Q:I think I have bipolar disorder
I think I have bipolar. I have been on many websites and looked up on the symptoms, and I seem to match up to 90% of them. It may not be bipolar, my friends say it could just be normal mood swings, but to me it seems far worse. It’s causing problems with my relationships and I’m losing friends, my mood swings are also affecting my work! I’m scared to go to a GP or tell my parents because I don’t know what their reactions will be. And I don’t want my parents to know. What can I do? Please help!!!
Lisa , 14
A: Dear Lisa
Do you watch Eastenders? Stacey is having a hard time. She might have bipolar disorder and it's hard to watch cos we love Stacey.
Bipolar disorder affects about one in a hundred of us, at some point. It used to be called manic depression. So what are the symptoms?
Big highs
We feel super-human, capable of anything. Full of energy, we're the life-and-soul. We might take risks or spend too much. Or have millions of brilliant ideas.
Big lows
We feel hopeless. And helpless. Sad and guilty. Life is terrible.
Everyone might think these symptoms sound familiar. We all have ups and downs: Great days and rubbish ones, too. It's part of life.
But when we have bipolar, the moods are extreme. They last for ages. And mess up our lives, our health, our work or school. Even our relationships.
It's great you've been checking things out on-line. But diagnosing ourselves is dodgy, especially when it comes to mental health. Plus I can't tell if you have bipolar. Only an expert who has spent time with you, can do that.
What about your parents? They will have noticed you're out of sorts. I'm betting they'll be relieved you're asking for help. Please tell them how you feel.
Think about talking to your GP. They'll be proud of you for recognising something's wrong and pleased you're doing something about it. It's just the first step to feeling better. Good luck.
