Bipolar or...?

[Maddie_ms]

I am nearly positive I have bipolar disorder. I have close to every symptom I've ever seen for it. The problem is, I'm under 18, so I live with my parents and you know, and my mom doesn't like the idea of being tested for disorders and won't take me to be tested for it. At the same time, she won't believe me that it is a problem. She knows I have severe depression and anxiety, along with a past of self harm, minor insomnia, & anger issues. But she won't believe me on the bipolar. Help...?

[MrGinger]

Tread lightly in your endeavors be sure to do as much research about bi polar and other mental disorders before jumping to the conclusion that you have one. I say this simply because many people have mood swings or experience spurts of depression, this does not mean that you are bi polar. It is a very difficult illness that carries with it some very serious implications... If misdiagnosed there could be a great deal of medications prescribed ill side effects and no better result.
Bi polar can be truly diagnosed by having periods of mania and of depression that can and generally do lead to periods of psychosis. There are mood disorders anxiety disorders and many symptoms that can be confused for bi polar . I don't mean to sound skeptical or critical I simply want to highlight the importance of research and education on the subject. It's not a bad idea to see a psychotherapist . They are educated on the subject and can shed more light on it as well.
You are young still and I know being told that tends to inspire an eye roll I'm relatively young still in my 20s and can remember my first episode/ psychotic break. It occurred at 16 and simply felt like an awe full dream. Behavior severely out of character days upon days of no sleep delusions and yeah it sucked. I was misdiagnosed several times. I too had a difficult mom and know how difficult frustrating and further depressing that situation can be. The best way to combat that situation is by truly doing the research and presenting your findings to your parent in a non combative forum.
I hope this helps feel free to hit me with any questions or clarification. And pls remember that no matter your circumstance or mental status you are cared about and you have worth suicide is not an option specially with a community like this one and resources all over the place .... Good luck and keep your head up

[Bubulous]

Some people say that everyone is a little bipolar...
Although, yes, everyone has the same feelings and emotions that a person with bipolar has; not everyone is bipolar.  Like Crystal said there is no test for bipolar and many people who do not know fully the conditions that lead to the diagnosis, a lot of people want to diagnose themselves.
I do not know if you are or are not bipolar and you very well may be but just like with Schizophrenia, a lot of people with bipolar do not realize they have it until they are diagnosed with it.
The main thing is that you take care and search every available avenue in order to get some help.  Your symptoms need to be treated in order to rule out other diagnosis before you can determine if you have a serious mental illness like bipolar.  Some people have chronic depression and anxiety.  Some people have stress disorders that can cause a lot of the same symptoms as bipolar.
Although I cannot make a diagnosis because I am not a dr, I would like to know more about you to see if I or the community may be of some support.  You will find a wealth of knowledge among the members here.

[Crystal413]

It could be your hormones. See if your my will take you to a gynecologist or family dr. Have you seen anyone for the depression and self harm? You could talk to your guidance counselor too. If there helpful to you than maybe they could talk to your mom. There is no test for Bipolar. They just ask you a lot of questions to get to know you and your history. Keeping a journal of your moods and feelings is really helpful for you and the dr. I wish you well.