[Direction]

Some may have already seen this in the depression section...wanted to post here to get some input. Having thought that I have been suffering from depression and anxiety and possibly BPD...I'm starting to think it is more bipolar.

For me youll probably start to noticed the compass is fairly symbolic in many ways to me.

Recently I've been thinking about how my moods apply to a compass. North being normal - west being depressed and east being manic - south being mixed.

I sometimes switch from depress to manic through normal (north) and sometimes through mixed state (south) and vice versa.

Right now it gives me a moment of peace - it kind of starts to explain better how I feel.

Currently switched through mixed on to manic - which I thought was anxiety before - sometimes it was - other times I don't think so?

Though any thoughts would be appreciated.

I've been talking to my mom about my dad who she divorced when I was 12. I know at some point he was taking lithium and many behaviours are similiar those diagnosed as having bipolar. Anyway I asked if she saw any similarities in me. She simply indicated, "that I am like my father accept for the alcohol abuse."

I've sent her more information on bipolar and asked her to purchase a book. I've asked her to list off in what ways I am similiar. My hope is that this may give me a better diagnosis?

[darkeyes]

Hi there,
The best thing, like I stress to anyone who is in question, should be evaluated by a mental health professional and take it from there. There may be a chance you are Bipolar and then, maybe not, so rather then cause yourself unecessary angst, contact a psychologist or psychiatrist.
If it comes down to you needing a mood stabilizer and/or AD, to get stablized, the pdoc can start you on them.
There are more meds today than years ago for a pdoc to work with, and many so right on, when prescribed well, work so subtly, easing into a life of stabilization, and peace.
Give it a try, contact a mental health professional, talk with him or her about your concern and take it from there.
Please feel free to hang out here or visit any of PC's forums, there are a lot of supportive people here that can share their experiences,info and friendship.

[Direction]

I appreciate your post. I'm not really having unnecessary angst about it.

I have been seeing a p-doc for the last 2 1/2 years - unfortunately everytime I bring this up I feel I'm being ignored - he doesn't like labels. I haven't felt his treatment is working. I am currently on Anti-depresents and anti-anxiety medication

My children have been seeing a therapist who I've grown comfortable with. I meet him for me on Saturday and will meet him again in two weeks. My appointment with the new p-doc in the new clinic isn't until 5/7.

Anyway I know the therapist can't prescribe anything, although he thought a mood stabilzer might be better for me...so the wait is on.

As I try to make sense of all of this - I realize your caution about self-diagnosis. Right now I am concerned about being mis-diagnosed. I have provided a personal history through email to my therapist and asked him to pass it on to the p-doc. Hoping this will help a little in getting everyone up to speed so I can get a second opinion.

[darkeyes]

Okay, now I understand, forgive me if I had forgotten your mention that you are seeing a pdoc. I think you should see about getting a new pdoc, especially if he or she is ignoring you or not taking your concerns seriously.
Some pdocs are better listeners than others, I think some develop some pompous attitude and sadly, tune us out.
Oh man, I think my past family doctors did this for so long with my health complaints, took 7yrs to REALLY be heard, and it was by the physician's assistant, so I can see that some pdoc's aren't any different.
I send you good wishes for patience,healing, and postive outcome with this, we all know how frustrating this is, hang in there, and feel free to keep us updated.

((((((((( Direction ))))))))))

[WinterRose]

I really like your compass metaphor.

[Fuzzybear]

Great metaphor.... it "pulled" me over here....

[Direction]

Thanks for your thoughts on the compass...

I've meet with my new T for the second time. He has already given an intial diagnosis of bipoar. I still need to wait until 5/7 to see the new P-doc for medication changes.

Patience is not one of those strong points...

Wait...Wait...Wait. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!

In the mean time I'm going to try really hard to make sure I'm not making any big decisions and try to think really hard if I'm using sound judgement.