How do you talk to your doctor about depression or bipolar disorder?
373549
Just tell them about how you feel. Tell them if anyone else in the family has depression or bipolar disorder because sometimes it runs in the family. It is important to tell your doctor though, because they can help you. My son and I both have depression, and my ex has bi-polar. We take medication and it helps a whole lot. It wasn't hard to talk to my doctor at all.
984502
My first suggestion would be to visit a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist that specializes in mood disorders.\n\nI am Bipolar and I've been under the care of a Psychopharmocologist who specializes in mood disorders and a CBT Specialist as well.  In addition, I've spent the last 6 months educating myself on the disorder, treatment and drugs.  I also attend group therapy twice a week in a clinical CBT group and also attend a BPD support group.\n\nBefore I started getting treatment, I was living a life full of rapid cycling (vast change in moods, can be hourly/daily/weekly) high risk behavior and never really knew who the real me was.  So you can say I was having an identity crisis and was suffering from bipolar depression.  \n\nSince being treated, I've been able to manage my condition and live a very productive and healthy lifestyle.\n\nIt's difficult to self diagnose, but if you're looking for an opinion, I would suggest visiting sites with good information on mood disorders and perhaps some discussion boards.\n\nI would also be happy to help if you want to send me an email.  \n\nHere are some helpful sites\nhttp://www.dbsalliance.org/info/aboutmood.html\nhttp://dbsa.invisionzone.com/index.php?showforum=6\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org/\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=bipolarquestions\n\nGood luck
69553
Not sure what your question is but perhaps this can help. Bipolar is a serious problem and he should be treated by a child psychiatrist. You should be able to find one at the nearest children's hospital or county your county mental health office. Here is general info on depression (and bipolar).\n\nSIGNS OF DEPRESSION. Source: The Arizona Republic, p. E1 (Arizona Living), Jan. 10, 2006\n\nRecognizing depression is the first step in finding relief from the condition’s often debilitating symptoms.\n\nTYPES OF DEPRESSION\nThe three most common are:\nMajor depression or depression disorder. Manifested by symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities.\nDysthymia. Involves long-term, chronic symptoms that aren’t as disabling as those of major depression but that interfere with functioning well or feeling good.\nBipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness. Characterized by cycling moods, with severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). In the manic cycle, people may be extremely active, talkative and energetic.\n\nSYMPTONS\nPersistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood\nFeeling pessimistic, hopeless\nFeeling guilty, worthless, helpless\nLoss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed\nFatigue, loss of energy\nDifficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions\nSleeping too much or too little, middle-of-the-night or early-morning waking.\nReduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain.\nThoughts of death or suicide\nRestlessness, irritability\nPersistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.\n\nRESOURCES\nNational Institute of Mental Health, www.nimh.nih.gov (1 800-421-4211)\nNational Mental Health Association, www. Nmha.org (1 800-969-6642)\nNational Alliance for the Mentally Ill, www.nami.org (1 800-950-6264).
507595
There are different kinds of depression, as well as different causes. You should first see your medical doctor for a thorough check up to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing it. If those are ruled out then he/she should discuss possible treatments and refer you to a psychiatrist and/or therapist if warranted.
780137
I am Bipolar and let me just tell you, the last thing a person who has this disorder wants to hear is criticism for having it. \n\nYou may not have the intention of criticizing your friend you may just be concerned. I know when people say things like that to me my first thought and first reaction is self- defense.\n" I hear you are imperfect for something you didn't ask for and are struggling to change but I won't be sensitive to this situation I will instead make you feel bad about it until you change."\n\nIf you feel the need to say something I suggest saying something like " friend are how are you moods, do you still feel this , I don't know much but I think you should talk to your doctor about still feeling this and that.... Bcus i want to help you and I am starting to worry.\n\nLength of time someone has been medicated is also a problem it's takes about a couple of months before the medications are doing what they are supposed to being doing. And even still there is the chance that they are having leaking symptoms. \n\nLol i wrote a lot but i guess my whole deal was if you feel the need to say something. Choose your words wisely
712318
Please listen very carefully? Dial the info line, 211 , that's the number, 211. They can put you in touch with someone who will not be insensitive. I have used this number on many occasions also for suicidal thoughts. The person called me back with-in 20 minutes and talked me down. I am thankful for the info line and the way they run it. I too battle depression and I know it's probably going to be with me for the rest of my life BUT I also know that there Are people out there that can and have helped. The operator will ask you the nature of the call and then you tell him/her that you need to speak to a psychologist about your depression, she will ask you what area you live in so that this person will be close to you. It really helped and I felt much better. If you think you need to be in the hospital, she can call ahead to let them know you are coming, again they are here to listen and direct you to whatever you need. Don't give up and I am really sorry you are going through this, I really am. Please dial 211 or your local hospital and they will help you! Be Safe.
794797
Doctors want to be like Gods and be the ones to declare you have bipolar (new name for manic depression). The fact is everyone has it to some degree but they declare it when it is very bad.\n\nA normal person will go into manic seeing he just won a million dollars. Then he becomes depressed when he is told it was a fake ticket or his dog died. It is just a money making business to sell drugs.\n\nThis means all of the above are right. IT IS NORMAL TO BE BIPOLAR. It is usally more severe with geniuses. Either way you need peace and happiness.\n\nBUT the site below has natural ways to help depression and bipolar under "depresson and bipolar." Has stories of people who had it badly. These stories will UPLIFT anyone, even the happiest people you know. Plus these natural methods help anyone to be happier and isn't that what you really need-- happiness.\n\nhttp://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html
848362
I just need to say bellydan...has no idea what he is talking about!!!\nDepression is a real illness just like diabetes or cancer.  There are meds that you can take to help alleviate the symptoms.  Just like diabetes, the doc needs to find the best mix of meds to treat successfully.  If it seems like they are changing meds every few months it is because the depression is changing or your body is getting used to the meds.  The same thing happens with diabete;  you take a certain mix of meds for a while, they become ineffective so the doc switches you to a different drug.  there are some things besides pills to help with depression--like exercise, therapy, eating right, and other ways.  but do not stop or change meds without talking to your dr.  Good luck.\n\nPeace and hope.
486532
If you go get medical attention they can tell what is wrong with you. But hopefully you just have a short temper. I  know someone who is bipolar and its not fun they said they wish they just had a short temper so best of luck to you. But go get some medical attention. Let me know what happens i will keep you in my thoughts.
193597
fIRST OF ALL,IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION YOU DON'T GO SEE A REGULAR DOCTOR! tHEY CAN'T RELATE! Sorry I had caps lock on.\nYou need to first go to a psychologist for an evaluation and can be referred from there to see a specialist. The psychologist is capable of diagnosing and ordering meds for you if neccesary. Meditation also works for some people,but I would stongly suggest that you see someone who is able to evaluate the extent of your depression.
854563
Your regular physician will refer you to a local pyschiatrist if he feels you are depressed. I hope you get the help you need soon.
778842
If you or someone you know is severly depressed then going to the doctor for a proper diagnoses is vital in gaining your life back in order.  \n\nSome signs do include:\n*loss of appetite\n*anything and everything you did before that you enjoyed, you dont enjoy anymore.\n *loss of motivation\n*anti-socialness\n*mood swings\nand many more...\nthere are ways to get help! And no one deserves to live this way.\n\n:o) Take Care
961742
Get a second opinion, and not from a neurologist at the same hospital.  If the second neurologist confirms, you might want to get a psychiatrist's opinion as well - not suggesting mental illness, they just specialize in different aspects of brain functioning and should be willing to work with the neurologist.  The psych would also be the best resource if depression and anxiety are setting in.  You'll definitely want someone quite knowledgeable about drug interactions.
895030
I have treatment resistant depression and possible bipolar disorder.  The first thing to realize is that bipolar disorder is an illness, not a personality defect, result of sin or personal weakness.  \n\n"Healing" can come in many ways; medication is vital, as bipolar is a disruption in the chemical and possibly structural set up of the brain, just like diabetes is a disruption in the chemical and structural set up of the pancreas.  \n\nCounselling, both secular and Christian, can give you a safe outlet to express the emotions that come with having an illness like this-anger, fear, sadness and so on.\n\nIf you've not allowed yourself to feel, then I'm guessing you've also not grieved the illness and what it has taken away from you and the problems it's caused?  It is okay to cry and to grieve-and even to get angry at God and tell Him as much.  He knows how you're feeling and wants you to open up and let Him know.  \n\nThere is a good book called, "Grieving Mental Illness", by Virgina Lafond.  It walks you through the grieving process as it relates to having to live with a life-long mental illness.\n\nYou can ask for prayers from friends, loved ones, pastors and so on-but remember we are to pray, "Thy will be done" and sometimes God's answer is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2Cor.12:9) \n\nI have created a good helping team who have enabled me to see improvement in my illness that we thought would be impossible.  This team includes my doctors (family doc, psychiatrist, and endocrinologist), a mental health worker/counsellor, my pastors, friends and family.  Each one has their own way to help me or care for me and very rarely do these team members overlap-each has their own special way to help.\n\nGood luck and God's blessings to you.
260517
Actually, bipolar is an unusual disorder that happens to be grossly over diagnosed. Epidemiological studies estimate that that around 1% of the entire population likely meet criteria for bipolar. Yet, psychiatrist in particular seem to like to diagnose this disorder whenever they hear somebody has an elevated mood between bouts of depression or has signs of agitation during a depressive phase. These symptoms may be indicative of bipolar, but bipolar requires much more. As a psychologist at a major medical institution, I can tell you that in the past 5 years I've only seen maybe ten true cases of bipolar, but I've probably seen over 100 patients who were incorrectly diagnosed with this disorder. If you think you have bipolar or a psychiatrist diagnosed you with it, you should get a second opinion from a doctoral level psychologist (i.e., Ph.D. or Psy.D.). The other way bipolar tends to be over used is if somebody you know seems unreliable or overly emotional. Such symptoms do not necessarily indicate bipolar, but the media and untrained physicians will use this phrase almost as a colloquialism.
597231
see a doctor or talk bout it with someone u trust don't let things get u down when u r feeling more depressed than usual focus on something u love for me i focus on thunderstorms a natural calming mind clearing focus point
628727
Talk to your famly doctor for a referral/