[Lostmom9]

I am a mother of two and have always been very irritable and impatient. But over the last year I have really struggled. Everything irritates me...sounds especially. I have become very negative and easily frustrated. I scream at the kids all day. And then I feel terrible about it. I cry a couple times a week. I have tried so hard to change but the more I try the more it just irrupts. I don't want to be like this. I feel like it is effecting my 3 year old. I see myself in him. He gets so easily frustrated and yells. I need to change soon so he doesn't end up negative and angry all the time like me. I want to be happy and less uptight. I have wondered if I had a mood disorder...could I? I don't have thoughts of suicide. I don't think I am depressed. But I sure cry a lot. Any opinions would be so appreciated.

[asad100101]

you are not bipolar because you are not depressed also you dont have mania episodes. You simply have anger management issues. Talk to a counselor and get some tips on managing your anger . My father is just like you , short-temper, he is fine as long as he learns to calm down and controls his mood disorder. Integrate proper sleep patterns and some sort of physical activity..and see how you feel.

Trust me bipolar is much more complex in terms of symptoms...i mean when i am in mania state...i am way too irritable, words dont come out of my mouth at whim, yes..i feel like someone has strangled my neck...I feel tensed. easily distracted, cant keep up with the conversation...so on

[LoneRose]

It doesn´t sound like bipolar.

Are you maybe unhappy in your life? Sounds like something is really bothering you, and it sounds like you need someone to comfort you. Being a mum is hard and it is so easy to forget about yourself.

Talk to someone about this, and get some help ok. For your childrens sake too.

[pegasus]

Hello lostmom, I'm not a fan of self-diagnosis but you could try taking this screening test. Link here >>>>>>>>

http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarquiz.htm

Please consult with a professional in your area.

[AnnHertel]

This is a sticky situation and hard to diagnose via forum... however, there are some things that you mentioned which are very similar to me.

1. The noise sensitivity. This is something many people with bipolar experience, yet it isn't listed anywhere in the DSM-IV.

2. The uncontrolled irritability, outbursts, and guilt even as you are yelling. I sit in the back of my head, almost in a state of depersonalization, and watch my body say and do things that break my heart as I watch myself hurt others.

You did not mention anything about mania (which is the hallmark of bipolar) or depression... but there are other less sever forms of mood disorders such as cyclothymic and dysthymic disorders. You do no sound as thought you have melancholic features of depression, you seem to have more agitated depressive features.

I would recommend seeking help from a family doctor or pdoc, and perhaps a low dose of an antidepressant, such as Zoloft, which is known for reduction of aggression and irritability.

I hope this helps guide you in the right direction!

[Lostmom9]

Thank you for all your comments. I am so tired of being such a negative and highly agitated person. I also suffer from almost daily headaches which I guess don't help the situation. I have been wondering if there is really any help for me. Just want to be a better person and mother. I guess I need to make an appointment with my doctor.

[Slothrop]

You sound distressed enough that you might want to go straight to a psychiatrist. Family docs can usually get to you more quickly, but sometimes they don't have enough time to fully assess your situation. They can help, however, if there is a really long wait to get in to see a psychiatrist.

I don't know what your situation is with health insurance, but often you can go to a psychiatrist without a referral if you just call your insurance company ahead of time.

Good luck...hopefully it's not bipolar...