Is this a sign of bipolar?
912987
No.  If you were in mania, you would be hyper and unable to sleep, and fully functioning on an abnormally low amount of sleep.  some people with depression sleep very long hours or spend a lot of time in bed staring at the ceiling.  Some people with depression have insomnia.  \n Sleep is not a reliable indicator of bipolar disorder.   Mood swings, reckless behavior, delusions, walking and talking faster than normal, having more energy than usual are typical symptoms of the mania phase of bipolar.
1120164
you should see a doctor, this may be a sign of something serious
551705
That sounds pretty weird that your doctor after only 2 visits would diagnose you with bipolar right away. It's really tricky to diagnose because it's so complex. Bipolar has a lot of similar symptoms as other disorders. The best way to really find out what's wrong with you is to tell your doctor EVERYTHING that you feel. Write stuff down between visits so you don't forget to tell her about some things that may be important. Plus, you might be feeling different when you go see her and not be able to explain how you were feeling inbetween. Communication is SOOO important because there's no other way they can tell what's wrong. As far as meds goes....you've got to be patient because different meds work for different people and the side effects are different from person to person too. It's trial and error and the same thing applies....you HAVE to tell your doctor everything that you're feeling.
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.
1139942
Well, besides the above mentioned reasons, I can think of another one and I hope it's not it.  Schizophrenia has that symptom.  People usually start having symptoms of that starting in late teenage years through the 20's.  Are hearing voices involved?  Sometimes one feels that they've heard someone talk to them and there is no one there.  It's a scary disorder! Also- my brother is bi-polar and he suffers at times when he is in his manic state.  Go to the doctor, something is going on.
338806
well if she's happy one minute and then really depressed the next, then she is bipolar. But I don't think her son's death could be the cause. No, it wasn't fair to diagnose her right after the tragedy though because of course she was going to be depressed!
624227
it seems you have bipolar symdrom. go to the doctor
965784
I don't think there's anything "wrong" with you in terms of like being crazy or something like that.\n\nThe rapid changing of your mood suggests that there is something chemical going on, for sure.  To go from something called "mania" (which can feel like happiness, or too much energy, or anger/rage, can't sleep, or can't stop moving) to something called "depression" (which can feel like sadness, but not always - can be low energy, loss of appetite, irritable) is definitely chemical - like your serotonin levels are off or keep cycling low to high.  People who have bipolar disease have this happen but their cycles are usually days or weeks or even months long.  If it's happening in the course of a day for you, it is probably something else.  But this is very treatable, usually with a medication.  Your regular doctor will probably be able to help you with it.
592319
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!
759791
With the up and down days(extreme) it really sounds like you are bipolar. I would address that issue before looking into other aspects of your personality. See a professional. If you don't know where to go consult your doctor, s/he may know a good one to go to. Good Luck.
459224
I think that you need to talk to your doctor and have him change the type of medication or the dosage because it sounds to me that you are still having manic/depressive episodes. My best friend went through this for months and they found out the medication was conflicting with other meds and they were just not effective. If nothing else get a second opinion!
66541
bi-polar disorder is also marked by periods of extreme activity.  You may go days without sleeping or sleeping very little.  Look up mania in the dictionary to get an idea.  But you do sound as though you have a good case of depression.  Problems with your step-dad that you feel helpless or incapable of doing anything about would surely contribute to feeling the way you do.  You say your brother and grandma "were" bipolar.  Are they no longer with you?  You need to talk to someone about your feelings.  There is nothing "wrong" with you but feeling the way you do can hurt just as bad as a physical ailment and can be hereditary.  I don't know what your health insurance situation is like but I really think you need to talk to someone with some experience dealing with depression.  Your mother should not consider this a phase and support you getting help with your feelings.  Feeling suicidal is NOT a phase and I say that with alot of experience to back it up.  I had a friend kill himself in high school and we all saw it coming.  If you're young enough to still be in school I would recommend talking to a guidance counselor or psychology clinic if you're in college (that should be in the psychology department, the tiny college here has one so I'm guessing most others do too).  If you need an extra ear mine is available at whtkrst@yahoo.com.  I'm a mom of 5 kids and I was once a kid with step-parent problems myself that made me want to exit the planet.  If you look in the phone book there should be toll free numbers for crisis/suicide hotlines.  The people on the other end really do want to help and you shouldn't feel embarassed to call or to actively seek help for yourself.  You deserve it.    \n                                love and light,\n                                   Krista
945433
this may just be a hormonal imbalance are you bi polar by any chance
574800
you know a lot of people answering your question probably don't really know what they are talking about, although some seem to be more informative. My answer to you is that it is hard to determine whether or not you have it just by your question. You definately show signs of it, the agression and mood swings and the fear of abandoment. However only a therapist can know for sure. I strongly encourage you to seek help and get answers to your questions by a professional. I hope that you get this taken care of and wish you all the luck in the world.
748996
I have been bipolar for 10 years now. There's alot of info on bipolar,but I will tell you what I know. Bipolar is an embalance in the brain. One minute your happy and nothing can get you down. It's like your high. Then the next minute your so depressed that your crying all the time thinking your worthless and nothing is going to get better and your better off dead. There are alot of good meds out there today for people with this problem, and they help. If you stay on them. Hope this helps.
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.
770686
I think it sounds more like clinical depression rather than manic depression, but I'm not an expert.  You really need to go and see your GP and talk this through with him or her.  I know this is quite a big step for you, but depression is really one of the most common ailments that GPs are seen about (2nd only to bad backs I believe) so s/he will not be at all uncomfortable about it and nor should you be.  The GP will be able to make a proper judgement.  If you are mildly depressed, regular excercise and healthy eating really can make a lot of difference (boring I know!) but if you are severely depressed a course of medication may be in order or possibly some sort of counselling or self-help type of affair.  Please be brave and take the seond step needed to seek help (You've taken the first by asking here).  You are not alone and this illness is much more 'respectable' now than it used to be so you have nothing to fear or to be ashamed of.  Good Luck.