Bipolar disorder....

[BassClef 2010]

Hey guys.
Keep in mind I am a teenager.
I've had a great childhood and was raised by great parents. But for the past couple years, I've sort of deteriorated. I've become very dark, introverted, and sad for a long time. I feel as though I haven't felt real happiness in a while. I have had "ups" or "highs" where i've felt happy, but it felt more like an artificial happiness. I feel as though I've lost interest in the things I used to love, like sports and politics. It seems like the only things that interest me are music, art, and literature. I think of doing things like smoking and drinking constantly. My couple good friends think I have bipolar disorder or similar condition. What do you guys think?

[line6man]

That's unfortunate to hear.

I think you would be better off seeing a doctor/psychiatrist about this, rather than a bunch of bass players.

[Hollow Man]

While there may be some legitimate psychologists/therapists here on TB, I'm sure that the best way to get the most appropriate diagnosis possible is to set up a meeting with someone in your area. Don't rely on anonymous folks on the internet to handle serious, personal topics like this.

[MakiSupaStar]

Get help, and be patient with yourself. There are a lot of hormones running through your body right now.

[knumbskull]

best seek appropriate professional diagnosis - and not from us.

hopefully it will just be a bad case of the teens, but it's good that you are self aware enough to question things.

g'luck either way

[Febs]

Based on the very limited information in your post, it sounds more like depression than bipolar disorder. But please don't take my word for it. Seek treatment.

[Relic]

Yeah this sounds more like depression. You can overcome it. Talk to your parents, or doctor, someone you trust and get help. As I said, you'll overcome it but you'll need help to do so.

[GingerJuggler]

Seek professional help.

Seriously it's the best advice I can give. I've had bouts of depression while at Uni and more recently a stress related breakdown (bad job/worse manager). It's tough but you can get through it certainly talking therapies helped me.
In the short term try to stay active. One suggestion is to learn to juggle. There has been research done that it is beneficial in treating depression.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Go get help, the teen years are hard for most, hell for many.

It could be a few simple changes to your routine that help out in a big way.

I know one thing that helped me a lot is fitness and sports, gives you clear goals and it's something that while you work at you see definate improvements in ability. Diet is another common issue. But as said, go see a doctor.

GingerJuggler, what Uni did you go to?

[GingerJuggler]

Exercise is good for bory & brain Linky


@i_got_a_mohawk
Edinburgh Uni. I started out on a 5 year MPhys Mathematical Physics and ended up with BSc in Maths.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by GingerJuggler

Exercise is good for bory & brain Linky


@i_got_a_mohawk
Edinburgh Uni. I started out on a 5 year MPhys Mathematical Physics and ended up with BSc in Maths.

Nice one, I certainly understand the issues you had with Uni then!

[jmattbassplaya]

I was in a really similar situation myself (minus the wanting to drink and stuff) when I was in high school. In short, it sucked. Definitely seek help.

[L-A]

The fact that you're asking is a sign that not all is lost

Get an appointment with a professional and talk to him/her about your situation just like you did in your first post. I had to seek such help once, and the quality and effects of proper treatment (be it only counseling) are priceless.

[ridgeback]

talk to your parents..just tell them or show them what you posted here..i have a lot of experience with bi-polar,depression,adhd and so on (yes i am qualified)and its quite easy to belive what people tell you. it just plays tricks with you..talk to your parents if you can..feel free to pm me if you need help with how to bring up the subject or need other options....

[ZachOrem]

BassClef 2010,

Keep in mind that I am not a professional problem solver. That being said, you should probably take my words for what they are - the meanderings of a crazy hermit.

I'm going to guess that highschool has not been the most plesant expierence for you. It isn't for most of us. You are being groomed to resemble an information-processing assembly line robot - and that is how you will very likely spend the rest of your working life. For a boy interested in the arts, I understand that this can be an Alighierian punishment. And perhaps it is - a punishment for being born.

Ascending from the warmth and comfort of childhood innocence to the sex-driven work-fueled life of a teenager is maybe the hardest thing you will ever have to do. Social cliques, the degredation of old friendships, bullying, the struggle to gain independance from your parents, sex and drugs. It's like emerging from a chrysalis into a whole new, and in many ways; a worse world.

But hear me well: Light cannot exist without casting a shadow. There are good things in your life - however small they might be. Finding them hidden among the bad is the greatest game you will ever play, and although I can't say for sure - the search, however long and hard, is very likely more pleasant than the oblivion of death.

I am something of a bibliophile, and I live my life in reels of film and old video games. If ever you need a recommend, I'd be happy to oblige.

[mcapote]

Originally Posted by Relic

Yeah this sounds more like depression.

yup. Ive been like that for 20 years or so LOL

[DRafalske]

It does sound more like depression. I'll give you a little advice as someone who's dealt with it personally.

1) First and foremost: Talk to a professional. It's worth it.
2) Build a support system. It helped me to confide in a great friend and get it off my chest. Most people are willing to help in any they can, but they have to know something is wrong. You don't have to suffer alone.
3) Find something that gives your life meaning, value, and purpose. It can be a hobby, relationship, job. For me it was music. Strive to excel at this. The inevitable compliments are huge to someone who's been down.
4) Fight through it. Those things that you used to enjoy but now avoid, do them anyway. You'll get back on track.
5) Don't resort to substances to hide the pain. It only makes things worse in the long run.
6) Call 911 (or your shrink) if you even BEGIN to think of hurting yourself.
7) I'm not a psychologist, but you can PM me if you want to talk.

Dave

[ryco]

I agree it sounds more like depression.
Seek good pro help.

I'm so glad that you realize somethings not right while you're young.
Nipping it in the bud now will certainly be a benefit! I wish I had!

[Febs]

Originally Posted by DRafalske

5) Don't resort to substances to hide the pain. It only makes things worse in the long run.

Quoted for emphasis.