Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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I have been suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and actions for years. My aunty and cousin (different families) have both been diagnosed with bipolar in the last 6 months. We all have very similar symptoms and a friend of mine has told me that this may be whats wrong with me i went to my doc to ask for help but he wouldnt listen at all. He has had me on many different forms of medication anti depress (have tried 7 different sorts none of which seem to help), valium, murelax, tramol, pan forte etc many of which i became highly addicted to i have been of them for over 2 months now but am strugglin. I just want to get better i want to know whats wrong with me. Can anyone please tell me how i know if it is bipolar, how do i get help?
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I thin keeping the mood chart and taking it with you can help show a pattern.
If your current doc is a medical doctor (Mdoc), ask him to please refer you to a therapist who deals with depression and bipolar. It can be challenging without insurance. In my town there is a service for low income or no insurance for mental health issues. Ask to be referred to one if it exists. Our is slow and overburdened but once I got into it, was very helpful. I found the Pdoc slow and reluctant to prescribe for me. After 3 visits he finally agreed to my Bipolar diagnosis (DX) and prescribed meds.
Your answers to help him about your medical history help him to prescribe meds to help. The meds can take time to help bu they do and that is the hope you have to work towards.
I am sorry it can seem like a forever process but its success depends a lot on you to keep trying. Obviously your abuse history will play into it. Try to be sincere that you won't do it again.
There are lots of places online to get objective information about bipolar and depression. I use WebMD a lot. We can tell you about our experiences but since it isn't something like a blood test to detect it, it can take time and be frustrating.
Hang on and post new questions here or in the discussion group or message us individually.
You have shown great courage to reach out here. Let me know if I can answer your questions. I am sorry for teh loss of your brother. This plays too into the mix and makes your struggle to understand harder. I glad you have joined a community for help with this.
You can find some answers here. On the left side it has links to find symptoms etc.
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-overview-facts
For Depression go here.
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-overview-facts
Read a little and ask one of to help with your questions.
Basically depression can be a separate issue. It is usually a part of being Bipolar. Bipolar often cycle between depression and manic phases but not always. Hope you can see why it is not easy to answer your question without lots more questions.
Good luck
http://www.healthyplace.com//communities/Bipolar/mood_chart_blank.pdf
Good Luck,