am i bipolar?

Hi, i discovered this forum after frantically searching the internet for an answer to the way i feel. Im 31 and my entire life, my moods have been up and down, mainly down and it seems to come completely out of the blue and can last days, sometimes months before i even begin to feel remotely positive about life, Im not talking just feeling a little depressed, Im talking about feeling so low that i can see a point in going on, i have never sought help although my family have been asking me for years to seek help as they find it very hard to deal with. I guess i have always felt very embarrased about admitting there is something wrong with me and have always tried to keep it private. I have learned to deal with it by just shutting myself away when i feel low, i won't go out, any, here, a.simple trip to the corner shop becomes impossible., getting out of bed becomes impossible, i just can't go on like this and dont know what to do. People tell mevthat when Im happy, Im overly happy and am always talking about unrealistic dreams for the future but unfortunately for me, although i feel great when Im happy, it doesn't happen often or last long. A couple of years ago, i met a guy who promised me the world and within a few weeks of knowing him, i walked out on my husband and three children, something that i deeply regret, i can't understand why i left my children and i beat myself up about every day. Of course i am no longer with the man, he didn't make me happy, i guess i just got, carried away with the dream

Only a doctor can diagnose you bipolar. An anonymous poster on the internet can do nothing for you. What you need to do is set an apointment with your general practitioner, which would be your family doctor. He will listen to your symptoms then from the sounds of your story he will refer you to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist then can diagnose you and prescribe medication. It also sounds like you could use therapy; a psychiatrist can refer you to a psychologist or other therapist. I wouldn't read a bunch of stuff online because you will learn just enough to be a danger to yourself. I would leave the Dx up to the doctor; it is important to find a doctor you trust, and then trust the doctor.

I agree with Moses, it could be that you are on the bipolar spectrum but you need to leave the diagnosis up to the professionals. See your Dr and tell them what is going on. They will take it from there. Good luck and keep posting to let us know how you are. Thinking of you.

Cracked

Hi Heidi!
I know what it feels like to search frantically for everything you can on the Internet that fits your behaviors because something inside of you is recognizing that something's not quite right! That 's the first step in the right direction. So many live in denial far too long. You're concerned and are searching for answers. I agree with Moses and Cracked, you may very be somewhere on the spectrum of bipolar, but finding a good psychiatrist will help you know AND be able to prescribe the right medications to assist with your symptoms. A psychologist will help you cope and manage your symptoms as they surface : ). And once you work through a condition you haven't been aware of, educating your family, especially your husband, much compassion may open the door for you to come back home! Will be hoping all the best for you!!