I'm not sure...

[LivingforGod13]

well... see I know someone who has bi-polar... and like he thinks I have bi-polar... I know I have depression... but I'm not sure... and like it's something I want to know so how do you know when you have bi-polar?
and... my parents don't know about it but I'm not sure how they'll react... and I'm not sure if I should just like not tell them cause it doesn't seem to be a super serious case of depression (possibly bi-polar)

 

[lemonflavor]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

The only way to really know if you are bipolar is to see a psychiatrist and see if they diagnose you with bipolar disorder. (Spelled bipolar)

 

[Alaskamomma]

What makes you think you have bipolar? What symptons do you have?

I am with lemonflavor on this one... you need to be seen by a psychatrist in order to get an accurate diagnosis. However, I was seen by 4 different dr's in the last 10 years and each one of them missed it. It wasn't till I was hospitalized that I finally got the diagnosis.

FOr your sake...I hope you do not have it.

 

[lemonflavor]

Good point Am. I was undiagnosed/misdiagnosed for 9 years. Be sure to tell your doctor everything. Don't tell them what you think your diagnosis is, just everything you experience. They should ask the right questions and more doctors seem to be aware of bipolar disorder.

 

[angelkiss]

You really need to talk to a professional in order to get a proper diagnosis. Some people have some of the symptoms of bipolar, yet are not. The symptoms are very similar to other illnesses, therefore making it a longer process in getting the right diagnosis. A good therapist isn't gonna talk to ya for 15 minutes and then have an answer right away. The process takes time.
s and es!!

 

[OneOfHisOwn]

You really need to talk to a professional in order to get a proper diagnosis. Some people have some of the symptoms of bipolar, yet are not. The symptoms are very similar to other illnesses, therefore making it a longer process in getting the right diagnosis. A good therapist isn't gonna talk to ya for 15 minutes and then have an answer right away. The process takes time.
s and es!!

I second the advice of angelkiss.
You might want to take a look at the permanent thread here if you haven't already.

http://www.christianforums.com/t2565317-bipolar-what-is-it.html

 

[Mskedi]

Yep -- only a professional can help you there.

If you're functional, though, I doubt it's anything to get too worried about. You yourself said it wasn't too bad.

 

[LivingforGod13]

ok thanks guys....

 

[Alive again]

I agree you need to see a professional, but do know that bipolar is a progressive disease untreated and newer research is showing a neuroprotective and possible a neuro regenerative effect from proper diagnosis and treatment, so delay can be allow progression if you have bp. If you have depression alone, you should still seek professional treatment and counseling, so do not hesitate to talk to someone who can help!!!

 

[OneOfHisOwn]

I agree you need to see a professional, but do know that bipolar is a progressive disease untreated and newer research is showing a neuroprotective and possible a neuro regenerative effect from proper diagnosis and treatment, so delay can be allow progression if you have bp. If you have depression alone, you should still seek professional treatment and counseling, so do not hesitate to talk to someone who can help!!!

I agree with Alive again. If only I had been diagnosed sooner. (20 years waiting). The damage done I sometimes feel is not reparable in this life - at least that is how I feel. Do followup with a good psychiatrist - just to make sure.