I've been thinking for the past few months that I might be depressed, but then it hit me, that I'm not constantly depressed. A lot of the time I feel like I can't be happier. Which made me consider the possibility of it being manic depression, not plain old depression. I'm not exactly sure how to tell... which it is, which it's not. Does anyone have first hand experience with this? if you have one of the mental illnesses, it would be more helpful, or if you have a good reasoning.
Does anyone know of any quizzes that compare the two, so I can have them both in one quiz? please don't suggest quizzes that just say Question after Question, with answers 1-5 (Very true - Not at all true) Because I can't stay focused on those and I give up. sorry.
you probably are neither of the two, your hormones are probably just off, bipolar is total opposite feelings with no validation for the mood swings, and depression isnt just being sad, its tunnel vision
It could be depression, bipolar or neither, or something else entirely.
Don't rely on internet tests or answers from people to make your mind up about this - often it can be hard to tell what is going on from the inside, and you need to have professional help to figure out what is going on.
Don't be afraid of going to see a doctor, he/she would know how to differentiate and would tell you what they thought and would be able to use their experience.
I have to disagree with principe. only a doctor, psychiatrist, can officially diagnose mental illness. I have depression and knew I had depression before being diagnosed but the doctor was able to help by prescribing medication. you can know if you have bipolar by reading about bipolar and seeing if you fit the symptoms. The site I am citing will list the symptoms. THe only thing my psychiatrist did to diagnose the disorder was to ask if I had reasons to be depressed, which I did and I listed for her. This is not a test. it is simply a questioning.
do you fall asleep, hoping that you never have to wake up every night?
do you wake up and first thing you say to yourself is 'damn, i'm not dead!'?
do you call in to work sick NOT because you're lazy, but you really can't get up to even go to the bathroom?
do you ever carve yourself with a knife, so you can actually feel something other than the inner suffocation?
do you think about driving your car into a viaduct, every time you see a viaduct?
do you dream about what the world would be like, when you're not around?
do you find yourself snap at people for no reason what so ever?
do you cause everyone around you to walk on the eggshells?
yes, everyone has ups and downs.
I don't think you have any idea what it's like being "imbalanced chemicals in your brains" depressed.
read this, if you really wanna see what people with bipolar disorder really have to live with.
http://eatmybipolarheartout.blogspot.com…
Things for you to consider (You can draw your own conclusions):
There are three areas to look into:
1. MENTAL
2. EMOTIONAL
3. PHYSICAL
MENTAL: Your thoughts may be leading you on. Attempt some control over them. Also, your mind may be attempting to block a past (present, or future) negative experience, in an attempt to protect you.
EMOTIONAL: Repressed anger, held inside of you may be looking for a way of expression. This may be due to an event that may have taken place some time ago, or, it may be an unresolved issue(s) seeking to resolve itself, or find closure, but cannot, because your mind blocks it. Fear may also set-in and intensify the symptoms and effects.
PHYSICAL: Age-old studies have observed that prolonged depression (or adversity, or internal conflict) have an effect on the quality of the blood. it may have a tendency to become 'thicker', after prolonged, unresolved frustration, internal conflict or contradiction. This affliction normally taxes the liver, one of which functions is to detoxify and make your vital fluids flow unhindered and free (as they should when everything is normal). A less-than-ideal diet may further exacerbate this condition, making it harder for the liver to do its job.
So, there you have it! it is highly likely that you will find the possible cause(s) of your affliction within these three areas of your being.
Ah! A word of advise: Don't bother to look for 'tags" to label your condition. Such practice will only confuse you and further bind you to a possible 'pseudodiagnosis', which may be frequently and ultimately totally irrelevant to the solution.
Also, make an attempt to find an unresolved issue, which may be the cause of it all.
Another (PHYSICAL) very important aspect to consider: if you are a menstruating woman, you may also want to include your menstrual cycle in your auto-analysis, for this is an important factor which affects all of the above three areas of consideration. in this area, look for regularity and fluidity.
If, after conscientious analysis you still find yourself unable to resolve your issue(s), you can always seek the help of a healthcare professional. these are only suggestions to help you find solutions on your own.
Mental disorder - depression or bipolar?
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