Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Bi-Polar vs. Depression, how did you know what?

BFourtyTwo
BFourtyTwo
Basic question: How did you determine/find out you were bi-polar vs. having depression?

Then how do you get your doctor (who you have been working with for Depression for a long time) to switch to bi-polar meds/treatment?

I am at end of rope for treatment that does not work, I have been on various (seems like most/all main ones) depression meds for years and nothign seems to work. Seems to work for a bit, then just stops or doesnt help/go beyond a certain point.

Right now have TONS of stuff going on and some of the symtons (probabyl brought on by TONS of stuff going on) match more then before for bi-polar.

Seems like I may have that vs. just depression and want to get feedback from others to see what they went through in finding that out.
Community LeaderThePepperMan
ThePepperMan
That all depends on the help you need. Is it meds, is it therapy, is it a GOOD therapist, it is a proper diagnosis???
BFourtyTwo
BFourtyTwo
I have tried just about all Depression meds and nothing seems to work. I have been to Psycologists (many over the years and for long periods of time) and most tell me nothing they can do and/or cant find anything.

Again I do not want BP but I want to find out WHAT is WRONG, at this point I am pretty sure it is not just depression because I have been trying for YEARS with many types of therapy (pills, psycologist, excercise, etc) and some help sometimes but nothing seems to work.

If I at least know WHAT the issue is I can at least have some releaf knowing what is wrong, that is the biggest question that bugs me, what is wrong!! Then I can start proper treatment, a psycologist, drugs, anything, just as long as it it something that I can do to make it start working!
surferchica
surferchica
I'm bipolar 2. I have had several episodes of crippling depression starting at age 15. I didn't realize I was experiencing hypomanic episodes as well until I was 47 and under the care of a good pdoc.


It was liberating to be diagnosed. sort of like finding the missing puzzle puzzle piece.

Do you get irritable and anxious depressions, where you are angry and activated and don't sleep much? This could be a form of bipolar.

I will try to find a web site for you about it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
BFourty2, I said that but wasn't having a go at you : ) Was just hoping you do not have bp. The first step is to get a diagnosis. I really hope you don't have it. Hugs and best wishes : )
BFourtyTwo
BFourtyTwo
surferchica you said " finding the missing puzzle puzzle piece", and that is exactly like my life feels, everything should be goign great but just something is missing and I feel like if I find that one missing thing I can start living my life. Not expecting things to be awsome/great all of a sudden but just even knowing/finding that piece will have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

I have had feelings like this (depression/etc) for years, in milder cases as far back as I can remember, and larger when I started seeking help, probably 18+ years now going to different pdocs, psycologigs, doctors, many different pills for many different periods but nothing seems to work.

I did a search for the differences and a LOT describe me perfectly for BP especially more recently. I do not have the huge HIGHS, but I do have anxiety, staying up late, mind racing and a lot of other symtpons.

I have been to many pdocs, and have a Primary Care doc as well but for pdocs it seems I can never find the right one. What would the best way to go to find a good one?

Also any good links surferchica would be great, appreciate it.