I think I might have bipolar

Hi I’ve been experiencing depression since age 11 and over the two past years I’ve been experiencing less depression and more what I believe are hypo/manic manic episodes.

During these episodes I don’t sleep as much as I normally do and I start lots of projects around the house, sign myself up for lots of stuff like volunteering/online lessons and start planning what I’m going to do for a year.

Also, I would do things that I wouldn’t normally do like engaging in sexual activities with lots of partners.

I don’t know whether to tell my psychiatrist or therapist about it because it’s really embarrassing and because I’m 17(legal consent age in most of Europe) and I feel like I’m not sick enough to get treatment because I’ve never been hospitalised for my “manic episode”.

Any advice?

Hi MeXoXo. Welcome to PC's bipolar forum!

My advice is to talk about this with your psychiatrist and therapist. How else will they be able to determine if bipolar disorder is actually something to consider? No one here can diagnose you. Psychiatrists are more able to differentiate manic behavior from normal late teenage behavior.

I would definitely talk to your psychiatrist and therapist about your sex life, if you feel it is relevant to a possible bipolar diagnosis. They have heard such details countless times. Countless! There is no reason to be embarrassed. If it embarrassed them, then they are likely not suited for the profession. Also, a pretty high percentage of 17 year olds in the world (especially in Europe and north America) have had sex. Some have had sex a lot. However, if you feel uncomfortable with the amount or what you've done during it, that is something to process with a professional.

Welcome again!

I agree with BirdDancer, MeXo. You need to talk this over with a professional and get some help. You do not want to be frankly manic and untreated because it is dangerous, super dangerous.

I mean, it's possible, but that's really up to a psychiatrist to determine. It's best to be open and honest with them, I've learned. Also, the earlier you get diagnosed/the earlier you get treatment, the better the outcome.

I agree with the others. I think you need to talk to a professional. Take care.

Well when did you last have a full physical exam with blood work? Its always best to rule out any possible health issues before jumping on the " Do I have Bipolar" Thyroid and hormonal issues can cause mood shifts up and down. Low Vitamin D levels can cause all kinds of problems believe it or not. So my advice see your Doctor for a physical and if that checks out okay you can then proceed and see someone for a psych eval. teenage years are difficult and trust me you do not want the Bipolar diagnosis unless you do truly have it.

Welcome to PC