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Gypsygirlmom · 11-01-2002, 07:31 PM

Hi Marge,

I really don't know too much about bipolar as my daughter (13) was just recently diagnosed. And she was attempting to self-medicate herself with pot to control her manic-ness. We had her tested by a psychologist. It certainly sounds like he is going thru depression tho, seems everytime he doesn't have or get what he wants (sports) he gives up, becomes depressed and starts the drinking and drugging. I think if someone has low self-esteem, when they "fail" (in their mind) it can really set you off to feeling worthless. Has he gone to the Dr. for depression? When my daughter was depressed she would spend days in her jammies in bed. Have you considered seeing if he would be willing to go to a psychologist for testing? Sometimes, antidepressants, even just to get over the hump can be a godsend. I copied part of an article to post here. It is from Mayo Clinic :

Signs and Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the signs and symptoms varies. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition.

For many people, the manic signs and symptoms include:

Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
Poor judgment and recklessness
Difficulty sleeping
Tendency to be easily distracted
Inability to concentrate
Extreme irritability

In the depression phase, signs and symptoms include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
Disturbances in sleep and appetite
Fatigue and loss of interest in your daily activities
Difficulty in concentrating
Recurring thoughts of suicide

I wish I could be more of a help. I'm sure someone else with more experience will come along shortly.

11-01-2002, 07:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gypsygirlmom Paused Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Climbing outa da Black Hole Posts: 146	Hi Marge, I really don't know too much about bipolar as my daughter (13) was just recently diagnosed. And she was attempting to self-medicate herself with pot to control her manic-ness. We had her tested by a psychologist. It certainly sounds like he is going thru depression tho, seems everytime he doesn't have or get what he wants (sports) he gives up, becomes depressed and starts the drinking and drugging. I think if someone has low self-esteem, when they "fail" (in their mind) it can really set you off to feeling worthless. Has he gone to the Dr. for depression? When my daughter was depressed she would spend days in her jammies in bed. Have you considered seeing if he would be willing to go to a psychologist for testing? Sometimes, antidepressants, even just to get over the hump can be a godsend. I copied part of an article to post here. It is from Mayo Clinic : Signs and Symptoms Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the signs and symptoms varies. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition. For many people, the manic signs and symptoms include: Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity Poor judgment and recklessness Difficulty sleeping Tendency to be easily distracted Inability to concentrate Extreme irritability In the depression phase, signs and symptoms include: Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness Disturbances in sleep and appetite Fatigue and loss of interest in your daily activities Difficulty in concentrating Recurring thoughts of suicide I wish I could be more of a help. I'm sure someone else with more experience will come along shortly.