Do I have Bipolar?

[peaches84]

Hi there
My names Laura and I am not sure, but I think I could have bipolar disorder. I was treated with depression for three years and also panic disorder-with agraphobia.
I came off cipralex as I thought I was better, but things have now taken a turn for the worse, I don't think I weened off properly. Anyhow, I have been having extreme scary thoughts, of harming myself, and others, also I have OCD also- I always have had it but it's been worse recently-if I don't do one thing something bad will happen etc...

I have been suffering with cronic insomnia, 2-3 hours, a night, and a nap in the day if I'm lucky. I feel constandly ****** up, like I want to scream, throw things, loss of appetitie, craving the need for alchol if I get down or, drugs (tho i've given up the use of drugs now) but I crave escapism. I'm frightened of the future, I see nothing going right, as literally everything has gone wrong, my best friend dying in a car crash was the first thing, then everything else went downhill from then. I feel constantly stressed, on edge, and the smallest thing will make me blow -i.e if my mum complains about something-mess for example, i'll literally blow off the handle. I have the feelings of wanting to hit those who upset me. I feel this niggling thought of stress and self harm and anxiousness, so desparate to feel normal again.... I don't know, if it's me coming off cipralex which is causing me to feel like this, or, my depresion has gotten worse.... I'm confused.. i've even chatted to the samaritans recently.. they're no help tho.

laura.x

[ILADVOCATE]

Generally mood stabilizers not anti-depressents are the right medication for bipolar. Anti-depressents alone can worsen mania in a person with bipolar. But a psychiatrist would have to make this diagnosis so the best thing to do is to see a psychiatrist and explain what's going on and that you have full moodswings not depression. They'll know how to help you. We have some good websites linked up for informational purposes that you could discuss with a psychiatrist.