[happypandahh]

so for the past 4 years i have thought that i am bipolar. I used to cut myself a little last year but never actually was a "cutter." when i try talking to my mom about it she shuts me out and doesnt want to hear it. I have tried managing it on my own by journaling for the past two years and just enduring my moodswings. i have been doing pretty well but i still have my bad moments as i think everyone does. It gets in the way of relationships with my friends and is a problem when it comes to making major decisions. Is being undecisive common? I just wonder if i would feel better actually having a diagnosis and knowing if i am or not. I have also researched cyclothymia and think maybe i fall more into that category. I dont know. can anyone give me advice? it would be much appreciated.

[robw]

Well, like many have said in several other topics, it isn't exactly important to get an actual diagnosis. What is more important is getting meds to fix the symptoms. Sounds like you should deff. see a psychiatrist to get something to help out.

[PT52]

robw is right; and if you can't talk to your mom about, call your GP. That is a good place to start so that physical causes can be ruled out. Your GP can also prescribe meds and refer you to a psychiatrist and/or therapist. Good luck.

[blueoctober]

Welcome happypandahh. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 31, but have had symptoms since I was 8. My symptoms got progressively worse until I was committed to a Psychiatric Hospital because I was found attempting. Up until I was 31, I functioned quite well and explained away the depression as burn out. The depression I experienced at 31 lasted 3 months and it nearly killed me. Learn from my mistake and seek out help from a Psychiatrist. In my opinion the sooner the diagnosis and proper treatment the better.

I hope you find this site supportive.

[sugahorse1]

Bipolar can be hard to dx in teens, as there are a lot of hormones they are dealing with too. Only once hormones can be ruled out, can a pdoc really analyse the patient.
I think seeing a T would definitely be very beneficial to you, as you get to know yourself as an adolescent. A T will also be able to help you work out if it is necessary to introduce meds.
I hope you find some relief soon - we all deserve to be happy.

[RRU96]

I do agree that having a diagnosis isnt going to help things. But what you do need is to know that others have been where you are and understand where you are at. If you know that, then you wont need any justification of a diagnosis.

Like they say, just get in where you fit in. We don't need a label to know what group seems comfortable to us. You've stated you did your research. Continue to do so and find out where you feel right at. Do your best to get treatment. If one person wont listen, there are others that will.

Having a diagnosis wont make anything easier. It does give that peace of mind that someone finally agrees that there is something going on, "I'm not crazy"
That just has to bring you through the social stigma others place on those scary mental health words like "Bipolar" or "Mania" or "Psychosis"