You've made an appointment with your doctor, and you're nervous. Things haven't been going too well for you lately, and you have the distinct feeling that something about your health just isn't right... you just aren't sure.
The Manic Stage
Some days you are on top of the world, happy, cheerful and carefree. You love the world and everything in it. You'll talk and talk and talk to anyone who will listen to you. You've been spending money like crazy, money you really don't have, which is not like you. For some reason, you are managing to get by with only three or four hours of sleep in a twenty-four hour period. Any other time, you would be exhausted, but you are full of energy.
You feel strong and invincible, like you can do anything you want, and no power exists that is strong enough to stop you. And you don't know what in the world could be wrong with your friends. They are telling you that you're different... loud, angry, and prone to try and start an argument over nothing. One of your best friends mentioned that maybe you were bipolar, and suggested you take a bipolar disorder test. You don't understand what any of your friends are talking about. You don't need any test! You feel just fine!
Depression Stage
Then, there are the bad times. It depresses you now, just thinking about how sad and lonely you felt on those days when all you wanted to do was stay in bed. You didn't have the energy to even leave your house. You felt sick and weak all the time. You didn't feel like seeing or talking to anyone. You couldn't seem to make yourself enjoy anything, not even your favorite television shows and hobbies.
For some reason, you were scatterbrained and forgetful. You were angry and paranoid, but you didn't know why. You had the feeling that life just wasn't worth living, and the good times would never come again. You thought an awful lot about death. Suicide even entered your mind on occasion. This scared you once you felt better and thought back about what you had just gone through.
For you did feel better. Just as suddenly as that zany, happy feeling and the black dark depression had permeated your soul, you were fine again. Normal. You felt just like you always had. And you wondered what was going on. You knew you needed a doctor to check you out and hopefully find out the reason you'd been having all these strange mood swings. Maybe a bipolar disorder test would be a good idea, you thought. Now you aren't so sure. You don't know what to expect.
At The Doctor's Office
What will happen at the doctor's office? Relax. You have nothing to fear, as doctors are trained professionals who have seen this sort of thing all too often. Your doctor will ask you a series of questions that are tailored to the symptoms of bipolar disorder mania and depression. That's it. That's all there is to a bipolar disorder test.
It won't be difficult or embarrassing. Based on the answers you give, your doctor may prescribe a medication designed to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. He or she may also recommend that you make an appointment with a mental health counselor. Sometimes, talking about your symptoms can help a lot.
If you are bipolar, it's not the end of the world. Over two million people in the United States alone have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Even though there is no cure, your symptoms can be controlled. Work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for you, and you will see that you can live a happy and fulfilling life, free of the symptoms that once ruled your emotions.
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