I think I may be bipolar...

[lovatoac]

I am 16.

My whole life I'd go months getting barely any sleeping, being really social and outgoing, creating great goals and trying to do them (Example: In 7th grade at 2 am I created a huge plan about how I was going to stop sweat shops.), not caring about eating and just being really ambitious and a total perfection, but also really happy.

Then out of the blue I wake up one morning and cry, and cry and cry, and cut myself, and yell at my parents, and don't talk to friends for weeks, and fail everything at school, and sleep a lot, and eat a lot, cut myself and just spend most of my time in my room crying, not really caring about life, just kind of wanting to die, disapear, now this could go on for anywhere from a week to 2 months.

Today I was so happy and focused and I snapped so fast, faster than I ever have. I took a blade from my "cutting kit" and carved help me in my arm. I cut both wrists a lot. Then my mom came downstairs (i didn't let her see my arms) and I just yelled at her, for absolutely no reason. Also,I have been sort of anorexic for the past 2 months and I ran into my kitchen and at everything in sight after cutting myself.

I may be dealing with something else, but from reading online I believe I may have bipolar disorder. Also, my great grandmother and cousin on my mom's side were bipolar and my grandmother on my dad's side was bipolar, so it definetley is in my genes. Please what should I do? I am really scared. And I don't know if I could talk to my parents about it.

[LeapOfFayth]

Just like any physical problem if you think something is wrong you go to the doctor. There's nothing else anybody here can tell you.

I'll tell you right now though that a doctor would be both reluctant to diagnose you with bipolar and to give you medication simply because of your age.

[PSY]

Originally Posted by Fricky Ricky

I'll tell you right now though that a doctor would be both reluctant to diagnose you with bipolar and to give you medication simply because of your age.

Why do you say that? Typical onset for bipolar disorder is late teens to early 20s. Although the OP is on the younger end, she's certainly not outside of that age range.

To the OP: Like Ricky said, we cannot diagnose you on TeenHelp. Based on your family's psychosocial history and your current symptoms, however, I believe you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders ASAP for an assessment/diagnosis. Definitely talk to your parents about this. 1) It will be easier to get the medication/therapy you need if you do not go behind their backs. 2) You will need support from your loved ones during this difficult time. 3) They should know why you have been behaving in this way - they can then adjust the way they react to your outbursts and better understand how they can help you. I wish you all the best. I know taking the first steps toward seeking help will be scary, but think about how much better life can become after reaching out. =) Let that comforting thought remain in your mind as you figure out how you want to approach this subject with your parents and doctor.

[LeapOfFayth]

Originally Posted by PSY

Why do you say that? Typical onset for bipolar disorder is late teens to early 20s. Although the OP is on the younger end, she's certainly not outside of that age range.

Bipolar can start at any age and regardless if she has it or not I'm just saying a doctor might be reluctant to diagnose her. I've had bipolar since I was 8, been under the care of a psychiatrist or two or three since I was 17, and wasn't diagnosed until I was 20. Doctors don't like saying you have bipolar, they like saying you're depressed or you're overreacting or you have a personality disorder.

There's a reason the average bipolar individual waits 10 years from initiating treatment until they are properly diagnosed.