Is this bi-polar disorder?

I have recently learned about bipolar disorder and I recognized the symptoms.

Severe depression runs in the family on my dads side. Every once in a while I get really depressed and don't do well in school, get in arguements with my parents, I kind of show up at school looking like crap because I fell like it doesn't matter what I wear I look ugly with or without it. Then there are times when my grades are excellent, I am EXTREMELY happy, I am hyper during the day, etc.

I usually suffer from low-self esteem even in my better times. I believe I tell myself somewhere in my mind that I am never going to have a boyfriend because I am so damn ugly, I am stupid, I say the wrong things at the wrong times. I am also convinced at times that most of my friends aren't real friends. They really hate me or they are using me even though part of me knows that is not true.

More coming...

I am usually anti-social when I am at home. I don't like to be around my family too much because when I am out with them, my brother or stepdad tend to say something that offends me thats just a joke and I take it too seriously. Then I get really upset and yell, and scream, and cry. I have gotten myself in trouble for this A LOT. But sometimes I feel like I can't control it and they say I am too sensitive. My mom says its okay, its just puberty and they don't understand but my mom is the same way.

Then everytime I am spending quality time with someone in my family and I have so much fun. I am really in a good mood then something someone says either offends me or reminds me of a time they hurt my feelings then I cry and its ruined. Now my family doesn't like to be around me.

At school I don't get to emotional but I get uncomfortable when people I hardly know talk to me and don't know what to say.

Hold on more

You should see a therapist, definitely. However, you highs don't seem high enough--and even in a depression, you can bounce back on some days (sometimes things make you forget). I honestly don't think you're bipolar. If you were Bipolar II (which includes more depression than mania), you'd still have much more drastic swings upwards (particularly in decision-making and impulsivity). Mania isn't hyperactivity and isn't just being super-elated. Sometimes the happiness doesn't seem real, and it really isn't happiness at all.

I think you probably are in the midst of a major depressive episode. These can last a long time and actually cause some negative delusions like the ones you're having (my friends hate me, I suck at life, etc.) when it's not treated. Major Depression is nothing to mess with, and since you're not particularly sad and down because your grandma died or something, it seems pretty clear to me that there is a problem, so don't think I'm trying to dismiss you by saying you're not bipolar. You just don't present a lot of specific symptoms that are required in the diagnosis of Bipolar. It seems pretty clear otherwise, though, that you're probably much more depressed than you think you are at this point. You will feel a ton better once in therapy and on meds. Not to mention, this should be a relief since depression ends and bipolar disorder is forever. You have a lot to look forward to :) Hang in there.

Before you even get to the "more" let me stop you right there. You need to talk to your counselor and let him/her know about how you are feeling. You could have bipolar or a similar issue. You could even have Asperger's syndrome like I do. The most important thing is to get it checked out. Talk to your parents and tell them that you want to get some tests taken and you want to feel better and have better control in your life. You have that right. Make sure you see a specialist. Look up checklists for Bipolar and Asperger's by name on the net. Print them out and show your parents where you fit on them. Good luck to you, let me know if I can help you with your research.

Dont be so harsh on your self. Bi-polar disorder or Manic Depression has a nice death grip on your moods. Being more irritable than normal is a good sing along with snapping on people like you normaly do. Your thoughts may be altered into thinking the whole worlds out to get you because of sever mood swings. It may take your friends awhile to understand your problem. Low self esteem is also a mental factor caused by your depression. Try getting comfortable with your self. You may need to make a few changes that people around you wont understand but in the end you may feel better about your self.

It sounds like you have allot going on in your life. The major depressions and mood swings are a big concern. You should be talking to either your parents, your doctor, or other adult you trust. This is not the place to get the kind of answers you need. if you want to talk more e-mail or im me. I DO suffer from Bipolar II and it can be very difficult. But FIRST and FOREMOST get a diagnosis from a professional. Best wishes.

hi,

i am happy to answer your question, i am an ER nurse, so i see many patients with your similar background. i advise you to be proud of yourselves-grow self confidence in you :need to admit that god has given you parents,intelligence,friends and just think of people all over the world who are handicapped, lost parents,,,etc.
Often bipolar disorders are not hereditary, dont believe that when you express anger mood & depression, it doesnt mean that you have bipolar, its human nature. if you r in lot of stress find time atleast one or 2 hours to relax ur mind with music, cooking, arts or even going to church,,,

Aspie here also. [waving to the other Aspie who answered this question]...

I do not know if you have bi-polar disorder or anything. No one is a label. The labels are there for research purposes, so a doctor can [hopefully] pick the right medications if someone has to have it, and for payments by insurance companies.

Adolescence is rocky under the best of circumstances. It is okay to talk to a counselor about your concerns. Here is something interesting: medical students read about symptoms too and sometimes they decide that they have a rare disease!

Self-esteem is something that can be increased through a set of practices; things like self-responsibility, integrity [being honest]. living life conscientiously, having a purpose, self-acceptance, and assertiveness.

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Just so you know, Nathaniel Branden is stuck on an old teacher of his whose name is Ayn Rand. Aside from when he goes off about her, he is a pretty good read.

Hi and I hope you do not have Bipolar. Unfortunately teens go thru so much turmoil in their lives its hard to know who you are sometimes. It does definitely sound like a bout with depression, and that is nothing to take lightly. It could lead to something much more severe. Bipolar and depression are both enemies so I would advise not to ignore your condition. Talk to your parents, if not comfortable with that then talk to a guidance counselor (only if you feel you can trust them). Find an adult, hopefully in your extended family who will put your interests first. If you need to talk email me. Good Luck and Be Safe.