Hi guys, been suffering depression half my life and there have been changes in the past 2 years or so. Long story short I've done a lot of research and I perfectly fit the description of Bipolar II, so I'm seeing a doctor next week about it. I'm currently in a mania-like state and it's getting very exhausting.
My question is how should i approach my doctor about this. I'm seeing a new Dr so I have no idea if he will be understanding or one of those types to brush you off. I'm a bit afraid of doctors from bad past experiences. So should I just straight-up say I've done the research and think I have Bipolar, or play it dumb and give symptoms and see what he says?
Also how is one diagnosed? What sorts of treatments or screening should I expect or ask for? I've been brushed off by so many doctors just handing me anti-depressants and have had no referrals to therapists/psychologists and I'm sick of being treated this way.
Thanks in advance!
Thurain, The gp may not diagnose bipolar themselves instead they may refer you to a psyciatrist for evaluation if they think you may be bipolar 2. Tell the GP your symptons and explain that you are concerned you may be bipolar 2 and then go from there.
Yes and there are also links between chronic illness and mental illness which can lead to death. Bipolar/other mental health conditions are NOT a label they are an illness/disease. Comments like that are the sort of BS I put up with on a regular basis.
Anyway thanks tony for your reply. I'll mention my worries to the Dr and see what he says. I'm just worried I guess, I've had to deal with a lot of stigma both from personal life and health professionals but this is something that I finally need answers to.
If you are in the UK you can straightforward ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist for assessment. If you are in the USA, i have no idea, but I would have thought that a psychiatrist would be the best one to diagnose whether you have bi polar or not.
Tell him everything you know. Including about your research. Doctors sometimes take years to get to the right diagnosis. Anything can help, so why not?
I've deleted the comment and the first part of Tony's reply and deactivated the user as there were similar posts elsewhere in the forums.