Stupid Question..but it's bugging me

[-thatvideokid-]

hey,
OK well to start off, I'm new here so I'm still getting to grips with the site.

Sorry to bother you all with this, I'm sure you have all heard this before, but I've been unable to get this out of my head for days.

does anyone here listen to 'the surgery' on Radio One? It's hosted by Kelly Osbourne? Well anyway, there was a..programme i think..about depression.

It talked about Bipolar or Manic Depression. Where the sufferer has extreme highs and extreme lows.

Mabey, because I know the symtoms I'm imagining it. But while I'm out, with friends, at work, at school etc. I'm giddy, excitable and constantly laughing/smiling. Every inch the over-exited teen.

But when alone, be it in bed, out alone or on MSN or something. I get waves of sadness that arise from nowhere and seem to pin me down. It is almost physically painful. I cry and cry but I cannot explain why. Sometimes it is triggered when I'm with my friends, like if i get some less-than-brilliant news, and I'll go off by myself just to be alone and cry.

This couldn't possibly be anything similar to Bipolar Depression?
I hope not. My parents believe that depression is something that should not affect their offspring. I have problems hiding cuts and stuff because if they are seen, I'm grounded instantly.

Sorry to waffle on so much. I would just like to put my mind at ease.

Much love to you all
xxxxxxx

[Sarika]

Bipolar disorder isn't switching that quickly. There are times of mania and depression. By criteria, mania has to last 1 week (out of hospital) and 2 weeks of depression. Mania is a "super high". It contains euphoria, racing thoughts, excessive talking, spending outrageous amounts of money, feeling invicible, etc. Depression is a low. It's more than sadness. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness. Feeling like "a burden to society". Sleeping for 13+ hours. Thoughts of suicide, and self-harm. Unable to concentrate, problems with work/school, etc.

If you think you may have a problem you should speak to your doctor- to rule out an "organic" causes. If it's impacting your life this much, perhaps your doctor could refer you to a therapist (who if needed, could refer you to a psychiatrist for medication).

To an extent, everyone has two sides to their self. One public face, one private. But it sounds that your private side is hurting more tha normal - in that case I'd definately suggest seeking some help.

[Stellata]

I think what you're describing is how your feelings and behaviour are influenced by your surroundings. It sounds like you feel together, and flourish, around people. But that you have deeply sensitive feelings, and a lot of sadness, and you feel this especially when you're alone.
There are a number of possible reasons for this
1 - You learnt at an early age that sadness and pain wasn't socially acceptable, and you must be alone when you feel these feelings.
2 - You need people to help 'hold you together.' Alone, it's like you break.
As well as other possibilities, too.

[Queer Fringe]

Bipolar disorder can switch quite quickly, usually it is monthly or every 2 months etc but sometimes it can be daily, hourly, but I don't know if they call it bipolar disorder?
I'm excactly the same as that hun, I hate it. I'm soo sorry you are going through the same 'cause I know howpainful it is. PM me anytime, it's good to feel I'm not alone :) *hug*

[Sarika]

There is a form of bipolar that does switch quickly, it's called rapid-cycling. It's not "technically" a diagnosis, becuase some psychiatrists argue that it doesn't exist. Despite if it exists or not, it's an extreme switch - and it's not caused by external stimuli. It's more common in younger children, which is the main reason why there is the dispute (children naturally have funky emotions and moods).

[-thatvideokid-]

thanks guys,
you're a great help :)
>.<
xxx