Diagnosis

I have a few questions for those of you who were diagnosed with BD.

What state where you in when you were diagnosed? (Manic, Depressed, neither)

What prompted you to go in?

For some reason, I can't seem to make myself go in.

When I'm depressed, it's far too much work to set up an appointment with a doctor. (Heck, it takes me two weeks just to open the mail...no joke)

When I'm hypomanic, I really don't feel I need to see a doctor. Besides, I'm rarely hypomanic for more than 1-2 weeks.

The rest of the time (70% or so) I am totally "normal." I would go in, but I'm afraid s/he wouldn't believe me. I mean, I have a job, friends, etc. However, I have serious relationship issues and I'm very irritable when moody. It's turning into a problem that I need to manage better, but I just can't.

I actually went in for a mandatory physical while I was depressed, and the doctor asked me a whole host of questions related to depression. The doctor could obviously tell I was depressed (I tend to move very slowly...), but I lied to all of the questions. It was a free clinic, and I would've felt like a burden if I had admitted it. In hindsight, that was a stupid move, but I don't like to burden anyone if I'm depressed.

At the moment, I don't have health insurance, but I will soon. I'm thinking about going in and talking to a doctor about it, but it would be a pretty big step for me. I just wanted to see if you all had any advice.

Hi Seraph,

I went to my pdoc when I realized I could not control my feelings anymore. I have several dx's and it was the Panic Disorder that brought me down. It was several years later that we realized the BP.

Please go talk to a Dr. The therapy and meds can make your life so much better.

I wish you the very best,

Jan

I changed doc's when mine didn't seem to listen to what I was saying...my dx was changed to BP with new doc...My change was brought about as mixed and rapid cycling were getting worse and interferring with my ability to work.

In terms of orginally seeing a pdoc...during severe depression.

I've been feeling pretty stable the last few days...maybe a bit up...not sure...

Definately take that step...I know it is big...call today to make the appointment as it may be awhile before you get in...I try to do things like this when I'm feeling stronger...before I deside I don't really need it...

Good luck

hey i was manic when i went in for marriage counsling the dr said i need to see a pdoc by myself. i had alot of problems with anger and depression. mad at everyone even those closets to me. so now im ok no more mad moods meds have helped alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i still see my pdoc every three months. to manage the meds. but after the mania i went down quick so it was good i had a dr at that time suicide was the answer for everything. i agree with directions make an apt. it can't hurt.

Hi Seraph
I was neither manic or depressed when I was diagnosed.I was in therapy for over a year with a diagnoses of depression.
I was prompted to go into T for anxiety and SH.
I suffered a long time before getting help and looking back,the road hasnt been easy but so far so good on the new meds and things are WAY better than a year ago.
I guess its up to you wether you see a pdoc or not.
You have to weigh the benefits of help vs the bad times.
For me I couldnt live with the bad times.