[BrowseAfterMidnight]

I have been worried about my moods for a while now... I have had times when I felt depressed, hopeless, and even suicidal since I was 14. Although I'm not suicidal anymore, in the past year, I've had 3 nervous breakdowns where I couldn't concentrate on anything, felt constantly sleepy, had no motivation to do anything, felt worthless and unsatisfied with my life. A few times, I was also really irritable and got furious about little things. These episodes lasted for 2-4 days and during those days, I just wanted these painful feelings to stop as soon as possible.
Other times though, I feel quite confident in myself and satisfied with where I am at in life. Some days I am really energetic and way more sociable than usual. On those days I'm usually motivated to do everything and I make lots of plans. A lot of the time I'm just hazily uninterested in stuff and don't have much motivation to do work, but I end up doing most of the work anyways.
I also have anxiety... I was diagnosed with it when I was 13, but I didn't quite believe it and so I didn't treat it. I think it has gotten worse. I have panic attacks basically every day now, but of varying severity and length. They don't usually last very long though, so I have just gotten used to them... Recently, I have been feeling paranoid about people thinking bad things about me. Some people just look at me the wrong way... I am probably overthinking things, but these delusions seem quite believable when they happen...
I also believe I have Dermatillomania, where I pick on my skin (daily). I looked at the forum for this and the experiences people described there rang true to me. This is also something that has been going on for so long that I have gotten used to it. However, it still disappoints my mom and myself, so it's still a problem that I want to deal with.
I am reluctant to see a mental health professional because I'm afraid they will not believe me... My mother is also highly skeptical of all mental illnesses, so she would definitely have a problem with accepting anything as an actual illness if I get diagnosed with something. It's just intimidating and I'm not sure what to expect from a mental health professional (I would have to see a psychiatrist because they're covered by my insurance.)
Sorry this is such a long post. Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated!

[JustMeMyself&I]

Hey!
You know, the whole issue with mood changes, then moments of confidence, then being irritable... I completely relate to you 100%.
I believe you. I have had the same problem for a year and a half. I know what it is like.

I would definitely advise you to go see a psychologist/therapist. These problems with mood really contribute to concentration etc. like you described, and it can really mess up your day and get in the way, making certain things difficult.
I really think it would benefit you if you went at least for one session to check. I'm sorry to hear your mom might really doubt you, and I get where you are coming form when you say you are worried the therapist won't believe you. However, I would have a go at this, and if your mom doubts you then justify it by saying that it really has an impact on your everyday life, and it makes certain things difficult.
Tell her that you would really prefer to go and make sure you are okay, or maybe to identify the problem if there is one, so that you can solve it. You should tell her how you feel about it and how it would make you happier if you went. You could even bring up that you were diagnosed with anxiety before, and it is possible for you to have some sort of mental illness, so you would feel more secure if you could go and check if this really is a problem.
It doesn't necessarily have to be something serious or big, but I'm sure there is some way to help fix it.

As for the psychologist not believing you. Since they are a psychologist, it is their job and responsibility to completely hear their patients out, and to not judge or make assumptions that they are 'faking it' or something like that. I'm sure that whoever you meet, they will listen and try their best to help you out.
It's worth a try.
The symptoms you described seem legitimate to me, and even if they are not, you could still ask the therapist to give you advice or maybe some small medication to help you with concentration or moods.

However, I understand that you are nervous and worried about it, so I don't want you to feel like it is the only option for you. Who knows, maybe you can find another way to hep yourself concentrate, boost your confidence a little, and make yourself feel happier. It's your choice and your decision; have a think about it. Whatever makes you teh most comfortable.

(Sorry if my writing may seem a bit chaotic, I sometimes type really fast and try to put all my thoughts down into writing as fast as possible).

I hope that you can soon feel confident to make the decision, and have a shot at it. Good luck

[PsychicKitty]

Originally Posted by BrowseAfterMidnight

I have been worried about my moods for a while now... I have had times when I felt depressed, hopeless, and even suicidal since I was 14. Although I'm not suicidal anymore, in the past year, I've had 3 nervous breakdowns where I couldn't concentrate on anything, felt constantly sleepy, had no motivation to do anything, felt worthless and unsatisfied with my life. A few times, I was also really irritable and got furious about little things. These episodes lasted for 2-4 days and during those days, I just wanted these painful feelings to stop as soon as possible.
Other times though, I feel quite confident in myself and satisfied with where I am at in life. Some days I am really energetic and way more sociable than usual. On those days I'm usually motivated to do everything and I make lots of plans. A lot of the time I'm just hazily uninterested in stuff and don't have much motivation to do work, but I end up doing most of the work anyways.
I also have anxiety... I was diagnosed with it when I was 13, but I didn't quite believe it and so I didn't treat it. I think it has gotten worse. I have panic attacks basically every day now, but of varying severity and length. They don't usually last very long though, so I have just gotten used to them... Recently, I have been feeling paranoid about people thinking bad things about me. Some people just look at me the wrong way... I am probably overthinking things, but these delusions seem quite believable when they happen...
I also believe I have Dermatillomania, where I pick on my skin (daily). I looked at the forum for this and the experiences people described there rang true to me. This is also something that has been going on for so long that I have gotten used to it. However, it still disappoints my mom and myself, so it's still a problem that I want to deal with.
I am reluctant to see a mental health professional because I'm afraid they will not believe me... My mother is also highly skeptical of all mental illnesses, so she would definitely have a problem with accepting anything as an actual illness if I get diagnosed with something. It's just intimidating and I'm not sure what to expect from a mental health professional (I would have to see a psychiatrist because they're covered by my insurance.)
Sorry this is such a long post. Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated!

You sound like you have Bipolar Disorder.

[MickeyCheeky]

I think the only way to tell for sure what's going on is check out a doctor/therapist.. if you feel this is important... you have all my support

[gayleggg]

If this is happening enough to interrupt your life then by all means get it checked out. Psychiatrist are qualified the make a diagnosis and treat what's wrong. Because it sounds like it's giving you a lot of problems, get it checked out.

[Unrigged64072835]

I agree with seeing a mental health professional for a diagnosis or diagnoses. I'm sorry that your mother is against mental health. You didn't mention your age, but you sound responsible enough to manage your care.