for the longest time I had these problems within myself and surrounding people. I been having mood swings. I been studying bipolar disorders and I think that I got it. What do I do next? I'm 14 and I don't know where to turn for help. I can't turn to my parents, they won't understand, and if they do I doubt that they'll give me the help that I need
127283
If you go to your doctors {Primary Care Physican} and let Dr. know your concerns thats the first plcae to be evaluated, and the doc can take it from there and either referr you to another kind of Doc or treat you.\nBest Wishes\n\nP.S.\nSince you have recognized possible bipolar please \n"dont let it control you and lean on it as a crutch through life..." \nmeaning dont blame everything on having  B P...\n\nI have a close family member-teenage years-and she tends to act out more than ever and always says I cant help it \nits B.P. \nI suspect she is using it as an excuse to get her way with mommy n daddy,\nshe is now at the dating age and wants to run off with her boyfriend and gets away with it cause she blames it on B.P.\n\nSo please dont let it control you, YOU CONTROL IT!!!
585051
its normal to feel sad a lot and feel extreme ups and downs when youre 13 because youre going through a lot of changes in your life and with your hormones. but if you feel like its getting out of control then you need to do something about it. if people are really your friends they wont look at you differently, they will want to be there to help you? if you really feel like you have no one to help you out they have a bunch of teen hotlines and websites where you can meet people to talk to you about your problems. you could even talk to me more if you need someone. you might also want to think about talking to your doctor or getting yourself into some therapy to see if they can help you out. its rought but try and keep your head up and see this through.
283296
There is a lot of mood disorders and causes of depression that could be the source of your problem.  Many of these are caused by brain chemical or harmone imbalance. The only way to correct those imbalances is with medication. Therapy, diet and exercise can be helpful but are not enough alone. You need professional help to diagnose, treat and maintain your bodies chemical communication systems.\n\nI suggest you see your family doctor to start with. Your problem may be something he/she can help you with. If not, he/she will know what to do and where you can get the help you need and deserve.\n\nPlease do not do anything rash. When you feel like you may harm yourself make sure you have someone with you at all times. Call a hospital emergency room or 911 (if you are in the US).\n\nI don't know what more I can tell you. Just please get yourself checked out.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
338974
I think you need to get help. My little sister sounded alot like you when she was younger and it turns out she was bipolar. If you go to a hospital they will help you. You cant go on being so depressed its very unhealthy. Please talk to someone. Good luck.
146411
I have suffered bipolar for a long time and was on lithium and got well for a while but I got defiant and got sick again with the destructive highs and the desperate lows so stay on your med and talk to your doctor. If you are not happy seek another opinion until you find someone who works well with you and for you. I am now on Valpro and risperadol and I have been well for over 6 years and I have been working full time for two years now. There is something that helps me and that is writing. I keep a diary and write my thoughts and musing in it. Doing crosswords is a good thing to get your mind off your troubles. Good luck and if I can help further contact me at <firenzeperme@yahoo.com.au>\nIf you going through a low reading about your condition will not be a great help but bipolar.com have a downloadable diary that you keep to track your moods on a daily basis. Give it go and keep your chin up! You are not alone in this battle.
292525
you haven't described anything that sounds like a manic episode to me - bipolar is NOT what most people conceive of as 'mood swings'. You haven't described anything that sounds like mania. It's more than just feeling cheerful - if someone is manic, they will talk a mile a minute and might go and do all sorts of crazy things, assuming that they can do it automatically, like go and gamble away their lifes savings because they're certain they've found a 'code' that will win them millions of dollars, or they'll commit crimes because they don't realise that what they're doing is wrong at the time. And then they come down and often feel really terrible about what's happened. You haven't described anything like that.\n\nIf there has been a tragedy, it is quite normal that you could be having problems .\nReally though, you should seek out professional help. Why delay and be in pain for longer than you need to? As both a mental health professional and a sufferer of depression, I can't recommend going and seeing a psychologist enough!\n\nIf your mum isn't a professional, then she doesn't know what is wrong with you most likely. Only a professional can make any sort of diagnoses, but far more important than a diagnosis is helping you to cope better with life. It doesn't matter what you have a potential diagnosis of really.
624805
I just wanted to say I am very sorry this happened to you. BIPOLAR disorder is a very serious and sad condition. I suffered with it for several years, and i Know how tuff it is. When you have bipolar disorder, you attach to people very easily because they are one of the only things that make you feel important. be proud of yourself because you were the light in his life for a period of time. Its not your fault he took his life, he had a disorder that made it hard for him to make good decisions. You where what made him happy, remember that, cause you gave him hope. You made his life happy while he was here. God Bless you, hope i have helped.
606804
For people with bipolar disorder, life can be an emotional roller coaster. It can have intense highs and crippling lows. But treatments are available to help control these extreme mood swings. Although there is no cure, with proper treatment, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can live normal lives. Maybe you need to start on some mediction and givin time they will come to realize you're normal again. I feel you're family isn't informend correctly they don't and can't know what you going through. Whatever you did in the past you couldn't control.\n\nI recomend you become part of a group here's a list:\n\nAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) \n120 Wall St., 22nd Floor \nNew York, NY 10005 \nPhone: (888) 333-AFSP (2377) or (212) 363-3500 \nFax: (212) 363-6237 \nE-mail: inquiry@afsp.org \nwww.afsp.org \n\nDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) \n730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501 \nChicago, IL 60610 \nPhone: (800) 826-3632 \nFax: (312) 642-7243 \nE-mail: questions@dbsalliance.org \nwww.dbsalliance.org \n\nNational Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) \nColonial Place Three \n2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 \nArlington, VA 22201 \nPhone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or (703) 524-7600 \nTDD: (703) 516-7227 \nFax: (703) 524-9094 \nwww.nami.org \n\nNational Mental Health Association (NMHA) \n2001 N. Beauregard St., 12th Floor \nAlexandria, VA 22311 \nPhone: (800) 969-NMHA (6642) \nHours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (E.T.) \nTTY: (800) 433-5959 \nFax: (703) 684-5968 \nwww.nmha.org \n\nExercise\nExercise causes your body to release endorphins, which help you to feel calm and happy. Try to get moving regularly, even if you're feeling somewhat manic or depressed. When you're not feeling well, this could mean a short walk or a half-hour of gardening. Once your moods are under control, pick an activity you enjoy, like swimming or cycling, and exercise for 30 minutes three or four times a week.\n\nEat well\nIt's hard to feel balanced and optimistic if you're run down or undernourished. Be mindful of what you're eating, and try to work lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. A daily multivitamin may help you cover your nutritional bases.\n\nAvoid alcohol and drugs\nMany people with bipolar disorder try to find relief from their strong emotions by drinking alcohol or using drugs. Some even use these substances in place of their medication. This approach never helps, and can be dangerous. Drugs and alcohol tend to make mood episodes worse, and quitting medication almost guarantees relapse. If you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor about it. Substance abuse can be treated effectively.\n\nDevelop a daily routine\nResearch suggests that a regular routine and sleep schedule can help stave off manic and depressive episodes. Start by picking a reasonable bedtime and sticking with it. Then, create a daily routine for yourself that includes getting up at the same time every day, with fairly regular mealtimes and work hours.\n\nLearn to predict relapse\nMake a list of behaviors that usually signal the onset of mania or depression. For example, you may go without much sleep as a manic episode begins. Or, you might spend money on something you don't need. Talk to your doctor as soon as you spot these changes. He or she may be able to adjust your medication so that you can avoid a full-blown episode. \n\nAvoid stress\nYou can help keep your moods under control by avoiding stress. Take a stress-management class, or consider trying yoga or meditation. In the meantime, avoid unnecessary pressure by setting reasonable goals for yourself. For example, if you are in school, you might decide not to take a full schedule of classes.\n\nCreate a relapse action plan\nTalk to your family and friends about what you would like them to do if you relapse. For example, if you ever need to be hospitalized, you may feel most comfortable with a particular doctor. Or, you may w
281023
Bipolar Disease runs in my family, so I always get a little concerned when my moods shift suddenly.  In your case, I would definately suggest talking to someone...doctor, friend, family...its always best to let someone know where your mind and heart are at.  Hormones can also play a big part in your emotions, especially if your menstruating or are pregnant.  I dont know where your from, but Im from MA., and its been raining here for weeks on end.  The weather can also have a strong effect on your moods.  Be well sister!
202600
I think you should tell your parents, or at least one of them. Start with a conversation. Say "Mom, can I talk to you?" and just start telling her how you feel and what is wrong. She will be glad you did and she can get you help. I know how hard it is when you are 14 b/c I was there with the same problem. Now I look back and realize, I should have just told them. Teenage years are hard enough, don't make it harder. Get the help you deserve so maybe you can actually enjoy being a teen. We are here for you, IM me if you need to. I've walked in similar shoes for years so I might be able to offer some advice.\n\nI agree, school councilors are terrible! We only want you to reconsider telling your parents b/c they really are the easiest, quickest, and most reliable choice availible to you. Be glad you have them, later on you gotta fix it yourself, lol!
270900
The symptoms you describe sound very much like my own before treatment. I am bipolar. I went for years between feeling normal one minute then mad at the world the next. Only occasionally did I become depressed. However, in recent years I was depressed more and more often. The depressive episodes also began to last for longer periods of time. I also had the racing thoughts and such as you describe. In June 2005 I became very depressed and considered suicide. Gradually, the depression eased somewhat but stayed at a low level trough March 2006. The anger raged throughout this depression. I finally had to make a decision. Get some help or find another job. I sought help from my doctor. I am now taking Paxil and Seroquel and doing very well. I'm almost never angry or depressed. Life is pretty good for me now. People seem nicer and more courteous, I know that is perception. They haven't changed. I have. Whether you are bipolar or there is some other mood disorder, it is best to see your doctor or a psychiatrist for diagnoses and treatment. It may not even be anything that serious. But I can tell you that no matter the cause, when you are treated you will feel much, much better about life and yourself.\n\nI have included a link below to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Website. Specifically, the bipolar pages.\n\nI hope this helps you. You may contact me if you like.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
246935
With bipolar disorder, you alternate between episodes of depression and mania. In between, you may return completely to normal or have some remaining symptoms. The extreme mood changes may come on sudThe cause of bipolar disorder is not well understood, although evidence suggests that the disorder runs in families. 3 Your living environment and family situation may also play a role in the disorder. Episodes of depression and mania may be caused by a problem with certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. denly or appear more slowly.Almost all people who have bipolar disorder need medication. However, counseling is also important to help you cope with work and relationship struggles related to your illness.Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented. However, there are ways to help manage or prevent mood changes.\n\nThe first and most important preventive measure is to make sure your child takes his or her medications as directed. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition and generally requires lifelong treatment with medications. However, about 1 in 3 adults remains completely free of symptoms of bipolar disorder just by taking mood-stabilizing medicines, such as carbamazepine, divalproex, or lithium. 8 (There are no statistics available for children.) \n\nReducing stress, getting regular sleep and exercise, and maintaining a daily routine may help prevent mood swings and can help with the symptoms of depression and mania.
233534
I myself am bipolar. I have been in a relationship for 8 years now. My fiance has had to learn the hard way how to deal with my mood swings. He says u have to be very understanding,supportive,and willing to help in time of need. I have abused him in more ways than 1 since we been together,but he justs takes it the best way he can. There are groups that help people with bipolar and for those who love someone with bipolar. Learning all you can about bipolar will help out alot also.
164901
All of the kids have a chance of getting it.\nIf you have symptoms just keep an eye on yourself,\nor ask a friend to tell you (or your school counselor)\nif they think you're showing signs more strongly.\n\nNow, teenagers do have mood swings due to the changes on hormones, that's normal. But just keep an eye out for really strong or rapid changes in mood, or extremes in mood.(suicidal thoughts, for instance, means a Red Alert.)
507387
Well, first you need to look at your family history.  Has anyone in your family ever been bipolar or had bipolar tendencies?  If so, then here's the second question:  Are you ADD or ADHD?\n\nHere's my personal story:\n\nI started my period at 11.  By 13 I hit "teenager" years and by 14 I was into puberty.  You know, boobs, hair, voice, the works.  Except something happened.  I turned into Frankenstein's Mood monster.  I was always either really excited and upbeat, or so depressed that I would stay in my room for days and bite off anyone's head who tried to talk to me.\n\nMy family became so distraut that they finally talked about sending me to a boarding school.  the house was always tense, but I thought it was everyone else.  I was kicked out several times, moved back home, and just barely made it through my teen years without going crazy.  When I was 21, I married, and my husband saw the same thing in me - we were always fighting, and I knew it was always my fault.  I felt crazy because my moodswings were so bad.\n\nAfter lots of research and lots of crazy doctors trying to prescribe me medicines, I learned the most facinating thing:  Kids who are ADD or ADHD and go through puberty actually experience bipolar tendencies.  It's a natural, hormone-imbalance.  And since I was ADHD my whole life, it was normal.  Man I wish someone had know that back then!!!!!!\n\nHere's what you need to do:  Find out if you're ADD or ADHD.  Change your diet from sugars and white flours to lots of grains, good dark green vegetables, and unprocessed sugars and eat healthy.  Exercise and work out regularly.  Talk to your doctor about natural ways to balance out your hormones through this period.  It's possible.\n\nIt's okay, you're going to be alright.  You'll make it through this, even though now it doesn't seem like it. \n\nIf it is bipolar, you would have known at an early age, before this time.  Since you're 14 and starting to experience these symptoms, I would say most likely it's that your hormones are turning you into a woman.  Hang in there, girl!
278917
It's good that you can express your negative perceptions. Maybe you should share them with someone who professionally deals with mood disorders, like a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Best of luck!
35219
With the utmost respect, I want to let you know that it sounds important for you to see a professional. It need not be a medical "doctor." It could be a professional counselor or psychologist. These individuals are trained to make diagnoses, and it would be inappropriate for anyone to make such a diagnosis of bipolar or any other without enough information. Overall, it sounds as if you are going through a very difficult time. It concerns me greatly that you mention suicide attempts...please ask for help if you feel the need to hurt yourself or someone else. I urge you to seek a professional to answer your question in person...I think you will be glad you did. Find someone you can be comfortable talking to and enjoy the healing process.