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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SeekingKnowledge 05/07/2007

Ok...I'm trying to figure stuff out about myself. I sit here and wonder if I might suffer from manic depression (bipolar disorder) or if it's just depression. There are times I feel really good/happy and other times I'm really down - which can be symptoms of bipolar?!? Honestly, I'm just trying to figure this all out. I don't know of this is situation or clinical, etc. I see my therapist on the 10th. I have so many questions, etc. to cram into a 45 minute session - so I'm trying to write notes, etc. of specific things I need to go over. But, I also know that this site is a great place to inquire - as everyone on here understand and can relate. As always, any info is appreciated. Thanks

deleted_user 05/07/2007

Try to see ups and downs as part of normal life. In manic depression they are more like times of high energy and low. One time your mind races and ideas come pouring out, at others you can't get out of the chair...see a professional!

deleted_user 05/07/2007

I wonder the same thing myself. I go from being on top of the world to being down in the dumps again all the time. Let me know what your therapist says.

deleted_user 05/07/2007

Please let us know how it goes with your therapist. I've wondered about the same thing, but my therapist says I'm just fine. I think she might be bi-polar.

BeckyK 05/07/2007

Talk to your therapist. He/she can give you a test to see if you are bipolar.

deleted_user 05/07/2007

my psychopharm diagnosed me as bipolar years ago, but i always blew it off because i honestly never saw any signs of the "highs" i always hear about. i've suffered from major recurrent depression for as long as i can remember. even my therapist had trouble with the diagnosis.

i've come to learn there are really varying degrees of BP. family history plays a part. past reactions to antidepressants sheds some light on it. there's no test for it. if you can, you need to talk to a clinical doctor that's trained and more informed than a regular therapist.

SeekingKnowledge 05/07/2007

Thanks for all your replies. I see a therapist and a pychiatrist. I think my psych has given up on me - which is discouraging. I know that finding the right med takes time - but I feel as though he's become impatient with me. I see my therapist on Weds. - and will ask her her thoughts on all of this.

I understand that I need to "fix" myself and that they are only there for guidance - but I wish my psych was a little more aggresive or just a tad more enthusiastic. I feel like because I'm honest in what's going on when I take the meds, he gets frustrated with me. We shall see what Weds. brings.

deleted_user 05/07/2007

If your doctor makes you feel uneasy with what you are telling him, it's time to get a new one sweetpea. I really feel whateever you have to say is important. Don't let him make you feel worse about yourself, he's there to help you understand yourself!

Also I think once we have depression, we tend to focus on all kinds of feelings and self-diagnosis. I don't know if that's good or not. Sometimes we can overthink things. All you can do is tell the doctors and hope they are able to give you correct diagnosis. My granddaughter has been misdiagnoised so many times it's unreal. I am just so cautious about that because of her I guess.

deleted_user 05/07/2007

Whatever happens, be cautious and educate yourself! I met with a new doc for 1 hour and automatically I was bipolar and put on meds that ended up making me feel worse!! I then had an almost break down and went to a new doc that took more time with me and together through counseling and finding the right meds I got better. The dynamics in my life have changed again and right now I am searching for more, I am meeting with my doc next week and hopefully can find out what is going on now. However to you - good luck and investigate everything you are unsure of!

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