Anyone here have bi-polar disorder?

[BamBam215]

I'm starting to think that I have it. I've looked at the symptoms and I exhibit about 80% of the listed symptoms. Some days I'm really pumped up and then the next day I'm feeling hopeless in terms of my goals and where I'm at in life. I alternate between the two state constantly and as a result, my studies has taken a nose dive. I went from a straight A student to failing most of my classes in college. It's been on a downward path since 3-4 years ago.

I would love to go see a psychiatrist and all but I don't have the money. I would love to hear some input on anyone who has it and how much their life has changed once they are treated. I'm praying that I don't have it and am just in a slump. But it's been quite a few years that I've felt this way. It hasn't gone to the extreme of suicidal thoughts but the depression and feeling of hopelessness has messed me up quite a bit.

 

[spidey07]

don't you have health insurance? They cover stuff like this.

 

[KarenMarie]

I spent almost 6yrs on Paxil... It took me 8months to come off. I tried stopping cold once, but ended up in the ER with convulsions.

Don't take meds if you don't have to... counselling for a start maybe? If yuo are close to your parents, talk to them, they might help with the $$$.

 

[Analog]

Many colleges have free services in this area.

 

[xXped0thugXx]

your symptoms sound similar to what im experiencing... im up and down, my life is a rollercoaster, right now im down and well basically wanna hurt/kill the whole population of people surrounding me

 

[skim milk]

I think the majority of people feel hopeless sometimes and on other days, feel pumped up

people suffering from bipolar disorder alternate between mania and depression, depression as in you have suicidal thoughts and want to kill yourself

 

[digitalsm]

Originally posted by: yellowfiero
Many colleges have free services in this area.

Anyone at a four year university has paid into student medical services. There should be a clinic on or near campus for minor medical issues or mental/emotional problems.

 

[BamBam215]

Money is an issue because I'm still working at a part time job trying to finish college. I should have graduated 2 years ago but because of this, I end up finishing half of whatever units I enroll in. So school has been dragging. I have like 4 classes left to take to graduate but it's been a REAL struggle. Somedays I feel so hopeless that I give up. Then the next day I feel pump because I'm about to graduate. Then it keeps repeating.

My parents would NEVER understand if I tell them (they're OLD SCHOOL asian).

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: fritolays
I think the majority of people feel hopeless sometimes and on other days, feel pumped up

people suffering from bipolar disorder alternate between mania and depression, depression as in you have suicidal thoughts and want to kill yourself

From what I've read, it can goto such extreme cases as suicidal thoughts but not necessarily. There are varying levels of bi-polar disorder.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: fritolays
I think the majority of people sometimes feel hopelss and sometimes feel pumped up

people suffering from bipolar disorder alternate between mania and depression, depression as in you have suicidal thoughts and want to kill yourself

It can be much more subtle than that. Like most with depression or bi-polar they live their lives thinking that feeling like crap is normal and OK and that there is nothing wrong.

Until they get the help they need.

 

[digitalsm]

If you are still at Berkeley this might help Berkeley Health Services

 

[BamBam215]

Nah I'm not at Berkeley. This is a friends account. I goto a state university. I'm not sure if they offer a lot of the health benefits that universities do.

 

[digitalsm]

Originally posted by: fritolays
I think the majority of people feel hopeless sometimes and on other days, feel pumped up

people suffering from bipolar disorder alternate between mania and depression, depression as in you have suicidal thoughts and want to kill yourself

Depression isnt all about suicide, some times its homicidal thoughts. Other times its neither.

 

[digitalsm]

Originally posted by: BamBam215
Nah I'm not at Berkeley. This is a friends account. I goto a state university. I'm not sure if they offer a lot of the health benefits that universities do.

Which state university? All should have a medical clinic.

 

[KarenMarie]

You might think your parents would never understand... but I would bet that if you did something stupid to hurt yourself, they would wonder why you did not go to them first... I have limited experience with Asian parents, but being a parent, I can tell you that no matter where we are from, we love our kids... you need to make them understand... start with your mom. Find literature on depression and use it to explain it to her.

I am sure that your parents would much rather you go to them than to have you drop out of school, or wose...God Forbid... do something to hurt yourself. Be patient with them, and explain that you are hurting.

And doesn't youe school offer a mental health office or counselling of some sort?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Hell fvcking no b!tch!!! :frown:

Would you like to date my sister?

 

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

If it has reached the point you can't function on a regular basis (interferes with job/school/relationships), then look for a psychiatrist. Almost every college provides free counseling for things like this.

People who take meds for bi-polar (Paxil, etc.) end up with some serious side-effects, so stay off them unless you find you really need them. Look for other ways to help keep your mood elevated. Eat right, sleep regularly, exercise, find people you can talk to who will support you when life gets tough (ATOT isn't the best place for this ). Call your parents, your friends, whomever, and just talk.

I've seen many friends deal with what you are now, the worst thing you can do is nothing. If you don't take action, things will keep spiraling down.

 

[eLiu]

no, but i have epilepsy...

 

[SZLiao214]

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
I spent almost 6yrs on Paxil... It took me 8months to come off. I tried stopping cold once, but ended up in the ER with convulsions.

Don't take meds if you don't have to... counselling for a start maybe? If yuo are close to your parents, talk to them, they might help with the $$$.

:shocked: My friend has been on lexapro for as long as i have known him. Thats 7 years now?

 

[alm99]

I am pretty sure my wife does, one moment she'll be all nice and the next I will be smacked with a shovel.

 

[Quasmo]

no.

 

[Quasmo]

YES!!!!!!11!one

 

[acemcmac]

I don't know anyone who doesent.

I have been formally diagnosed.

 

[KarenMarie]

Originally posted by: SZLiao214

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
I spent almost 6yrs on Paxil... It took me 8months to come off. I tried stopping cold once, but ended up in the ER with convulsions.

Don't take meds if you don't have to... counselling for a start maybe? If yuo are close to your parents, talk to them, they might help with the $$$.

:shocked: My friend has been on lexapro for as long as i have known him. Thats 7 years now?

After trhee years on Paxil, it stopped working, and I was just flat all the time... so they tried my on just about every damn SSRI on the market... it sucked. Up & Down.. happy & miserable... Homicidal & suicidal thoughts... Finally I went back on Paxil and all was ok for a while.. then I tried to stop cold turkey... went thru emotional he!!... as well as forceful nosebleeds, vomiting blood, and finally convulsions... I was only dating the b/f for a few months at the time, and I am amazed that he stayed with me. Most other ppl would have run a mile off, just from the mood swings... went back on Paxil... and I weaned myself off over a period of 8 months...

I still get loopy, and emotional and have my dispair days.... but I have learned to see the signs and brace my self for them. Beats the he!! out of taking the meds.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: eLiu
no, but i have epilepsy...

Oof...one of my best friends is epileptic. I'm really afraid he's gonna get himself and some family killed someday when he drives to/from work.