Bipolar Disorder

[fmj2000]

Some friends have suggested bipolar may bethe reason I'm feeling like I do, but I'd like some confirmation or thoughts if possible, and whether or not I should act on it, or if I'm just overreacting.

I feel quite unhappy and down for no real reason that I know of. When I'm in this sort of mood I tend to not care about the consequences of what I do (example; I don't sleep, don't go into lectures at University even though I know its only going to make it harder in the long term, but I just don't care when feeling like this). I can't explain why I feel like this in any way - theres no real reason for me to be unhappy.

I also seem to swing between being unhappy or completely happy, never anything inbetween. I'm mostly happy when with people or friends, but I do occasionally go into the unhappy mood when with people as well.

The change between happy and unhappy is quick rapid, one minute I can be quite outgoing and content, and the next quite irritable and not really wanting to talk to anyone.

Theres never any feelings of wanting to self-harm or suicidal thoughts, but I just don't really see the point of anything when in an unhappy mood, so don't tend to bother doing anything and try and be alone.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[lindahand]

I bet your school offers some sort of free professional counselling. Mine did when I went. They can help you sort it out. And they will send you to a psychiatrist if they feel you need one. If you have a doctor's office on Campus that is a good place to start.

Without suicidal thoughts - it isn't bipolar according to the DSM IV which is how they diagnose bipolar. It is worth looking up the DSM IV bipolar criteria as it gives a complete listing (google will take you there).

There is something called cyclothymia which has more minor swings.

It is distressing you so it is worth talking to someone professional about it.  Don't be embarrassed to seek help. It really is worth the effort.

[ediebaby]

This sounds like a mild onset kind of thing. Has it just started happening recently? Because, depending on your age, it could be something psychological, relating to daunting future decisions, career options and the imminent onset of exams. This could be sending your head into a state of panic and rather than dealing with it sensibly and logically by knuckling down, you've gone the opposite way and switched off, avoiding the inevitable. This can seem quite frustrating because it causes a cycle of procrastination and panic, leading to this feeling of just not caring.

If you really are worried, or if it gets worse and the feeling of 'not caring' changes into something worse, or more sinister, then going to your doctor wouldn't be a bad thing. He would be able to help you diagnose whether you have bipolar or not and then would have the means to refer you to the appropriate medicine or counselling option.

[Alisonj29]

The only person that can diagnose you is a professional,. To me it doesnt sound like Bi-polar but almost depression. Please get in and get seen so you can get some answers and start to feel better. I am glad that you have no self harm thoughts. Good Luck