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Lately I've been feeling depressed, so I looked around Wikipedia and other websites about depression, and bipolar disorder. And I think I have the symtoms.
I want to be pretty sure I have the disorder before I talk to a doctor or something.
Can someone help me find out?
When I'm down, I either sleep all day, or really have trouble sleeping. I dont really care about what's going on around me. I guess I feel apathy. I feel very fustrated aswell.
When I'm high, I feel very confedent. I get a lot of work done. But only if the work interests me. If not I cant concentrat at all. I also have trouble concentrating when I'm down.
I sometimes go on rant about nothing, about politics and music. It doesn't feel like I'm talking to the person, but that I just have to talk to get it out of me.
I know you cant tell me if I'm bipolar for sure. But do you think it would be a good idea to go to a doctor?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jimmy,
You sound very insightful for your age, and it's good that you're aware of aspects of your behavior that don't feel quite right to you. Researching is always beneficial, yet I don't think it's a good idea to try to self-diagnose. Do you have a close relationship to your parents where you feel comfortable addressing these issues with them? If not, how about a school counselor or a close relative that is older? I'm not sure of how it works for a minor in terms of seeking medical attention without being accompanied by an adult or legal guardian (anybody else here know??)
My suggestion would be to write everything down that you are experiencing that seems out of character to you. Keep a journal for a week or two, listing your moods and thoughts, so that when you do seek medical advice, you have everything to show to them. Sometimes when the feeling of being depressed subsides, it's difficult to remember exactly what it felt like at the time, so a journal will help outline those feelings.
Everybody experiences "the blues" now and then, it's a part of life and doesn't necessarily have to indicate a mood disorder like bipolar. But if it becomes chronic and all-consuming, you should definitely seek help.
It's good that you're noticing this behavior. I would suggest going ahead and talking to a doctor about it, even if you're not sure. While I understand you don't want to bring up something to your doctor to find out it's nothing, it's important that if it is something that your doctor be the one to diagnose what it is exactly (something that despite personal research you will be unable to do as we never really see ourselves as clearly as others do). Don't worry about bothering your doctor, either - concerns like these are what they're there for. Good luck.
Oops! I didn't see your reply, lol. Starting a journal is a good thing, as that is one of things you have to have if you ever want to get "officially" diagnosed by a mental health professional. Most doctors are capable of seeing the signs though and prescribing medication accordingly, although if they have reason to believe that they're unable to give the assistance you need they will most likely refer you to someone else.
