Who do you go to when you want to first discuss, in general, about Bipolar Disorder?

[escapefromthisafterlife]

Well, now that I actually think about it, I've noticed that I've been having extreme mood swings lately, and got into a huge fight with my Dad about it. He told me that he hated how I acted towards him because I always had a negative and rude attitude, or sometimes, I'd be so hyper that it's annoying to him (yes, it hurt when he said it), and he goes, "What are you, a bipolar schizophrenic?"

I don't entirely agree on his schizophrenia theory, but later that night, I looked up Bipolar Disorder symptoms, I noticed I've had a lot of them.

So, my question really is: if I want to discuss this with someone other than my parents and school counselor, who do I go to? A psychologist or psychiatrist? What's the difference (other than salary and how much knowledge) in this situation?

And might I remind you, I'm only 14. It's not as if I could just drive to the nearest person and do it behind my parents' back.

Please, no answers saying something such as, "Just tell your parents!"

I have. They laughed; said, "Yeah, right." I stormed upstairs. Not a very good conversation, if you ask me.

 

[puckbunnietwo4]

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 13. My family knew that something was wrong and I didn't want to believe them or talk about it. I finally agreed that I needed to find out what was happening with me after running away from home and some very erratic behaviour that put me in danger.

A good place to start is with your family doctor. They can refer you to the right places for diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.

You may not suffer from anything serious and may just be experiencing some of the symptoms that are normal for teenagers.

Keep in mind that bipolar disorder requires communication with your family and other supports.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Anne]

Honestly, I'd start with you school counselor.

Not to at all talk down to you, but I seriously doubt you have biplolar disorder. Its easy to read down a list of symptoms and think it might be you. If you're just 14, you're probably just going through the normal moodiness associated with being a teenager and figuring out who you want to be. I'm sorry your parents aren't being very understanding or supportive.

I have a friend who is bipolar and its a pretty serious condition. I've seen her go from fetal position wailing, almost screaming and suicidal, to skipping around the room excitedly showing me something she bought. Granted that's an extreme example (she was rapid cycling), but unless you are going through marked periods of depression and then unreasonable, out-of-control mania...you're probably just normal.