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***POOF***

Bipolar is very hard for doctors to diagnose but if you go to your local GP he/she can help get you on the right track.

Have you been to a therapist or psychiatrist? A psychiatrist would probably be best because they specialize in mood medication. I am bipolar and don't take anything, the few things I tried I didn't feel right.

Quoting LumpySpacePrincess:" Bipolar is very hard for doctors to diagnose but if you go to your local GP he/she can help get you on the right track."

What's that?

I would talk to your doctor, who then would most likely refer you to a psychologist. It's hard to diagnose bipolar without having time to talk with a patient. I don't have bipolar disorder, but I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. This was a long process of counseling and explaining situations and my reactions to them. I don't take medications anymore- I missed my anxiety medication too often and it made issues worse. Start by talking with your doctor and describe your basic feelings and he/ she will know where to go from there. Good luck!!

Quoting waitingimpatiently.:" Have you been to a therapist or psychiatrist? A psychiatrist would probably be best because they specialize ... [snip!] ... because they specialize in mood medication. I am bipolar and don't take anything, the few things I tried I didn't feel right."

I've seen some psychiatrist when I was younger and was actually hospitalized about 2 years ago. Other than that, I've just been to a regular PCP and prescribed anti-depressants.

Quoting mum2two2&under:" I would talk to your doctor, who then would most likely refer you to a psychologist. It's hard to diagnose ... [snip!] ... Start by talking with your doctor and describe your basic feelings and he/ she will know where to go from there. Good luck!!"

I guess I need to get some insurance then. I don't expect any doc to just diagnose me in one visit but it would be nice to have some insight on what the hell is going on. I'm 22 years old and tired of not having a normal life. It's starting to really effect my relationship with other people and my own son.

im bipolar 1 which is the worst and its very hard to find the right drug to help me

Quoting Amanda Sixx |26 wks|:" im bipolar 1 which is the worst and its very hard to find the right drug to help me"

Does your psych doc ever mention other ways to cope with it without drugs?

Quoting Rista Kat:" I guess I need to get some insurance then. I don't expect any doc to just diagnose me in one visit but ... [snip!] ... old and tired of not having a normal life. It's starting to really effect my relationship with other people and my own son."

I would definitely recommend getting insurance. And I agree with Amanda- finding the right medications is really hard! I didn't want a lot of what was offered even for bpd, but some things helped during the really bad days... but they had horrible side effects. Any personality disorder is hard with children, but it is possible to find something that works for you. I know when I was taking my meds properly, my whole home was a hell of a lot happier. I hope you find the right help for you so you are able to avoid those down times.

I would definitely try to be seen by a psychiatrist. Bi-Polar is actually a lot harder to diagnose than identifying a few symptoms and there are other mood and personality disorders that have symptoms nearly identical to Bi-Polar Disorder.

Don't EVER expect any medication to magically make you better, however. Medications actually aren't always the cure all for the mentally ill. Best results are seen when patients also participate in a therapy program while undergoing pharmaceutical treatment.

Quoting Rabbit™:" I would definitely try to be seen by a psychiatrist. Bi-Polar is actually a lot harder to diagnose than ... [snip!] ... ill. Best results are seen when patients also participate in a therapy program while undergoing pharmaceutical treatment. "

I would rather not be medicated actually, which is why I never stayed on anything other docs prescribed me. If I could find something else that worked it would be great. But I am open to medication if it's absolutely needed.

Can I just make an appointment with a psychiatrist or do I have to be referred?

Quoting Rista Kat:" I would rather not be medicated actually, which is why I never stayed on anything other docs prescribed ... [snip!] ... open to medication if it's absolutely needed. Can I just make an appointment with a psychiatrist or do I have to be referred?"

It depends. A goid starting point would be with your local NAMI chapter (go to NAMI.org) and/or local mental health center. They will be able to point you in the right direction.  

Quoting Rabbit™:" It depends. A goid starting point would be with your local NAMI chapter (go to NAMI.org) and/or local mental health center. They will be able to point you in the right direction.  "

Thank you so much. I just e-mailed a lady they have posted as a contact and will go from there. I also found a place in my town called The House Next Door that offers therapy on a sliding scale for people with no insurance. I'm going to call them also and look more into that place.

Quoting Rista Kat:" Does your psych doc ever mention other ways to cope with it without drugs?"

there are natural ways to cope with counseling and some other things. my friend is looking into it for me cause ihate takin gpills!
feel free to PM if you have any questions if you want