[sharkz666]

Hi ok so I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but I dont know where else to go or what else to do!!
I'm 17 (todays my birthday!) and I've never seen any sort of psychologist/psychotherapist ever so I dont have any sort of formal diagnoses for anything. I do think that I've been dealing with depression from the time I was around 13/14 and I've dealt with self harm since then. I've asked my parents to let me see someone and they've (reluctantly) agreed to let me but have never made any efforts to set up appointments or even talk to me.
I've been noticing more bipolar-type symptoms since around last march/april but I can remember feeling similar things earlier in my life? The biggest things that I noticed last spring were the classic few day/week/month cycles of depression and hypomania-like states and every once in a while an episode that I think could be classified as mania based on general web research.
Recently, however, I've started to notice more rapid cycling and it's becoming more hard to maintain the few friendships that I do have and finish schoolwork/apply to colleges/keep up with my job.
I've also have/had bouts of extreme paranoia and I'm almost always irritable. Both of those things are issues I've dealt with almost my whole life.
I'm really not sure what to do and am just looking for some advice I guess? Is it time that I need to start looking for help?? I'm worried that I'm just being silly and making all of this up but I'm also worried about this getting worse if I don't seek any treatment on my own.
Thanks for reading all of this and sorry in advance if this isn't the right place to post this!

First off happy birthday!! You seem like a very intelligent and self-aware person, so I wouldn't doubt your gut instincts here. Definitely get some help. The best thing you can do for yourself is to go to a doctor and tell them all of your symptoms then ask for a diagnosis. At least then you'll know what you're dealing with. Best of luck and take care!

[WibblyWobbly]

Happy birthday!! I suggest that you corner one of your parents, tell them you really feel like you need to see a psychiatrist and ask if you can sit down together and look for one online that takes your insurance. You should also track your symptoms on a calendar or in a journal so the doctor can understand your cycles.

I think you should also read up on Borderline Personality Disorder. It's very similar in that your moods are extreme and all over the place, but the mood swings tend to be a lot closer together than bipolar. The other thing is that one of the symptoms is paranoia, that's what really caught my eye.

Try not to get attached to one label before you are diagnosed. It can be hard to accept a surprising diagnosis. In the end the treatment for mood disorders is very similar and getting good help is all that matters.

[raspberrytorte]

I think getting help sooner rather than later is a good thing. I wish I would have. I didn't until my mid-twenties, after damage had already been done! Talk to your parents about it. Hopefully they will listen. Wish you well!

The good thing about being seventeen is that you are old enough to legally seek psychiatric treatment by yourself. Do you have transportation? I would call your insurance company and ask for referrals. Alternatively, make a GP appointment and ask them.
Of course, my first line of action would be to talk to your parents. Tell them what you told us here. Maybe if the hear how much you are struggling they would be less likely to brush if off. My parents (way back when) minimized all of my symptoms and behavior and I turned to self medicating with drugs and alcohol at a young age.
Good for you for being active in seeking help. You have so much life to live, and it will be soooo much better once you get yourself some help!!