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Bipolar Disorder/!!!
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Question
I think you are the same person I wrote to before, right?
If so then in answer to your question.
I'm fifteen. I probably have a better relationship with my parents than some kids, but I'm known to have a serious attitude problem and I have issues with controlling my tone. I could probably bring up the subject of being bipolar with my mom, or maybe one of my sisters, but I think my biggest gear is not being taken seriously or them taking it seriously and it being nothing.
As far as I know no one in my family has a history of mental illness, unless you count several people with anger managment.
I went through a tough time a few years ago when my sister went to school, and I became sortof deppressed, and I haven't spoken to them about some of the thoughts and feelings I had during that time.
I don't know what I would do if I found out I was bipolar.
Based on the information you've provided, keeping in mind that I am not a medical professional, it sounds like you're probably not bipolar. However, I would recommend that you go and talk to a counselor or therapist if possible, in order to sort out what you're feeling and to deal with anything else that may be going on that was not mentioned in your question. When I was the same age that you are now, I had a lot of difficult times - everyone does when they're in the 13-19 age range. It's important that you have a way of dealing with feeling depressed and someone that you can go talk to when you feel that way. You may also want to talk to your sister about how you felt when she went off to school, and maybe spend some time where it's just the two of you. My brother went into the air force when I was a sophmore in high school, and although we've never been close (and still aren't) there was a significant change in various aspects of my family life and the experience of being the only child still living in the home. But, talking to a counselor should help you, and they can also determine if there is any indication that you may be bipolar from the professional standpoint. Hope that this helps, and good luck in all you do!
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Answers by Expert:
Jennifer
Expertise
I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.
Experience
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.
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