Cyclothymia.

[zer0]

I think I have it.

My boyfriend has pointed out that I go through cycles where every few weeks, I get really depressed for no reason - moping all the time, never wanting to see anyone or do anything, excessive sleeping, rock bottom self-esteem, no sex drive.

But I also realized that when I'm not depressed, I'm kind of reckless - these are the times I completely blow off important things to go out and party, I become kind of vain, I always want sex, and I get really irritated if I'm not always moving.

But it never really reaches a mania. I always kind of thought it was just the result of being not depressed and that was how normal people worked (because I always like myself during that phase.) So the internet tells me it's probably cyclothymia.

I've spoken to my mom about my problems with anxiety, which have been very persistent for a few months now, and we're going to get me to see someone about that as soon as I get home for the summer. Should I talk to her about it, or just wait until I see a psychiatrist or..? Or is self-diagnosing just a result of anxiety about developing another mental disorder? Gah, I hate when I can't tell what's in my head.

[Thirteen]

Well, honestly, you shouldn't self-diagnose. In fact, the more you self-diagnose, the more you may trick yourself into acting a way you wouldn't normally act. It's the power of persuasion that one's mind can have.

I'd suggest talking to a psychiatrist about these moods, since you're going to be seeing one anyways, right? Talking to them would give them a better idea of what's wrong or not, from a professional view, rather than an amateur "Google" view, you know?

[zer0]

This is probably true, I know I'm already over-thinking it... but you know. Having a diagnosis makes me feel a bit more hopeful sometimes. I'll just have to bother my mom about going to see one, stat. She tends to have a wait-and-see kind of approach with things, but I want to get stuff done... should I tell her about this concern, though? Or just wait until I'm there for anxiety?

[Thirteen]

Well it depends. Is this interfering with your life majorly, or do you think you can wait it out? It's actually quite hard to get in with mental health professionals, since they usually have a wait list, so I'd suggest you use your own discretion, as to how urgent you think these problems are.

But, you should start working on booking appointments soon anyways, considering the wait list, if you'd like to be seen by summer.