Does it (always) need to be treated?

[HoseaWife]

Hello.

I just found this site and am just wondering (title question).

Because you see, I think I have bipolar disorder. Haven't been diagnosed or anything, as in have someone definatelly tell you that.

I was jut in a really depressed state, I remember and I started researching bipolar disorder in the internet (what is it, etc ect.) And I just figured: I have this. Because I had a period where my moods just went from up to down, and it was like woah. I got to so much that I hardly knew who I was anymore. And I have a 'reason', which is I moved countries, and am here to stay, so I got into the whole roller coaster thing.

So when I found out, I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't tell anyone. I tried going to the therapist at school, and told him I have bipolar disorder (didn't know what I wanted him to do or say, though). But he just kept wanting to know everything about everything and I had to explain the smallest things, so I gave up, and was like, Nup, not doing this. I guess I kinda 'faked', being all well. And like, I don't have a problem with it anymore. Haven't told anyone either. I just sometimes feel... different. And I know why. And I'm greateful for it.

But now I'm just wondering, does it always have to be treated? Or is it like, just for when it gets too extreme?

Oh, and one more question, is anger and short temper something of the disorder?

 

[Alive again]

There are a few individuals with bp who have successfully managed the disease without meds or with natural meds. But the large majority of people who have this illness called bp need meds. Bp is a progressive disease and involves the death of neurons in the brain over time, with manias and depressions tending to worsen over time. Recent studies are showing preservation of brain cells and even possible regrowth. Yes, anger and even rage, anxiety, many things are pieces of this illness. Not sure what resources you have where you are for diagnosis and treatment, but the only way to know for sure is to see a professional and go through all of there questions, sharing honestly. There is more than one type of bp, see locked link at the top of the page for an excellent post on this. May God gove you wisdom in your ext steps.

 

[tallyn75]

Hello.

I just found this site and am just wondering (title question).

Because you see, I think I have bipolar disorder. Haven't been diagnosed or anything, as in have someone definatelly tell you that.

I was jut in a really depressed state, I remember and I started researching bipolar disorder in the internet (what is it, etc ect.) And I just figured: I have this. Because I had a period where my moods just went from up to down, and it was like woah. I got to so much that I hardly knew who I was anymore. And I have a 'reason', which is I moved countries, and am here to stay, so I got into the whole roller coaster thing.

So when I found out, I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't tell anyone. I tried going to the therapist at school, and told him I have bipolar disorder (didn't know what I wanted him to do or say, though). But he just kept wanting to know everything about everything and I had to explain the smallest things, so I gave up, and was like, Nup, not doing this. I guess I kinda 'faked', being all well. And like, I don't have a problem with it anymore. Haven't told anyone either. I just sometimes feel... different. And I know why. And I'm greateful for it.

But now I'm just wondering, does it always have to be treated? Or is it like, just for when it gets too extreme?

Oh, and one more question, is anger and short temper something of the disorder?

If your episodes don't interfere with day to day functioning, but notice definite mood changes, then you probably have Cyclothymia. This is a mild form of Bipolar Disorder. I don't think a person with cyclothymia needs medicines or anything. A therapist may help with any issues.

However, if you notice too much energy, talking too fast, elated mood; angry rages; or slugish, depressed mood that interfers with your normal life, then medicine may be crucial to getting your life back on track.

In diagnosing Bipolar or other mood disorders, it is necessary to get information on mood, energy level, thought processes, and information on any risky behaviors (gambling, overly flirtatious, speeding, etc.). But it sounds like the school therapist was grasping for straws. If you're looking for an official diagnosis or need evaluation (worsening of symptoms), You may want to look for another one.

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

I feel that most people find out they have a mental illness when they wind up in a mental hospital, unless they can see something is bothering them and there is enough cognition up there to say talk to a psychiatrist, or a psychologist and tell them how miserable you are. I bet the first sign of mental illness is when it gets really hard to keep your job or relationships up. That is whne people start trying to find someone to talk to.

For me I didn't know I was mentally ill, until I was in the hospital, from the time I was 19 and fantasizing about scenarios where people could hurt me till 23 and I couldn't focous anymore, that whole time I thought it was normal to totally have these paranoid fantasys. I couldn't see how delusional they were, I thought they made so much sense and I couldn't even find someone to talk to because I didn't know to even talk.

From 19 to 23 I was totally miserable, and it has been hard to keep my teaching jobs as I have recovered from my delusions.

I am thirty now and I have come a long way, so far that I feel I can work as a high school math teacher and do an excellent job, but it has been a long recovery and I still have problems, but pretty much I don't fantasize anymore about people tring to hurt me. And that is because of the medicine and five years of pyscho therapy.

When your brain wants to tell you a lie, you really nee a therapist to tell you your brain is like conjering up some lie here for you to believe. It takes a lot of practice but I feel that I see reality clearly, and know that I got a long life ahead of me, with pretty much no family history of cancer or heart disease.

It is hard for normal people to survive so I know my best chance to survive is to be as close to clear level headed thinking I can find to not relapse and to have a succesful teaching career, that may lead to actuarial science who knows?

Talk to you later,

Thomas

 

[rushingwind62]

As one gets older and under more stress BP can lead into psychosis. I wasn't aware I had BP until I was 39. I was under a lot of stress already and then 9/11 happened and sent me over the edge. I lost track of three weeks of my life because I was so psychotic. It is hard to figure out which mental illness one might have because many of the illnesses have the same symptons. If you think you might be BP I would check with a psychatrist before it gets out of hand.

 

[HoseaWife]

Phychiatrist or therapist? What's the difference?

 

[Alive again]

Psychiatrist in the US is a trained physician MD who specialty is mental illness, therapist here is a counselor who can help with therapy and coping to deal with this illness, we also have MHNP-mental health nurse practitioner, (specialty degree RN with training in mental illness who can prescribe meds) psychologists can evaluate and diagnose but not prescribe meds, social workers can counsel etc. It can get confusing!!! Then you can add the physician's assistants, DO's, naturopaths, etc if you really want to confuse yourself. My recommendation is to ask questions about their training, experience, and focus in treating disease. My recommendation is a psychiatrist if you have access and insurance for diagnosis, but you always have a choice in your treatment. Mental health diagnosis is not an xray, blood test. It is based on the symptoms you report and over time may evolve. So be as honest as possible about anything and everything, even if it may not relate in your mind.

 

[Meshavrischika]

Hello.

I just found this site and am just wondering (title question).

Because you see, I think I have bipolar disorder. Haven't been diagnosed or anything, as in have someone definatelly tell you that.

I was jut in a really depressed state, I remember and I started researching bipolar disorder in the internet (what is it, etc ect.) And I just figured: I have this. Because I had a period where my moods just went from up to down, and it was like woah. I got to so much that I hardly knew who I was anymore. And I have a 'reason', which is I moved countries, and am here to stay, so I got into the whole roller coaster thing.

So when I found out, I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't tell anyone. I tried going to the therapist at school, and told him I have bipolar disorder (didn't know what I wanted him to do or say, though). But he just kept wanting to know everything about everything and I had to explain the smallest things, so I gave up, and was like, Nup, not doing this. I guess I kinda 'faked', being all well. And like, I don't have a problem with it anymore. Haven't told anyone either. I just sometimes feel... different. And I know why. And I'm greateful for it.

But now I'm just wondering, does it always have to be treated? Or is it like, just for when it gets too extreme?

Oh, and one more question, is anger and short temper something of the disorder?

I think treatment is important... just as proper diagnosis is. You really need to see a psychologist and be properly diagnosed.

Treatment does not have to be indefinate though, like some docs would have you believe. A good cognitive therapist helped me ground myself and I have pretty good control. I do not take regular meds. I only medicate when I start becoming uncontrollably (or less controllably) manic. This is probably 2 x a year at most.

Try a different health professional. Usually people who work at schools are not the most qualified. Sorry.

Let me know if you want to talk or need more info.

 

[HoseaWife]

OKay. Thanks guys. Just one more thing:

Should I wait 'till I pass being a teenager to actually have a diagnose? Because I noticed that you guys are all adults. I mean like, I'm just 14, and it might even be a bit unreliable with the whole teenager thing, you know. I, personally, don't think it is the teen thing, but it may be. Maybe shold I wait 'till I leave school, and see how I go? Or is the sooner the better?

Plus, I feel a bit awkward going up to my parents and asking them if I could go to a phsychiatrist, you know. Because I get lazy, short-tempered or whatever it is, they would probably think I'm making up excuses for the way I am.

 

[Alive again]

you ask good and challenging questions. Yes, in the teen year it can be hard to tell what is "normal" . The most common age on onset for bipolar is the teen years. My son showed signs at age 6. I appeared "normal" until my 40's but had been suicidal since age 16. I will pray for you and your parents to have wisdom.

 

[Meshavrischika]

OKay. Thanks guys. Just one more thing:

Should I wait 'till I pass being a teenager to actually have a diagnose? Because I noticed that you guys are all adults. I mean like, I'm just 14, and it might even be a bit unreliable with the whole teenager thing, you know. I, personally, don't think it is the teen thing, but it may be. Maybe shold I wait 'till I leave school, and see how I go? Or is the sooner the better?

Plus, I feel a bit awkward going up to my parents and asking them if I could go to a phsychiatrist, you know. Because I get lazy, short-tempered or whatever it is, they would probably think I'm making up excuses for the way I am.

I've been bipolar for as long as I can remember, but was not diagnosed until I was 19. I think early diagnosis and treatment would have helped me deal with alot of the situations brought about by my disease.

 

[HoseaWife]

Okay, I'm taking it as a yes. Thanks for the responses.

I guess it would help, especially because I'm going into year 11 next year, and that's a really challenging year - it's gonna be hard. And this year I was alreayd interrupted in some of my school work because of a low (depression). I might struggle next year.

Thanks for prayng for me, who is.
Do you guys have any advice on how I could ask my parents to see a phsychiatrist and all? And maybe pray for me?

Thank you.

 

[Lisa0315]

Hello.

I just found this site and am just wondering (title question).

Because you see, I think I have bipolar disorder. Haven't been diagnosed or anything, as in have someone definatelly tell you that.

I was jut in a really depressed state, I remember and I started researching bipolar disorder in the internet (what is it, etc ect.) And I just figured: I have this. Because I had a period where my moods just went from up to down, and it was like woah. I got to so much that I hardly knew who I was anymore. And I have a 'reason', which is I moved countries, and am here to stay, so I got into the whole roller coaster thing.

So when I found out, I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't tell anyone. I tried going to the therapist at school, and told him I have bipolar disorder (didn't know what I wanted him to do or say, though). But he just kept wanting to know everything about everything and I had to explain the smallest things, so I gave up, and was like, Nup, not doing this. I guess I kinda 'faked', being all well. And like, I don't have a problem with it anymore. Haven't told anyone either. I just sometimes feel... different. And I know why. And I'm greateful for it.

But now I'm just wondering, does it always have to be treated? Or is it like, just for when it gets too extreme?

Oh, and one more question, is anger and short temper something of the disorder?

Well, first of all bipolar disorder is not something that can be diagnosed with an online test. Symptoms of bipolar can be alot of things. You need to speak with your parents and go see a psychiatrist who will not only evaluate you, but will also check certain chemical levels. Bipolar Disorder is a chemical inbalance.

Let me give you an example. My husband is a rapid cycler meaning he has episodes several times a year instead of once a year or every 2 or 3 years. Because my children were raised with him, most of the years when he was untreated, they display symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, in their cases, it is a learned behavior not actual chemical inbalances.

The ONLY way to know for sure is to see a doctor. If you truly are bipolar, you need medication. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is simply a disease like any other disease. If you had diabetes, you would just take your medication and deal with it, right? Bipolar and ALL mental illness is no different.

Lisa

 

[Meshavrischika]

Just tell them you are having some emotional problems that you do not think are typical teenage problems (most parents will think that this is the situation)... and even if they assert that they are, say that you would like to see someone anyway because it is interfering with your schooling... normally that will prompt them to action if nothing else.

 

[Alive again]

Just tell them you are having some emotional problems that you do not think are typical teenage problems (most parents will think that this is the situation)... and even if they assert that they are, say that you would like to see someone anyway because it is interfering with your schooling... normally that will prompt them to action if nothing else.

Excellent advice! And yes, we are praying. Let us know!

 

[HoseaWife]

Yes, so I asked my dad last night if I could see a phsychiatrist. He said yes. He'll look into it and stuff, so I will, soon.

But I have to say that was the most awkward thing I have ever done. At first he said yes, and when I started walking away, he asked me why. My mind went blank. I don't think I even made sense.

But thank you guys so much for your support. =]

 

[Alive again]

continuing to pray! hUgs!

 

[Meshavrischika]

Yes, so I asked my dad last night if I could see a phsychiatrist. He said yes. He'll look into it and stuff, so I will, soon.

But I have to say that was the most awkward thing I have ever done. At first he said yes, and when I started walking away, he asked me why. My mind went blank. I don't think I even made sense.

But thank you guys so much for your support. =]

Glad to hear they went for it. Don't feel weird. This is a part of you and while it can be really crappy, it can open worlds of creativity that normal people just don't have. I consider it as much a blessing as a curse. It's taken me a long time to become comfortable with who I am in this disease. Now I just tell people when it comes up. It's just as much part of me as diabetes, or high blood pressure, or needing glasses and I look at it the way I would those things (not that I have those things, but you KWIM). You took the BIGGEST step which is recognizing you need help. Alot of bipolars cannot do that. You're doing good!

 

[HoseaWife]

Umm. Hi again.

Well, I asked my mum again today if I was gonna see anyone, because I hadn't heard a word from it in a while, and she said dad was looking into it so I could see a phsycologist.
So I asked her the difference between a phsycologist and a phsychiatrist, and she told me a phsycologist is just someone to talk to so you can deal with some feelings or things in life, and a phsychiatrist is more for those people you already know are kinda crazy. I think I might end up seeing a phsycologist, not a phsychiatrist. I didn't have the heart to tell her I wanted to see a phsychiatrist - I don't think she thinks I'm crazy. I reckon she just thinks I'm a bit retarded.
I don't know what to say. I don't want to worry my parents too much.

So I understand that some of you here are mums. So my question is, would you be too worried if your kid asked you to see a phsychiatrist? How would you view it as?
Any advice for me?

Thank you. I'm just a bit desperate here.

 

[Lisa0315]

Umm. Hi again.

Well, I asked my mum again today if I was gonna see anyone, because I hadn't heard a word from it in a while, and she said dad was looking into it so I could see a phsycologist.
So I asked her the difference between a phsycologist and a phsychiatrist, and she told me a phsycologist is just someone to talk to so you can deal with some feelings or things in life, and a phsychiatrist is more for those people you already know are kinda crazy. I think I might end up seeing a phsycologist, not a phsychiatrist. I didn't have the heart to tell her I wanted to see a phsychiatrist - I don't think she thinks I'm crazy. I reckon she just thinks I'm a bit retarded.
I don't know what to say. I don't want to worry my parents too much.

So I understand that some of you here are mums. So my question is, would you be too worried if your kid asked you to see a phsychiatrist? How would you view it as?
Any advice for me?

Thank you. I'm just a bit desperate here.

Its a good start. The Psychologist will talk to you for several sessions, and if you are in the US, one of your parents will have to be there. Ths Psychologist will ask you about problems you are having and will assess you. It will likely take several sessions, but if he suspects (or if you tell him) that you are bipolar, he will test you. If you are indeed bipolar, then, HE will tell your parents and convince them that you have to see a psychiatrist instead of him/her. The reason is, a psychologist cannot prescribe medication. Bipolar is a chemical inbalance. It is not "crazy". It is just like having diabetes.

I promise, your parents may be a bit shocked initially, but once they understand that it is a disease just like any other, they will not think you are "crazy".

Chemical inbalances such as bipolar and depression are very misunderstood. You actually have to go through it before it is understood. Your doctors will help your parents to understand. It really will be okay and getting professional help will be a great first step towards controlling the disease.

Lisa