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.

21,957 Members
159,554 Posts
6 Online
Mental Health
/ Depression Support Group

DEPRESSSION OR BIPOLAR?

deleted_user
deleted_user
was wondering if anyone can help me. i have had depression since i was 13 but not diagnosed until i was in my early 20,s. have been treated on and off over the yrs for this but have never some how felt quite right in myself. have been on many different kinds of medication and have had 6 suicide attempts the 1st being when i was 13. however last night i came across a site that explained about bipolar and i think that i have misdiagnosed for all these yrs.
is there anyone out there that can relate to what im saying or help me figure out which ailment it is i have as im confused now.

thanx

x
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thank you for asking purple...I have wondered the same thing.....
Testycatlady
Testycatlady
I went around with just a diagnosis of depression or unipolar illness for three years before my Dr. witnessed me go into a manic phase. It is really hard to spot sometimes. If you are uncertain ask your doctor to track your moods on a two week cycle for at least a year. Only then will you be sure if its regular depression or bipolar illness.
deleted_user
deleted_user
What a lovely name~ PurpleOrchid...I wish I could be of more service, but it sounds like you need to go to wherever you can get credible medical evaluations. Sometimes things change as we grow older and also our brains continue to grown until age 30 so it could be that there's been a "shift" of sorts. Sorry I can't be of greater help.
Hope you get the answer you need and deserve.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I also have been wondering the same thing, in the uK my doctor thought i was Bipolar but 5 minutes in the Psychiatrists office and the guy said no no your not. Im pretty sure it takes longer than that.

My advice, seek a second opinion.
deleted_user
deleted_user
well it would seem that i have all the classic symptoms of bipolar but have always been treated for depression. is it possible for the doctors and psychologist to miss this???
Testycatlady
Testycatlady
purpleorc...
Yes it is possible for Dr.'s to miss things.
rubyblue
rubyblue
I was diagnosed with uniploar depression 18 years ago. Although predominantly depressed, I did suffer short periods of hypomania. Once my AD's were increased, I went into,and still am in, a full hypomanic episode. Bipolar 2 is often misdiagnosed with depression. BUT the only way to find out is to talk to your doc, cos there are ups and downs in unipolar depression, and the extremes in bipolar are pretty visible
deleted_user
deleted_user
thank u for the compliment about my name curly girl choose it as my fav colour is purple and my fav flower is an orchid lol.well i am afraid to go to the doc incase he thinks im seeking the wrong attention. but the meds i have been put on over the yrs never seem to work for very long.x
deleted_user
deleted_user
ok so what is the difference between unibipolar and bipolar then? really confused now lol.x
rubyblue
rubyblue
Go on the bipolar site here, as many ppl there are very helpful and you can maybe explain how you are feeling. Again though, only a pdoc can give you a dx of BP
deleted_user
deleted_user
ok thank u ruby will try that.x
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • irishwriter

    come unwind in the bp lounge

    Posted by: irishwriter
    Last Reply: kisses2016
    7992
    theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
  • Rizen

    Walk a Day

    Posted by: Rizen
    Last Reply: Secouya
    2629
    I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...