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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Diagnosis?

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,

For as long as I can remember I've suffered from symtoms that fit in with a diagnosis of bipolar. I went to my doctor about depression about 2 years ago and I just got a whole lecture about eating well, avoiding alcohol and exercise.

Things are getting to the point where I just can't cope anymore - I'm at university and it's really impacting on my grades because I have periods of weeks at a time when I can't function.

I want to get some sort of help but I don't know how to really express how I feel to my doctor and I'm worried that I just won't get taken seriously like before.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

K
deleted_user
deleted_user
see a psychiatrist.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm from England - we don't really have psychiatrists here that anyone can just see. You generaly have to get referred to a psych by your doctor or social services...
deleted_user
deleted_user
talk to doc again...and say you think he's been dismissive.
deleted_user
deleted_user
say you think you are bipolard and need a psychiatratrical assessment.

my head is mush shockingly quickly now.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've had to get referrals to see a psych as well. The last time I went in I was in the middle of a manic episode. The doctor gave me a referral.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Start a daily or hourly journal of your moods. It alone could help your doctor with a diagnosis. And helpm you in identifying your triggers.
beckyp
beckyp
There are some websites that have tests you can take to see what symptoms you have and then you can print it out and take it to your Dr. Just google Bipolar tests or something like that and you will find some. Journaling and a mood journal would be great, if you are truely bipolar you will have symptoms other than depression so you need to figure those out and write them down too. Otherwise the dr will just put you on antidepressants and that won't help.
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