[Ssmith546]

Hi guys,

First time post here. I've struggled with mental health problems for about 5 years now. Depression and anxiety are a big big problem for me. About 4 or 5 times, I've had real intense episode of anxiety/agitation. It usually starts on a night and makes my depression a lot lot worse and can last for weeks until it gradually eases up. Here are the symptoms when i start to go through them:

-sudden onset of intense anxiety
- will wake up at 3am or if really bad, can't sleep at all
- brain feels weird. Feels numb
- struggle to get my breath
- really sensitive to things. Lot of things make me want to cry
- headaches
- appetite gone
-feel really needy and have to be round people i trust
-overwhelmed by everything
- some suicidal thoughts
- really bad anxiousness and restlessness, feel like pacing up and down and shaking or tapping.

I realise this could be anxiety attacks alongside the depression but i read somewhere that bipolar can exist without mania. The SSRI's I've been on as well have never really worked for me.

[raspberrytorte]

To me it sounds like really bad anxiety, but I'm not a doctor. Whatever it is, I hope you feel better soon! That sounds just awful. (((hugs)))

[Blue_Bird]

Mania or hypomania are needed for a Bipolar diagnosis. I'm not a doctor and can't diagnose you but I agree that it sounds like really bad anxiety. I hope you find relief soon

[cashart10]

I agree with the other two posters and none of us can diagnose you. I wanted to add though, during my biggest episode, I had no idea I was manic; I was hyper religious and believed everything I was experiencing was given by God. However, at the same time, I had such severe anxiety that I believed that demons were surrounding me. I had such severe anxiety that I experienced sometimes enchanting and always frightening disassociation. I had such severe anxiety that I felt I had no choice but to hit the floor, face down, no matter where I was, and beg God to take my fear. The fear I recognized. The anxiety and fear is what led me to seek help. It is most distressing and hardest to overcome for me. One does not always recognize the symptoms of Bipolar and one does not have to have elation to experience mania. Is there someone close to you who could discuss this with you? Often others notice changes in behavior before we do. Anyway, I am sorry you are struggling with this. It sounds terrible. I hope you find relief and a solution soon.

[BlackSheep79]

I'm as well not a doctor and cannot diagnose, but sounds like anxiety.