How do you know...
By ninalinda
@ninalinda (7)
United States
February 23, 2007 4:48pm CST
if you have bipolar disorder? I've been wondering for a few months if whether or not I have it. I say this because I can't afford to go to the doctor about it.. I have no insurance.. Otherwise, I would've gone a while ago. So I was wondering what are the classical signs. Here are my symptoms: problems controlling feelings of despair.. I feel at times that I can't go on and I just snap and start packing and putting things away.. not suicidal thoughts.. just thoughts of putting everything away so that it is not one more thing to deal with. Also, I start over anaylizing everything and start forming conclusions that aren't necessarily the way it is.
I go through phases where I won't answer the phone because I don't want to talk to friends or family.. not that I am upset with them.. I just can't take talking to them. I know most feel like that sometimes, but for me it's often.
Another big problem for me is when I have started a job.. I start right away nitpicking at things.. don't like people I work with and I always feel like they are out to get me and i also feel like an outsider. I end up quiting on the spot because I can't wait the two weeks. That is one reason why I am staying home because I don't want to go through that again.. It looks bad on my resume.. They've been decent jobs with decent pay, but I end feeling uneasy about my boss- every single one of them.. and I have to quit.
These are just a few examples.. the main thing is that I just snap and do things that later I regret but i feel like I can't control it.
2 people like this
3 responses
@unusualsuspect (2602)
• United States
23 Feb 07
If you were bipolar you would have extreme swings of mood, from very high and often out of control, to very low. Sound more as if you're depressed.
2 people like this
@creativedreamweaver (7297)
• United States
23 Feb 07
I too think it sounds like major depression. I am bipolar myself, and there is a cycling pattern from one extreme to the other-mania to depression. Really though the only way to be diagnosed with bipolar is to see a doctor. Are there any clinics in your area that charge on a sliding scale, for people that have no insurance? I haven't had insurance in several years either, so I know how hard it is to force yourself to spend money going to a doctor. But it sounds like you really need to see someone and find out what is going on. I wish you all then best, if I can help, please let me know.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (86046)
• United States
10 Apr 07
I know how it feels to have no insurance. Since you live in the US (at least it says that on your profile) you can visit the health department. If you don't qualify for government health care, THEY DO have free clinics. They can offer you an evaluation to see if you are bipolar, medicine to treat it, and therapy to deal with it. Therapy is a big part too. This post was 2 months ago, so I hope you have gotten some help.
