I think I have Bipolar Disorder for 4 years and just realize it now. What should I do?

I think I have Bipolar Disorder for 4 years and just realize it now. What should I do?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Definitely go see a psychiatrist. S/he will help you determine if your mood swings are a “normal” part of growing up or bipolar. If you are bipolar, there are a lot of ways you can be stabilized and balanced but it should be treated. A counselor at your college can help you find a referral.
by

Related questions

Could I ask you guys your experiences with medication on bipolar/depression?

Description : Could I ask you guys your experiences with medication on bipolar/depression?

Last Answer : I had the same reaction to Lamictal and when I started Abilify I gained weight like crazy. I finally had to tell my doctor that we needed to try something else. I'm now taking Ativan and Neurontin. ... it seems to be working. All I can suggest is asking your doctor to try something else. Good luck!

Abilify for treating bipolar?

Description : Abilify for treating bipolar?

Last Answer : sorry, I’ve only ever taken Lithium, Lamictal, Seroquel and Zyprexa for bipolar. Good luck!

Is learned helplessness a real disorder?

Description : Is learned helplessness a real disorder?

Last Answer : I don’t know if it is a disorder or more of a way of thinking or interacting with the world. I feel that feeling often, when I am depressed. It is a hopeless self defeating cycle. And its best to learn a way out of it. By therapy.

Which disorder needs to be taken up into the DSM 5?

Description : Which disorder needs to be taken up into the DSM 5?

Last Answer : Well, addiction to Fluther, obviously.

Do people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who hoard things also hoard disk space?

Description : Do people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who hoard things also hoard disk space?

Last Answer : i would have to say yes. some people like to cling to old random things because of the memories etc etc i used to save stupid pictures to my computer and then never delete them just because i still ... it as much nowadays. i'm much better than my sister at least that girl is absolutely ridiculous.

Which, if any, of the atypical antipsychotic medications are now available in the U.S. in generic form?

Description : Which, if any, of the atypical antipsychotic medications are now available in the U.S. in generic form?

Last Answer : I am not a doctor or a pharmacists nor do a play one on TV, but I can safely say that Abilify is not available in generic and won’t be for about another 10 years.

What do you think of the following opinion about people imagining things (like, in the case of an illness)?

Description : What do you think of the following opinion about people imagining things (like, in the case of an illness)?

Last Answer : Please rewrite your question. You seem to have imagined it as coherent while all you dd was talk around a mental illness without stating how it presents or how it impairs people.

Is anyone familiar with the perscription Pristiq? If so, what do you think about it?

Description : Is anyone familiar with the perscription Pristiq? If so, what do you think about it?

Last Answer : Pristiq is desvenlafaxine. It's a patent extender for venlafaxine, also known as effexor. Everyone is unique and you should likely go with what your psychiatrist says. However, in my personal experience, ... . There is no evidence that it is better than other (much more affordable) anti-depressants.

Do you tell someone who's mentally ill that they're mentally ill?

Description : Do you tell someone who's mentally ill that they're mentally ill?

Last Answer : No. They probably already know. I finally do set boundaries now. Before I judge someone I try to check if my assertions come from being too judgemental. I would however like to be given a choice to fix my ... them, too F off, on a chat room. They called the cops on me and my life fell apart.

What is a good medication, or treatment, for anxiety attacks?

Description : What is a good medication, or treatment, for anxiety attacks?

Last Answer : Caffeine will only make it worse. What about Vodka.

Is surviving lots of crap the same as having life experience?

Description : Is surviving lots of crap the same as having life experience?

Last Answer : They are definitely life experiences. I'm not sure how you are defining life experience . Everyone is different, so their survival of crap will help them through life in different ways. A lot of people ... to be counselors. Many tend to have developed a strong sense of empathy which is a big plus.

Is schizophrenia a person's attempt to resolve an existential dilemma?

Description : Is schizophrenia a person's attempt to resolve an existential dilemma?

Last Answer : answer:Sounds like you have been reading literature from Scientologists. Medicine has demonstrated chemical imbalances that have affected brain processing. To deny medication to someone suffering from delusions is cruel and heartless. The resolution of existential dilemma often leads to suicide.

What should I ask my psychiatrist?

Description : What should I ask my psychiatrist?

Last Answer : answer:First I'd ask him why only five minutes? Then I'd ask him briefs, or boxers ? Then I'd ask him why no free pickled pig ears in the lobby ? I mean, we've only got five min ... word to make sure you understand their comments. Then, and only then, ask them to explain further. Rinse and repeat.

Medication withdrawals?

Description : Medication withdrawals?

Last Answer : Hi, @rory; Titrating yourself off of two long-term medications simultaneously – especially without the guidance of a physician – is potentially dangerous. I strongly recommend that you contact your prescribing physicians regarding the care and treatment options for your conditions.

Why hasn't Lucy from the Charlie Brown cartoons ever been busted for not having a medical licence?

Description : Why hasn't Lucy from the Charlie Brown cartoons ever been busted for not having a medical licence?

Last Answer : Man, I’d love to see Charles just kick her fuckin head right off.

How can I prepare to take a forensic psychiatric exam?

Description : How can I prepare to take a forensic psychiatric exam?

Last Answer : You would answer them honestly then? If you were sane?

How would one explain astral projection to a medical doctor?

Description : How would one explain astral projection to a medical doctor?

Last Answer : answer:My first thoughts are that one would not. A medical doctor of the western traditions is trained to not accept astral projection as a logical devise. They will assess hallucinations, chemical ... want is the second, then you need to do more research outside the mainstream medicine world.

How should I handle my depression?

Description : How should I handle my depression?

Last Answer : Relax and take a deep breath. Then do it again. I’m serious.

Are "expert" witnesses ever held responsible?

Description : Are "expert" witnesses ever held responsible?

Last Answer : Your question made me think of this recent case in Canada. He was relieved of his medical licence last year. Doesn’t look like he got any jail time, though.

Can someone who went on a shooting spree let's say, refuse psychotherapy and still get out of the mental institution?

Description : Can someone who went on a shooting spree let's say, refuse psychotherapy and still get out of the mental institution?

Last Answer : Are you referring to Michael Meyers?

Are there any statistics available showing the percentage of patients who are prescribed anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medications during or after substance abuse rehab programs?

Description : Are there any statistics available showing the percentage of patients who are prescribed anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medications during or after substance abuse rehab programs?

Last Answer : I couldn’t find those statistics, but I imagine it is quite high, because so many people in substance abuse programs are self-medicating with their drug of choice for underlying depression.

What physics do medical doctors use?

Description : What physics do medical doctors use?

Last Answer : I wouldn’t want a surgeon operating on me if I knew he didn’t know anything about physics.

For those who have taken Lexapro, did you feel apathetic?

Description : For those who have taken Lexapro, did you feel apathetic?

Last Answer : I didn’t feel apathy, I felt exhaustion. It never seemed to go away, even on a very low dose. All I wanted to do was sleep and eat.

From what reference did Dungeons and Dragons use to describe ability score loss to zero in wisdom and charisma?

Description : From what reference did Dungeons and Dragons use to describe ability score loss to zero in wisdom and charisma?

Last Answer : I know that some games consider Charisma to reflect ones ability to deal with the outside world. As for Wisdom, it is your ability to make sense of the world, and a little bit of your ability to exert your willpower; without it, you cannot control even your own mind.

Any women on here carried a healthy baby to term while on lamictal?

Description : Any women on here carried a healthy baby to term while on lamictal?

Last Answer : I wouldn’t take lamictal while pregnant. It almost killed me when I wasn’t and it turned me purple for 2 weeks. I’m sure that doesn’t help you much but that drug is way scary.

Is the medicine Buspar considered an older anxiety medication?

Description : Is the medicine Buspar considered an older anxiety medication?

Last Answer : I took Buspar for a while as treatment for pheochromocytoma, but had to discontinue because I experienced hallucinations. Pheo’s cause the patient to be clinically hyperadrenal, thus the anxiety. I was later moved on to something far more insidious; Effexor.

Where can I find information on schizophrenia?

Description : Where can I find information on schizophrenia?

Last Answer : http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm

Does anyone here have any experience with Celexa or Lexapro?

Description : Does anyone here have any experience with Celexa or Lexapro?

Last Answer : My wife started celexa a few days ago. So far, if anything, it seems to make her more depressed. But a few days is not really enough time to see. She hasn’t spoken of any other side effects so far.

Where do you turn for support when friends and family can't/won't be supportive?

Description : Where do you turn for support when friends and family can't/won't be supportive?

Last Answer : answer:I guess it depends on the situation. If it's something that can be helped just by talking about it, Fluther is a great place (if it's you that you're referring to here - I know you have made ... outlet. Really, if you need to talk about something, just let us know. I hope you're doing okay.

Do psychiatrists actually help?

Description : Do psychiatrists actually help?

Last Answer : answer:Without a specific mental disorder requiring medication, I might be inclined to see a therapist rather than a psychiatrist. But yes, they do help.

How much annually does a Mental Practitioner make?

Description : How much annually does a Mental Practitioner make?

Last Answer : It depends a ton on what kind of practitioner they are, what licensing they have, what concentration they have, what special skill they bring to the table, how long they've been practicing, etc. ... in EMDR or brainspotting than for not, stuff like that. Usually, they are at least comfortable.

Should I restrain myself from causing physical harm to my psychiatrist today?

Description : Should I restrain myself from causing physical harm to my psychiatrist today?

Last Answer : Why? Details, please…

If you were taken in to a psychiatric institution whom would they say you were impersonating?

Description : If you were taken in to a psychiatric institution whom would they say you were impersonating?

Last Answer : Brian Shaw, PhD (Author of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression) or Maimonides a famous rabbi, physician and philosopher.

What drug could most benefit my trouble with commitment?

Description : What drug could most benefit my trouble with commitment?

Last Answer : What you describe is not any type of disorder which can be treated with psychoactive drugs. It is a maladaptive behavior which can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Any attempt to try to avoid the work associated with therapy is doomed to failure. Sorry.

Is it a common occurence in the USA (as depicted in movies) for ordinary middle class people to have a shrink they visit regularly?

Description : Is it a common occurence in the USA (as depicted in movies) for ordinary middle class people to have a shrink they visit regularly?

Last Answer : I don’t know of many,but there are alot I’d like to send to one ;)

Is it possible to pinpoint and fix your own problems w/out shrinks?

Description : Is it possible to pinpoint and fix your own problems w/out shrinks?

Last Answer : I’ve been to clinics on several occasions. The only role the psychiatrist would play is sort of a backboard which I would bounce ideas off of. They don’t pinpoint or fix your problems, they more just guide you.

Hollywood area doctors?

Description : Hollywood area doctors?

Last Answer : Try using this website to find a doctor in the area. (Note: I have no affiliation with that company). It does however list the people who specialize in psychiatry and their insurance compatibility. Best of luck.

Do you know what this medical condition is called?

Description : Do you know what this medical condition is called?

Last Answer : This doesn’t answer your medical question but those people who sincerely believe “this” is God’s will and it’s for a reason, accept it and accept it peacefully. It’s not a medical condition in this case.

What are the differences between the NYC-based psychoanalytic institutes?

Description : What are the differences between the NYC-based psychoanalytic institutes?

Last Answer : Call one of them and ask to speak to someone about the differences. They’ll probably be delighted to explain why theirs is the really good one. Then call the others and listen to them too.

Can anyone give me any advice on mood stabilizers?

Description : Can anyone give me any advice on mood stabilizers?

Last Answer : Are you just taking Topamax for bipolar? I have never heard of just taking it alone. Usually there is another medication along side of it. You really need to talk to your psychiatrist. Do not up your ... . This is for bipolar. I'm guessing that's what you're talking about, because of your tags.

Experiences with Cymbalta?

Description : Experiences with Cymbalta?

Last Answer : I took Cymbalta for chronic nerve pain and I hated it. I experienced a lot of side effects (which I'm prone to anyway). I felt fuzzy most of the time, like my brain was swimming in my head. I ... those feelings just wouldn't go away. Good luck to you, I've heard it works wonders for some people.

I'm looking for some information and/or an opinion reguarding PTSD and medications that control the physical aspects from PTSD?

Description : I'm looking for some information and/or an opinion reguarding PTSD and medications that control the physical aspects from PTSD?

Last Answer : http://www.ptsdsupport.net/ptsd_medication.html I would recommend searching online for basic information and then asking your health care professional about your concerns.

Is it hard for you to apologize? How do you do it? Are people usually kind enough to accept?

Description : Is it hard for you to apologize? How do you do it? Are people usually kind enough to accept?

Last Answer : answer:It's important to apologise when you regret your actions or you're sorry for the impact of your actions. Other times you may want to apologise for mis-perception or the greater good . I try to apply ... comes at the right time ..in the heat of the moment, people aren't always ready for it.

Does anyone use or have experience using adderall which is now used off label for bipolar disorder?

Description : Does anyone use or have experience using adderall which is now used off label for bipolar disorder?

Last Answer : answer:I haven't, but I know people who have. I think it's like any other drug regimen. All of our bodies respond to the different drugs in different ways. We are experimenting to see if there is a ... so, unless the side effects are horrible, it's good to hang with it for a while. Good luck!

Does anyone have experience with bipolar disorder?

Description : Does anyone have experience with bipolar disorder?

Last Answer : I've experienced 1st and 2nd hand relationships with bipolar people. My ex took some different medications for it and ended up having some pretty severe effects which don't sound at all like ... to the paranoia than the bipolar, I would say) keeping supportive friends was challenging. Best wishes!

Who has experiance with Bipolar disorder and Merena IUD?

Description : Who has experiance with Bipolar disorder and Merena IUD?

Last Answer : I’m very sorry I cannot help you but I wish you every success in finding a solution to your problem, it sounds like you are grappling with some big decisions.

Bipolar disorder: What clues you in to the difference between legitimate fear/paranoia and symptomatic or imagined attacks?

Description : Bipolar disorder: What clues you in to the difference between legitimate fear/paranoia and symptomatic or imagined attacks?

Last Answer : answer:In my personal experience with bipolar disorder, I can't readily tell the difference until afterwards. That's the problem. I can't recognize the unreasonable, delusional fears from the legitimate ones. ( ... and one mood stabilizer. It all works to keep me on an even keel, more or less.

Does this sound like bipolar disorder or is it my depression?

Description : Does this sound like bipolar disorder or is it my depression?

Last Answer : It's not easy to say, but my gut says, probably depression. Bipolar can have irritability as a symptom, but depression makes people irritable as well. I'd be more suspicious of bipolar if you ... and how it led you to do destructive things because you had trouble connecting with your human limits.

Bipolar disorder or plain evil?

Description : Bipolar disorder or plain evil?

Last Answer : False alternative. What’s wrong with Bipolar AND evil?

Question for those familiar with Bipolar Disorder?

Description : Question for those familiar with Bipolar Disorder?

Last Answer : I haven’t been through the rapid cycling, but I am bipolar. I posted a long answer here to something similar to this. I hate to just point you to the answer to another question on here, but it really is what works for me.