Bipolar or not?

[florence1]

I am feeling a bit desperate to say the least.  I have had depression for around 21 years with occasional OCD and anxiety/panic attacks.  I reduced my antidepressent in the New Year and have felt worse.  I suffer from migraine and want to come off the Citalipram so that I can take meds for the migraine with a different type of antidepressent.  Anyway I went to see a psychiatrist last week and he is convinced I am Bipolar 1 with rapid cycling.  I am depressed most of the time, perhaps happy for 2-3 days when I try to fit everything in as I am migraine free then as well.  I try to do as much as possible during these few days as I know I will be bad with migraines and depression again fairly soon.  I am just so devastated because he said this - I don't know whether to go with the Bipolar or not.  I only went to see him to possibly change my antidepressent.  I have really low self esteem and hate my body.  He also wrote in the letter that I am obese - now I don't want to be seen in public at all. Everyone must think I'm huge.  How can I face people?  Please help.

[tweekie]

You know I wouldn't get out of sorts about the bipolar diagnosis. Its just one opinion. Look towards friends and family that really know you and ask them if they notice your moods swing drastically. Migraines are a life long struggle. My friend has them and she really suffers badly when they happen for even a few days, where she's vomiting and can't function!! Ofcourse you take advantage of that precious time. Self image can really envelope our livelihoods. Don't let it stop you from enjoying life. Have you considered changing your diet or starting to include some exercise in your routine? I knew a woman who was over 400 lbs who literally shed all the weight by going on these long walks everyday. Long walks can be mentally cleansing and a way to meditate. May be you can include these on you weekly routine. Also changing your diet might give you a key into reducing those migraines. Stay away from coffee, chocolate, and msg.

[bastet56]

you don't sound bi polar as much as practical. you have to cram a lot into your good days. i would get a second opinion.

[ILADVOCATE]

You could ask your psychiatrist more about this but often an anti-depressent will worsen the symptoms of bipolar. A good mood stabilizer will treat both mania and depression. There are some websites linked up such as "Depression Central" (for all mood disorders) for informational purposes that you could discuss afterwards with your psychiatarist.