how do u know when ur bipolar and what can a 14 year old girl do to get help?
922206
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!
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!)
399410
i have bi-polar and had odd. i am only 20 years old and completely in control. The best thing to do is to start medication even if it is for just a short time to help her get in control to where she can help herself. The medicine doctor will also suggest counsiling and since you daughter is under age you will be in the room with them and you can talk about things together.
54120
First of all - there is nothing "wrong" with YOU aside from, perhaps, a chemical imbalence that can be treated. Secondly, if you are thinking about suicide it is important that you reach out to a professional because you probably won't be able - at this point - to pull yourself out of this alone and...you are NOT alone.  There are many, many people who suffer or who have suffered from depression or a bipolar disorder.  I have been bipolar for 25 years and it IS controllable.  I don't know how old you are but it sounds as though you need to find a responsible adult who will listen to what you're saying, take you seriously and assist you in finding treatment of some sort.  DON'T GIVE UP!  There are many of us who have been there (more then once) and survived!  :-)
1154506
Bipolar disorder, also know as manic depression can, in some cases worsen with age. This, of course, is solely dependednt on the individual. As soemone who works with people with severe mental illness, it has been my experience that bipolar disorder usually worsens in females between the ages of 11 and 19 as well as females between the ages of 30 and 50. This might be explained my the hormonal changes. Males tend to have less noticable changes, however, it does occur. I would consult a physician and get yourself on a steady regimen of SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Prozac, Paxil, or Welbutrin. Although these particular medications may not be suitable for you (your doctor may recommend another drug), it is importnat to maintain a steady supply of the drug within your system. Further actions including the use of Tricylic drugs and sedatives may also be needed. Good luck.
531377
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.
802467
Some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Type (2) not to be confused with Type (1) Big Difference.I have type (2) it can be controlled and there is help it just takes them a while as they have to be certain it Bipolar,thats why it takes along time until they finally say yes it is.\nnext time your at the doc ask for another referral to psychiatrist and Do Not withhold any info from them they need to no everything.\nAll the best\n\nDoctor is not the expert you need psychiatrists
735056
speak to your parents, or you could speak to your teacher about getting help... you can do it!
430101
I suffer from manic depression/bipolar. It took a while to be properly diagnosed but basically it was chronic depression, irritability, mood swings, rocky relationships, irresponsible actions/activities and paranoia. You won't qualify for bipolar until you've had a manic episode though and you'll know when that happens because everything will be unusually fantastic and your thinking will be unfocused with racing thoughts. These are just a few of the symptoms that I experienced but apart from the depression and manic episodes, everyone's symptoms can vary. Don't try and self diagnose though. Have an open communication with your doctor about it because it's very tricky to diagnose properly.\nHope that helps a little bit.
89231
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.
178234
Treatment for bipolar usually involves medication, education, and therapy.\n\nMedication- tons of options, varies person to person\n\nTherapy- needs and frequency will depend on the person.  It may be most helpful with people with comorbid (coexisting) conditions- such as anxiety, drug addition, post traumatic stress disorder.  Group therapy may be helpful for some.\n\nEducation- you and your loved ones should learn about bipolar and learn to recognize your moods and changing mood.  It can help to stop an episode or get help quickly if you can identify an episode before it becomes serious.\n\nEven though I am more into "natural" alternatives and dislike depending on drugs (who wouldn't?) I think this 3 prong approach works.  I have faith that I can drop the therapy and some drugs in the future.
308585
I was diasgnosed with Bipolar Disorder when I was 17 years old. My mother told me that the worse years trying to raise me was when i was 17 and 18. \n\nI don't take medication because to me it makes me feels as if I have lost all hope of controlling my own life. Therapy was the best help to me. Someone not threatening to shove pills down my throat all the time. You can't push someone into therapy, they need to make that descision on their own. Bipolar disorder is something that the person must deal with thie entire life. They have to learn to control it on their own i think. i alsothink that the people around them have to realize that We get offended easily and We will snap when we get offended. Just let them know that you are there for them. DOnt force them into anything unless it has come to the point where they are harming themselves or others.
1076561
I am not sure how old or young you are but if you are old enough, you can say no to being hospitalized or have a parent/guardian say no if you aren't old enough. I know that our daughter over  4 years ago had problems when she was in 4th grade, and because at that time she was being extremely violent, and was then to go on to be diagnosed with bipolar, but she stayed one night in the emergency area. We then refused her to be hospitalized, and I stayed home with her and was with her 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the medication kicked in and she was feeling better. She also went to a psychologist and still goes now and then, as it helps her to not only talk with us but to talk to a therapist. You have say over your own care, especially if you are at that moment of legal age, and of sound mind,etc. Good luck, just don't worry about it all, go and get the help you need! Just make sure you find yourself a good psychiatrist, referrals from friends, family members or call to your local hospital and they'll usually give you 3 names of psychiatrists. Take care of YOU!!!! You may also need a tranquilizer of some kind, and if you are continuing to have suicidal thoughts, sometimes having that major tranquilizer can calm you down until the antidepressants kick in. Please get help ASAP!!!
1010552
well the best thing  to do is meet some one else some one who u can talk to and some one who will listen good luck or simple jus think of something or some one you can talk to email or call them up and tell them up any more prob's emergencies u can email me i am 14 and my add. is freak1altm@yahoo.com
844346
IF YOU HAVE TO BE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THEY WILL THINK...well then think about who they are and the mistakes they have made...Bipolar is a chemical imbalance, chances are these people that you are worried about just made stupid choices. Bipolar is NOT A CHOICE.\nI share it with anyone who needs a friend.  I have gone to jails, talke to kids in recovery, and spoken with people who will never undrstand.  I DON'T CARE,,,,people who judge are ususally suffering from their own problems. There is no longer a stigma to BiPolar, or any other mental illness.  You have don the bravest thing that can be done YOU HAVE ADMITTED IT.  Now move forward and the best therapy is helping and talking to others. You take care and understand NO MATTER WHAT anybody else has to say, you are doing great you are dealing with it.
562787
I am a fifty year old man with Bi-Polar disorder. I also worked as a Nurse in Psychiatric Hospitals until my illness got to severe for me to continue.\nI have several relatives who are also Bi-Polar. Symptoms generally first appear, as in your mothers case, in the mid-teens. It is often misdiagnosed, though there have been improvements in recent years. Treatment for bi-polar d/o has improved massively in recent years. \nFirst, don't feel like you need to be responsible for your mothers moods. She can't control them; the medicine doesn't always control them; so don't feel like you have to control her moods.\nRealize that irritability can be a symptom of bi-polar disorder (though by no means one of the primary or diagnostic symptoms). Also, remember no matter how healthy or well-adjusted a mother and a teen-daughter are there is always going to be some friction.\nAs far as helping, love and patience are the best things you can offer and provide benefits no medicine can. \nDoes your mother have a good system for remembering to take her medicine properly? Both personal and clinical experience show me that taking the medications consistently and correctly is the best way for bi-polars to help ourselves.\nWhen she is depressed be encouraging. Help her find something, anything to do and be patient. \nAnyway I hope this has been some help. I will pray for you and your mother. I hope you get many helpful responses.\nYou may want to get in touch with NAMI, if you live in the US they offer lots of support for families of the chronically mentally ill.
755612
They cannot help that they are bipolar.  But they have to be responsible for taking their medications everyday.  They also have to participate in counseling.\n\nFeel sorry?  Manipulation?  That's on YOU, not them.  Only you can control how you feel and react.