Advice Needed Please

I'm new and suspect that I might be bipolar does anyone have any advice about the diagnosing process or how to deal with this or have any stories to share about when they were diagnosed? I want to go in patient because I'm feeling very unstable and depressed right now but have been up and down for about a year maybe more. I've done minimal amounts of research, actually a friend recommended that I seek help as I struggle and have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression as well. Any advice will help, I'm new to PC and am honestly scared about posting and being open. Anything will help, thanks.

Don't be scared about being open. People are very supportive here.

Since you haven't been diagnosed and are unstable - inpatient might be a great start for you. You'll get a probable diagnosis and started on meds plus groups to help you cope.

If not, see a psychiatrist.

Best of luck!

Don't be afraid to post or be open here! Were a welcoming bunch of folk. Are you seeing someone right now? A pdoc or therapist?

Welcome to PC. Everyone here is very friendly and supportive, so I hope you will feel comfortable to post.

I do see a pdoc and a therapist but honestly I don't like either very much, nor do I trust them enough to mention what's going on.

Its important that you trust your pdoc and your therapist. You have to be able to tell them anything or they aren't going to be able to help you. Can you find someone new ?

I would love to but I don't want to have to tell my parents why, they're nosey.

I'm sure your parents want you to have someone you can trust. Even someone you don't trust fully can help. They're professionals and can ease your mind and help you move on by giving you a diagnosis.

Your post brings back memories. Even though I knew "something just wasn't quite right with Sammy," I ignored my symptoms and cleaned up the damage left behind each episode adding a truckload of excuses, rationalizations, and false explanations as to why I'm not mentally ill. But when I was forced in to have a psychiatric evaluation - the results were great. I was given a treatment plan (meds & therapy) that immediately changed my life for the better.

Your friend's advice that you go into inpatient treatment is excellent! Sounds like you have an exceptionally valuable friend.

I would start by asking you pdoc what your DX. Then go to your therapist and ask her your DX. Then talk to t about it.

I always thought my highs and lows were normal and it wasn't really until a friend told me that I realized they weren't. I'm scared because I'm currently on vacation and am worried I might change my mind and decide not to get help after I get back. My friend told me that it's my decision but I wish she would force me or give me some kind of ultimatum, maybe then I wouldn't rethink it a million times like I have. I want to figure this out but that is just for now, my opinion changes as much as my mood, and often they work together. I know it's my choice and I have to really want it, that doesn't make it any easier.

When I have choices, I always make the hardest one first. What's the harm in just talking to a psychologist? They can't hospitalize you unless you're threatening harm to yourself or others. He/she might help ease your fears.

I'm sure that if you suspected you had cancer, that you'd get tested right away. If not, and it turned out that you did have cancer, it could cost you your life for failing to get a diagnosis and treatment. The same is true of bipolar disorder: it can be a life-threatening illness if left undiagnosed and untreated.