Bipolar Disorder or Depression?
Question by : Bipolar Disorder or Depression?
I think I have one of these because it’s like one minute I’m talking rapidly and I’m happy and energized then the next I’m upset and refuse to speak to anyone. It’s also hard for me to go to sleep at night, I would just lay there until I fall asleep. My appetite has changed like somedays Ill eat then the next the thought of food makes me sick. I have a hard to expressing myself and I’ve been told that lately I’ve been getting distracted easily now. I’m 14 years old.
Best answer:
Answer by gardensallday
Bipolar moods last weeks to months, not minutes or hours or days. The moods are debilitating – you would probably not be able to go to school in a bipolar episode. In my first bipolar depression, I went from all A’s all my life, to all F’s. I’ll give you my standard depression advice, because those are all good coping skills to have. Most of that stuff is stress reduction. You don’t have depression either, since you make no claims that you are unable to function normally. Depression symptoms are not enough – the depression must be so severe that you find it extremely difficult or impossible to keep on with your daily life. If your daily functioning is not severely affected, your moods are not of “clinical significance.” In other words, pretty much normal. It sounds like teen hormones to me. PS I check these answers with my husband, who raised 5 kids, all adults now with their own kids, and my mental health worker (I have had severe bipolar for 30 years)
Generic Practical Depression tips (PRINT THEM OUT):
The library has self-help books on depression.
Many meds cause or worsen depression, including birth control, blood pressure, pain, acne, antipsychotic, anxiety (benzos) or sleeping medications, alcohol, illicit drugs and MANY others.
Hypothyroidism mimics depression . Too little sleep, or sleep disorders like sleep apnea, or interrupted sleep (crying baby, barking dog) can cause depression.
If your depression is worse in winter, use a light box (10,000 Lux (light intensity) at about 20” – about $ 300 online, you don’t need full spectrum, Sunray is a good brand). I have extra windows, painted the walls peach & yellow & have a skylight. There’s a link to a cheaper lightbox & more info at psycheducation.org. Also you can try 1000 to 2000 IU of Vitamin D in winter. It may work, or may be placebo treatment.
Try meditation like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. See The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne. Free 15 minute guided imagery at healthjourneys.com and many free meditations at youtube.
Go out with friends, & if you don’t have any, join a club e.g. hobby club, bowling league & MAKE yourself go. “Isolating” makes depression worse!
Exercise 1/2 hour a day, & anytime you feel depressed or anxious. LOTS OF RESEARCH SUPPORTS THIS as the most effective depression treatment of all.
Insomnia?: Go to bed & get up the same time each day, even weekends. Don’t use your bedroom to watch TV, read or use the computer. Don’t do stuff that revs you up before bed, like exercising & using the computer. Light from computer screens & TV wakes you up. Blue light is the worst offender – dim the lights and use an old-fashioned incandescent bulb the last hour. Make the bedroom very dark, even cover up the clock. Mask disturbing sounds with a fan or try soundsleeping.com or youtube, etc. Avoid caffeine after noon.
Put colorful, happy things around the house. Do nice things for yourself. Make a list of things that make you happy, like: bread fresh from the oven, the crisp sound of a saltine cracker breaking, fresh sheets on the bed, touching frost on the windowpane, etc. Read that list when you are down. Use comforting scents. I like vanilla & cloves.
Work on time management if you are overwhelmed. Cut back on other responsibilities so you can spend more time with friends & family. Ask for help with chores.
Spend more time with your pet, if you have one.
DON’T listen to sad music! Listen to upbeat stuff- same with movies & novels.
DISTRACT yourself. Read a novel, watch a comedy, go out with friends, play cards or a video game, whatever keeps your mind busy.
Volunteer. Helping others makes you feel better about yourself & you make a difference, too. If you are religious, your religion may help keep you involved in the community.
Put a half-smile on your face. Changing your expression is proven to help change mood.
Try free computerized cognitive behavioral therapy at moodgym.anu.edu.au. Also, if you have an abuse history, it is likely to be a major cause of your depression.
Answer by drdjjt
always go see your family dr. first -it sounds like a hormone imbalance since you are 14.go get a blood test.
if you go to a psychiatrist or psychologist they won’t look for any medical problem.they just give you drugs or therapy which you won’t need.
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