My therapist is sure that I have bipolar disorder and wants me to see a psychiatrist. My husband says he is "100% sure" that I have bipolar disorder. I know that there is something wrong me with me, but I'm not sure it's bipolar disorder. I'm afraid I'll see the psychiatrist and he'll put me on meds that I don't need. How can I ever know for sure that I really have bipolar disorder? I feel like if I were just a better/stronger person, I could control my mood swings. It's hard for me to admit that I can't control it. I just feel scared. I know I have to change, though, because my moods are ruining my life. I alternate between severe depression and doing ridiculously stupid things (like quitting my job, spending too much money, moving to a foreign country,etc.)

[~Christina]

Sorry you are having a tough time. Keep in mind you can see a psychiatrist and you can't be forced to take medications there are many ways to treat bipolar. Therapy is very helpful for people with Bipolar. If you feel your moods are ruining your life , you need to at least look into options.

I wish you luck and welcome to Pc

[hester91]

Originally Posted by zoba

My therapist is sure that I have bipolar disorder and wants me to see a psychiatrist. My husband says he is "100% sure" that I have bipolar disorder. I know that there is something wrong me with me, but I'm not sure it's bipolar disorder. I'm afraid I'll see the psychiatrist and he'll put me on meds that I don't need. How can I ever know for sure that I really have bipolar disorder? I feel like if I were just a better/stronger person, I could control my mood swings. It's hard for me to admit that I can't control it. I just feel scared. I know I have to change, though, because my moods are ruining my life. I alternate between severe depression and doing ridiculously stupid things (like quitting my job, spending too much money, moving to a foreign country,etc.)

If you trust your gut that there is something wrong with you. If you trust your husband and therapist it might be a good idea to see a psychiatrist. Suffering from bipolar disorder is exhausting. It says nothing about strength of character, intelligence...its a medical disorder that you have no control over. I fought the idea that I was bipolar for years. I was above all of that. I didnt need to be tethered to any pills. I was so stubborn especially when I was manic. The high end of the mood swings were GREAT, LOVED em. (feeling so energized that i didnt need to sleep and id forget to eat) The low ends were devestating, though. (I couldnt get out of bed, I couldnt stop crying). OH! The racing thoughts were the absolute worst. I could not see how skewed my thoughts were.

I'd get stable on my meds for awhile so I thought "I can take it from here", I dont need the pills." And the vicious cycle would start all over again. It affected every area of my life, especially my husband and kids.

Read the DSM IV for the crieteria of bipolar disorder. There is also a good book, An unquiet Mind by Kaye Redfield. Dont be scared. Go see your doctor. Take good care of yourself. Wishing you the very best.