Could I be bi-polar? :(

[RaisingSand]

I was told my school guidance counsellor that I might be. :( I'm prone to manic spells of hyperactivity, laughing and doing crazy things that make my friends laugh etc (they only happen about twice a week and last for anything between 1-3 hours). But then most of the time I'm just really depressed and really down, and a get so bad that I'm crying, shaking, wanting to cut and sometimes feel suicidal. :(
I have been diagnosed with depression, but that was like ... four or five months ago, and the meds I have don't really seem to be working, so I was wondering if maybe it was bi-polar. >< Idk anymore really.

[Hauptmann Kauffman]

I do believe you are bi-polar. Many people are bi-polar, and there are quite a few treatments for it. As long as you can get treatment, it should work out.

[RaisingSand]

Hmm. :/ I dunno how my parents (esp. my mom) are gonna react to me wanting to get different meds/treatment etc for that kinda stuff though ... :/

[Hauptmann Kauffman]

They have a moral obligation to help you. Even if they dont, you'll find a way!

[Sapphire]

I'm not 100% convinced about you having bipolar. Not because you don't fit the symptoms, it's just your manic "episodes" are so short. It could be like ultra rapid cycling bipolar I guess.
(Your symptoms are very very similar to mine tbh.)
Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't feel comfortable. But have you suffered from abuse in the past?

[RaisingSand]

Yes. :/ My biological dad used to verbally abuse me and a few times he hit me and threw me to the ground and kept yelling. :/

Sorry for short posts, have had a lot of beer.

[Sapphire]

*hugs* I am so sorry to hear that.
I urge you to go and see a doctor soon. Don't try to give yourself a diagnosis, let the doctor do that. The sooner you can get to see one the better.

[Prince Jellyfish]

You probably shouldn't be asking an online forum for a diagnosis. What you need to do is see a psychologist.

[RaisingSand]

Was more asking if I had bi-polar traits than the actual disorder.

Btw, I know have a set date to see a psychiatrist. >.> Thrilling eh?

[Maverick]

They aren't so bad don't worry. :D

[Sapphire]

Well done for making that appointment, it's a scary thing to have to do. I find psychiatrists easier to chat to than counsellors :S lol. Seriously though, they aren't bad,

You do have traits of bipolar, but I think it's something else. Don't want to say right now though.

[RaisingSand]

What else do you think it is? :S You could tell me over MSN or something later ... :/
Anyway guys, thanks for all your help and advice, that means lots. :) :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Sapphire]

When are you due to see the doc hun?
The reason I am hesitant to say is I am unsure of how correct my gut is. x

[RaisingSand]

Um ... I see the doc again Tuesday morning.
And could you please just say? I don't like not knowing stuff. So yeah, just say, Carole. :P

[Sapphire]

Ok, to me it sounds like borderline personality disorder. More so than bipolar because of the frequency and length of your mood swings. With bipolar they tend to last for a few days, weeks, months or sometimes years but with BPD they tend to last a few hours and only rarely days.

There is a strong link with forms of abuse/bullying in childhood and BPD - 75% of sufferers. Sufferers are also drawn to any combination of drink, drugs, unsafe and promiscuous sex and excessive spending. Self harm and suicide gestures are also symptoms.

This disorder is typically charaterised by a volatile self image, frantic efforts to avoid being abandoned and balck and white (all or nothing) thinking as well.
It is treatable through psychotherapy

This is only my opinion and I may very well be wrong so don't freak out or anything. Even if you are diagnosed with this, it isn't the be all and end all.
If you want to speak about this with me then feel free to. I have received a diagnosis of "emerging BPD" so I can hopefully help you out with any questions you have.

[RaisingSand]

Wow ... I'd heard about that once before and while I don't know if I have that or not I can't say I'd entirely rule it out because the traits you described do sound kinda like me. >.>

[Sapphire]

Many disorders (like bi-polar and bpd) are tricky to diagnose correctly as everyone exhibits some of the traits to an extent.
I think, however, that diagnosing at our age is a mistake as it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy with people conforming to the labels clinicians have given them. I know that sub-consciously I did for a while.
As long as you get help when you need it and it does actually help you then the label you have doesn't matter at all.

[byee]

Labels are only useful to the professionals that treat you. It gives them the 'language' to communicate what's wrong with you, and therefore be more specific with the treatment. It's useless for us to speculate on what you might have. We cannot treat you.

You DO sound really unhappy, though, regardless of the cause. That's enough of a reason to find a good therapist who can actually diagnose you and treat you so you can feel better. This idea that shrinks are 'useless' or they 'make things worse' is a lousy justification for not getting help. we know you're looking for help, that's why you're here. Now, find someone who can make you feel better.