[rosewood7]

Last year I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with depression. I was put on medication, which helped a little. I am now not taking any. I think it may be more than just depression. My moods are up and down all the time, I get upset very easily, I have angry outbursts that I feel I cannot control, I feel incredibility sad, sometimes for no reason, I cry often, and my moods are very extreme and can change suddenly. The worst part is, I have a wonderful husband who has to deal with me all the time. A lot of times I take my anger out on him, which he does not deserve at all. He is constantly having to console me during my down times. I honestly don't feel like I can control my outbursts and moods, and it scares me. I want to get this taken care of before we start a family. I can't imagine what kind of mom I would be if I didn't get this taken care of. I don't have insurance, so I have been putting off going to the doctor. Please tell me, does this sound like bipolar disorder?

[monkeybrains21]

Get a Pdoc or T and ask them. Be completely honest with them. Tell them what's going on and maybe they can help u. As far as I know I don't have bipolar. Few ppl have mentioned it so I read up on it and things are falling into place. Been seeing T for 3yrs she never mentioned bipolar. I see her Monday and I need to have a serious talk with her. If I do and a lot of stuff I do can be prevented then y is she holding back on proper treatment? I'm not an experiment. If she's treating me that way I need to know and I probably should be watched more closely.

[Trippin2.0]

Many things influence mood or cause notable mood shifts, mentrual cycles, thyroid imbalance, general hormonal imbalances too, those come to mind first, but I know there's more.

Bipolar is so much more than mood fluctuations, so if that is your only symptom I would have to say "no", even though I'm no professional.

I would speak to a GP if I were you, and have any and all medical issues ruled out, then take it from there...

[yagalada]

I would get bloodwork done first by a primary care physician. they can rule out physical problems that can contribute to mood swings. If you check out fine, go to a therapist and explain your symptoms. They can help you with coping skills to get through your mood swings. They can also refer you to psychiatrist if they think its something more serious.

Agree with the responses here. Another thing to watch out for is your long-term response to antidepressants. I have bipolar II disorder, and the thing that keyed my current psychiatrist into the condition is the fact that antidepressants (which helped my depression in the short-term) induced mania and hypomania in the long-run.

[jesusplay]

Originally Posted by yagalada

I would get bloodwork done first by a primary care physician. they can rule out physical problems that can contribute to mood swings. If you check out fine, go to a therapist and explain your symptoms. They can help you with coping skills to get through your mood swings. They can also refer you to psychiatrist if they think its something more serious.

such advice. so wise. such knowledge.