how do i know if i have bipolar disorder or just a short temperment???
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.
599968
Hey, check out these websites for the symptoms of bipolar disorder. I am bipolar and these are some good sites. Best of luck. I hope for you that it is something other than bipolar.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
450182
I was diagnosed with Bipolar a couple years ago. I've been put on different medications ,ect. None of which truely worked for me. Side effects :( either was zoned out, uber hyper, or had tremors. I actually have done better with out pills then with them. I think it depends on the case. I used to cry almost everyday, mood swings within minutes, suicidal thoughts. Now im fine.Though, i still have my moodiness, from extremely happy to depressed from time to time. You never know if its just Hormones , a phase. If you go to a psychiatrist, of course they are gonna put you on anti depressants. Try relying on yourself, and if you get suicidal thoughts,know that there are people who care about you  and would be extremely disappointed if you were gone.Try talking to a regular counselor about this or a doctor.
793987
Go to the doctor and see if you need to be treated for bipolar disorder.
1008125
I have the most severe form of Bipolar and have been on lithium consistently for the last 18+ years.  The latest reading I've done says the therapeutic level is 0.6 to 1.0.  There are so many factors that can affect what your level is at any one time:  illness, increased activity, heat, pregnancy, among others.  It's a very narrow range so you need to have your blood tested regularly--and ask the doctor for the reading after each test--and keep track of it yourself.  Lithium does have side effects that aren't pleasant, but if you're aware of them you can prevent a major toxic reaction by alerting your doctor and stopping the med.  A lot of people say it doesn't work, but give it a chance.  You may need to work with your doctor to find the appropriate dosage.  It's not an overnight cure-all.  Bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain and subject to every variable.\n\nYou need to read as much about the subject as you can.  Maybe a support group would help.  Have you checked out the possibility you may have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?  There are many similarities.\n\nYou need to have candid talks with your therapist.
1160815
Well judging by your nickname(depressed in Mexico) key word, depressed; I would suggest that you consult a Doctor who specializes in this area. You can be depressed and experience moodswings as well. there are a few diagnoses with these symptoms. one is Bi-Polar. bipolar causes severe moodswings. one day or even weeks at a time you can experience severe depression, and without any warning, you experience severe moodswings for example; instead of feeling depression, asudden feeling of mania takes over your thoughts,actions and behavior in an out of control manner. your moods become unpredictable this can be successfully treated and with proper treatment, you can live your life happily. Another one is depression alone these two dsorders are medical illnesses, and there are excellent treatments available that help people with these illnesses to live a normal and happy life. These illnesses are nothing to be ashamed of.Actually, the fact that you even asked your question is a positive step towards a successful recovery.Why do I know about this area? well, I happen to have bipolar,depression, and panic disorder(from PTSD). But, noone would ever know!! I live a happy, fulfilling and successful life. I DON'T KNOWMUCH about any specific diet or foods etc. But, if you need to talk please don't hesitate to e-mail me at: justicejamie888@yahoo.com.Everything will be kept in the strictest confidence. I help others in need as well.lhope i helped you in any way. take care of yourself and fel freeto e-mail me. sincerely, justicejanmie888@yahoo.com A.K.A.:Jamie K.
237549
If your change of mood is a reaction to external factors (harsh words, nasty behavior)-it is not "bi-polar", I think you are just "thin-skinned" and sensitive. It is difficult to be like that. I am like that, and I am a woman. As I understand, you are a guy, and it is even more difficult. You may try to cope with is yourself - for example, saying to youself after you hear something unpleasant:"It's only an opinion", or "Poor girl/guy, he's really unhappy if he behaves like that".  Do not take antidepressants - only in dire straits.It may seem easy - you take a pill, and life is beautiful and nice again. First - they do not make you happy. And mood swings can persist. And then - antidepressants slow you down, ruin your muscles tonus etc. Only in case of real neurosis and/or  depression you can take them, and never without a good doctor's advice. Try do fight your mood swings yourself. It requires  some kind of moral discipline, but it is possible. The moment you are unhappy -try to think about something good and beautiful, some good experience, for example. If you can think of nothing good -it may happen -try to stop thinking at all. Blank your mind for a while. Make efforts in order not to ruminate negative thoughts and bad things. If you can not make it on your own - go to a psychologist, a good one, again. But remember - no doctor can help you if you do not make your own efforts. It's about YOUR LIFE
1134863
maybe you are amusing yourself so you don't think bad thoughts-you can't think bad thoughts 24/7.  If you are old enough to go to a counselor by yourself, I highly recommend it- maybe some sessions might help or perhaps some medication temporarily.  or maybe it is more serious...maybe you are bipolar?  look up some info on the web, like WebMD where you can type in your symptoms. just to get an idea of what is really going on.\n(I have to admit, tho that i have been that way sometimes too!)
1124281
Don't listen to what that other person said and try drinking, for christ's sake.  That's not going to help you and it might make you even more manic.  Whether you want to or not, you need to admit that you might be bipolar.  There are online assessment tests for this kind of thing.  I'm providing you with a link to one of them.  Just be honest with the questions when you take it, no one is going to know what you got except you.  It is not meant to be an online diagnosis, just an evaluation in your own mind that might give you some idea of if this is a problem in your life and how it's impacting you.\n\nThere are a few herbal things you can take.  For one thing you might try a GABA supplement.  You can buy it at vitaminshoppe.com or from GNC or a health food store.  It will help to calm you...I've found it works wonders for me.  St. John's Wort is often suggested to combat depression, but there has been increasing evidence that it is NOT good for people who are bipolar, so I would suggest you strongly avoid any recommendations to try it.  A lot of doctors DO recommend that you try taking Omega 3 fish oil.  It has been shown in studies to be quite promising in the treatment of bipolar.  In the meantime it is great for you to continue to exercise and keep up with your regular diet of eating healthy foods.\n\nHere's what one person had to say about fish oil: "I have started taking Omega-3 fish oils to help me with my bipolar disorder. I am currently taking a total of 9000 mgs per day broken up into 3 doses. I found out about them from a doctor here in Massachusetts at one of the country's leading psychiatric facilities, McLean Hospital in Belmont, Ma."\n\nMake sure that you aren't taking cod liver oil--this can be toxic in large doses.  You also should take it with vitamins C and E.\n\nHowever, please just keep in mind that whatever you might think about mental disorders it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and if these things don't work then your best bet is to take the appropriate medication.  It will even out your moods.  Please at least give it some consideration and think about seeing a doctor.  \n\nI wish you the best of luck.
437743
You could have mood swings that are entirely mormal if you live with a man or someone else that is abusive.\nOn the other hand if some days you are really depressed and other days you are hyper and don't need more than a few hours of sleep and your thoughts race and you talk nonstop and you are super confident and on top of the world then you could be manic.\nThe only way to tell is to go to a psychiatrist who treats bipolar patients and let him evaluate you.\nJust having your husband say you have bipolar if he is not a psychiatrist is a way for him to verbally abuse you.\n\nI suggest you read "The Verbally Abusive Relationship" which is available on http://www.amazon.com .\nIt will explain exactly how statements like this are abusive and tell you how to handle it.
57053
Please see a psychologist immediately.  You may be suffering from Bi-polar disorder.
725393
Education. Read the Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide (Amazon link below). It's an excellent book on th esubject, and will give you a very good idea what to expect and how to deal with it.\n\nYou should also visit one of the many online support groups below.
276303
I think that might be ADHD, at least that covers the short attention span, and probably the symptom of forgetting, but I don't know if it covers quick mood changes.
626497
I have Bipolar Disorder and Borederline Personality Disorder. You have to be nice and be very supported to our mental health prolbems. It helps my family to take me to talk to somebody like every other week. Just read up on the disorders. And make sure he takes his meds. I once got off mine meds for 4 or 5 days and it made me sick.
826181
What you should do is stop with the destructive behavior. You know what you're doing and how to stop it. Don't use your bipolar disorder as a crutch and an excuse whenever you screw up. Take responsibility for your actions and quit acting like a horny 16 year old.
195361
Figure out the sources of you stress...like when you realize that you are not relaxed, think about what you are doing at that exact moment...are you worried about your career, boyfriend/girlfriend etc. Finding the source will allow you to focus on your breathing and allow you to control your bipolar disorder.\n\nAdditionally, exercise is also beneficial to your journey.
1127360
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.\nSigns and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:\n\n    * Increased energy, activity, and restlessness\n    * Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood\n    * Extreme irritability\n    * Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another\n    * Distractibility, can't concentrate well\n    * Little sleep needed\n    * Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers\n    * Poor judgment\n    * Spending sprees\n    * A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual\n    * Increased sexual drive\n    * Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications\n    * Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior\n    * Denial that anything is wrong\n\nA manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.\nSigns and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:\n\n    * Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood\n    * Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism\n    * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness\n    * Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex\n    * Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"\n    * Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions\n    * Restlessness or irritability\n    * Sleeping too much, or can't sleep\n    * Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain\n    * Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury\n    * Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts\n\nA depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.