as to why you feel a certain way. But, people that are diagnosed with mental illness result from chemical imbalnce in the brain. This can be treated only with medications.

Answer 2

Well . . . I think you're probably best off going to a psychologist. But if this is just idle curiosity you're having, then this is what I can tell you I've learned from observing and talking to my mom (who has bipolar disorder):

1) Bipolar disorder usually runs in the family. So if your parents or close relatives have it, you should probably see a psychologist to be sure you don't have it.
2) Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme moods brought about for seemingly no reason. If you find yourself extremely happy, sad, or angry for no good reason then that's something to watch out for.
3) If you have erratic sleep behavior, then that is also a sign. In my mom's case, she stayed awake for roughly a week at a time when she was first showing symptoms. Even now, if she doesn't take her medicine, she'll have a really hard time getting a decent amount of sleep.

I'm 22, and I've been depressed before. My parents worry about me sometimes when I stay up really late to work on projects for school, and when I used to get kinda glum (I don't get that way very often anymore, but I once did). Just recently, in fact, my dad thought I was cracking up because I stayed at school for almost three days straight. But there was always a reason for me acting the way I did.

Anyway, if you seriously think you might have a problem after reading this, then you should seek out help from a professional. This is your health we're talking about here. And bipolar people can be subject to all sorts of other mental problems. My mom, for example, used to hallucinate a bit and act very weird and unstable. You don't want to let it get that far, trust me. Good night!

Answer 3

You don't know, and it could be something else. See bipolar disorder, at ezy-build * (below) in section 10, and take the quiz, if unsure, and if the results are positive, ensure you get an expert diagnosis from a mental health professional, not doctors, who are much better dealing with physical ailments, and don't diagnose complex disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder often enough to develop any real expertise. Bipolar disorder usually involves major moodswings, which occur without apparent cause, and often over many months, or a matter of years, rather than days, as with most people (unless rapid cycling). I'd take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements daily, replacing 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements in the winter months. I recommend trying Lithium Carbonate, or Lithium Citrate (regular tests are necessary, for these), before trying the other mood stabilisers, but if you aren't good at taking medications regularly, drinking adequate water, and keeping up your salt intake, something else may suit you better. Always check out anything first at http://www.drugs.com/, so you will be aware of the risks, and on the lookout for side effects. (Personally, if I wasn't bipolar type 1, and didn't experience hallucinations, or serious delusional states, I know I'd first try the orthomolecular and Omega 3 fish oil supplements, vitamins, minerals, and mostly raw food diet, for several months. I'd aso eat in accordance with my "nutritional type"' enter that term in the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com/ ). If not considerably improved, after several months, consult your primary mental health care provider. If bipolar type 1, an antipsychotic medication may also be needed. Everyone should take the Omega 3 supplements, or preferably "krill oil" for its other health benefits: use the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com/ . Some people refuse medication, using supplements, and a selective, mostly raw food diet (I do not recommended trying this, if bipolar 1, unless you aren't troubled by hallucinations, or delusional states). Maintain the treatments for the depressive phase, in section 2, at * http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris

Answer 4

As a mental health professional with 20+ years experience, now retired, I can tell you two ways to be sure. One is to get a copy of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders, and read about it. Two, go to a mental health professional and get evaluated. There are too many people here on Answers who think they're psychiatrists or psychologists, and they so readily give their opinion, with absolutely no training, and, in my opinion, are a detriment to people like you who truly want help. Take my advice and you'll get a true answer. God Bless you.

Answer 5

go to the doctor and get a prescription. It takes a couple of months for your body to get used to a drug, but as you even out, you'll know if you are dealing better with circustances or not.

I would make it a visit to a doctor of internal medicine, as they know all the signs and can order whatever test you need. Besides, the doctor can monitor all the details and make adjustments accordingly.

if it's really serious, they can send you to a reputable shrink for therapy.

You really have to watch selecting a shrink as a lot of them are worse in the head than you. Psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, Psychologists can only listen to you ramble

Answer 6

see a mental health therapist, not a family doctor. If you don't agree with what they are saying, see another one. If two or three are saying it, start listening. Believe yourself first, trust yourself first.

Answer 7

you would be diagnosed by a dr