is this bipolar or depression?

[lilys]

lately I've been having extreme mood swings. One moment I am ok, then the next moment with no reason I feel deprepressed I want to be alone and everything other people do annoys me. I dont know if I should see an especialist, but this is really getting out of hands. Now I have a really bad attitud and sometimes people are even scare to ask me a question... I apreciate your help.

Thank You

[jessierabbit]

Hey:  hang in there - you're definitely not alone!
I only found this site yesterday ... wish it had been around 10 years ago

[lilys]

Thank you very much. I'm starting my mood tracker today.

[Xila31]

Well, none of us can tell you if it is either or not as we are not psychiatrists or doctors, but we can help you out a little. Things you need to look at are your other symptoms. There are some good recourses here for learning the symptoms of depression and mania. For either they ususally gage it as 2 weeks fora  minimum. Now, since you're having mood swings so write down when it started if you can remember. That will have to be your gauge.

Some basic symptoms of depression are
Hopless/helpless feeling
Loss of interest in actitives
increased need for sleep
change in appitite
persisitant sadness
feeling of low or no self worth
irritability

Some basics for mania are
feeling elevated, being the "life of the party"
risky behavior
feeling "speeded up"
pressured speach (talking fast or can't stop talking)
less need for sleep but not feeling tired
irritability

Try using the mood tracker every day and put down how you're feeling. Bring that to your doctor, it is better than trying to remember. Also, if you are having any suicidal thoughts or self-harm, try to get in right away to see someone. There is help out there.

Good luck and keep us updated.