in the process of being diagnosed

[snowbunni]

I finally set an appointment and actually went to talk with a clinical social worker.,,I thought I would be directed to a psychologist in the group as I stated on the phone depression/bipolar was the reason for making the appointment. My family doctor had already diagnosed me with bipolar. I told the social worker how certain noises and movements irritate me and he suggested I may have ADD which I strongly disagree with.This website ~sounds~ like what I have http://soundsensitivity.info/symptoms-and-triggers.  I hope I get diagnosed correctly. I told the sw my mother was diagnosed with bipolar. I tryed explaining what I could in an hours time...including relationship problems which caused me to leave my husband for 17 days recently, I ended up crying in fromt of him. I told him I was homeschooled, how my violin career ended early due to my parents divorce..how I have been calling off 4 days a month from work. Also that I can have days where I do alot of things and then other days I sleep alot. He said he was glad he had the pleasure of talking with me and that he was curious to know more and that I could feel free to dump on him anytime, and that I could cry if I wanted that it was "ok". I told him I had been keeping track through med tracker and he asked for a print out as that would help him. Of course I stopped tracking myself when my relationship was on the rocks I could barley cope at that time.    

[snowbunni]

You know...I do actually having a big problem with stigma. My father says...everyone is bipolar!!! My mom was diagnosed with bipolar..and I have witnessed depression in my brothers and sisters. I struggled through my twenties with it undiagnosed...how I wish I would have had a strong support system to lean on!!! Even my uncle is a doctor, but I guess in my family you got to fend for yourself. The real problem I am up against is religion and mental illness. where does spirtuality and science intertwine? How much is genetics, how much is just soley physcial, how much is spiritual, and what is your entire responsibilty in taking care of yoursefl?
This all means different things to different people.

[Lit1116]

Hi there!!

So glad that you DID make an appointment to see SOMEONE...to begin with.
It is very important to find a psychiatrist/psychologist you can trust.
I have been dealing with depression, anxiety, Bi-polar, panic attacks, OCD for years.
As a young woman I did not want to see anyone because of the stigma.
When I did begin to see someone...it was at mental health.  The counsellor was great.
The doctors there...NO. NO.
There budgets have been cut soooo much that they aren't really able to give quality care. It is really sad.  I think everyone that goes up there is on the same meds and told the same things.
Therefore, find you a good doctor and support group...ie, family, friends, church family.
I have some insurance now...so...I am praying about what I am going to do now.

Be sure to update yourself with correct information. Alot of people mean well, but, they haven't been in our shoes.  Every single day is different.  At least, it is for me!!

I deal with my depression and all every single day of my life.  So, if you ever need to chat...let me know.

Praying for you!!

[looloo141]

Hiya :) I am the same, I have 3 children and my partner has 3 children aswell!! It makes me very angry and I know I need to go to a very dark, very quiet room immediately! I can't chill out on the sofa in the eveniing sometimes because the tv is so annoying or a light buzzing! I didn't know it was a BP thing, I just thought I was extremely mardy! Luckily my kids are twin 14 yr olds and 9 yr old and most of the time they know when to just go away LOL. They have grown up with my BP and are very considerate, so family support is good! I don't really have any other advice, other than the dark quiet room, its impossible to put up with any noise once its started annoying you.. From what you're saying BP is a strong likelyhood, with the family link. Great Social W
orker by the way...keep going you are doing exactly the right thing.. the hard part is waiting for an appointment. Take as much info with you as you can as you are likely to get that worked up that you'll freeze, in the UK they don't diagnose instantly unless you are having an episode thats extreme, they like to watch your moods, or try you on a med to see if it helps etc..Good luck hun x

[BipolarBear75]

I have the same sound sensitivity that is a big trigger for me for sure. I cannot have more than one electronic thing going at the same time some days(fans count even!). I can't have more than one person talking.  While I say it is a trigger for me....it is only a trigger when things are already not going well with me. So when sound is really creating agitation for you....think about all your symptoms as well because you are probably not doing well already. Sound sensitivity can be the trigger that makes you start paying more attention to yourself.

A social worker can't diagnose you anyway, you need a psychiatrist for that but you should stay with the social worker for therapy purposes.

If you need to talk....message me ;) Take care....ps...just so you know...I am VERY sound sensitive right now as well....I completely understand.