[nokcomputer]

I've wondered for a long time whether I just have depression or something more, but it's mostly on reflection. There's no doubt about my depression whatsoever, but I wonder whether some of my behaviour has been 'stability' or something else. Generally when I'm stable I can’t really escape thoughts of anxiety, people reading my thoughts, following and watching me etc. But there's been times in my past where for a few weeks everything becomes heightened like I’m on a 24/7 caffeine boost or shot with adrenaline, for lack of a better way of phrasing. However, I don’t really want to bring anything up in case I seem attention seeking, and I would never self-diagnose. Idk. Sorry if this isn’t the place but I’d just like some advice.

[Skeezyks]

Hello nokcomputer: I see this is your first post. So... the Skeezyks welcomes you to PsychCentral!

Well... I've never actually been given a diagnosis, although I've seen a number of psychiatrists & therapists over the years. Like you, there is little doubt about my depression. However, for me, generalized anxiety is actually a bigger problem nowadays than is depression.

A few years ago now, when I was hospitalized the psychiatrist who treated me thought that I might be Bipolar. But that was just her take on my situation based on what occasional contact she had with me over the course a couple of weeks. In the end, the only difference it made was that she put me on Abilify rather than another SNRI. (It didn't seem to make any difference.)

Personally, I wouldn't think that your raising the possibility of being Bipolar would cause whatever mental health professional you're seeing to label you as attention-seeking. You raise an interesting point regarding your past experiences. The question, in my mind, would be whether or not it would really make any difference in terms of the treatment you would receive. In my case it did not. But perhaps you would have a different experience. From my perspective, it's worth mentioning; if for no other reason than because it is on your mind. Good luck!

[Mountainbard]

Welcome to the Psych Central community, nokcomputer. From what you've described it sounds like there is more going on than depression. For a definitive answer I'd recommend you see a psychiatrist. Therapists (at least in the US) are not really trained to diagnose.

[nokcomputer]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

Hello nokcomputer: I see this is your first post. So... the Skeezyks welcomes you to PsychCentral!

Well... I've never actually been given a diagnosis, although I've seen a number of psychiatrists & therapists over the years. Like you, there is little doubt about my depression. However, for me, generalized anxiety is actually a bigger problem nowadays than is depression.

A few years ago now, when I was hospitalized the psychiatrist who treated me thought that I might be Bipolar. But that was just her take on my situation based on what occasional contact she had with me over the course a couple of weeks. In the end, the only difference it made was that she put me on Abilify rather than another SNRI. (It didn't seem to make any difference.)

Personally, I wouldn't think that your raising the possibility of being Bipolar would cause whatever mental health professional you're seeing to label you as attention-seeking. You raise an interesting point regarding your past experiences. The question, in my mind, would be whether or not it would really make any difference in terms of the treatment you would receive. In my case it did not. But perhaps you would have a different experience. From my perspective, it's worth mentioning; if for no other reason than because it is on your mind. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice I suppose it's better for me to at least mention it than letting it go on, whatever it is

[nokcomputer]

Originally Posted by Mountainbard

Welcome to the Psych Central community, nokcomputer. From what you've described it sounds like there is more going on than depression. For a definitive answer I'd recommend you see a psychiatrist. Therapists (at least in the US) are not really trained to diagnose.

Thanks. I think I'll bring it up in my next meeting and see where it goes from there

[Nix]

welcome, and i think it's a good idea to ask if you are wondering about what's going on with you.

[fishin fool]

Sounds like more than just depression. I think you are doing the right thing
by bringing it up to your therapist.

[nokcomputer]

My replies didn't post, but thanks for the advice. I think I'll try to bring it up even though I know it'll be uncomfortable as hell.