Can ANYONE shed some light on this situation?please

[Somebody]

I've been experiencing periods of feeling really down and out,suicidal and self-harming,and feeling like I don't know what to do with myself,like I'm gonna explode with pressure because nothing is clear to me.But it's weird,because this alternates with a period of feeling happy and full of energy,wanting to do everything,and yet I get angry about everything and quick to temper.These periods last about a week then switch.I'm also very paranoid all the time.I thought maybe I have bipolar or something,but those periods happen every few months or years apparently.And aswell as that,I went to a doctor,but she said she thinks I'm just being a teenager,I'm almost 18 if it makes a difference.My parents just think I'm on drugs,which I'm not by the way.What does anyone think about this?Am I just overreacting or should I see a different doctor? thanks for your help xx

[sara]

I've been experiencing periods of feeling really down and out,suicidal and self-harming,and feeling like I don't know what to do with myself,like I'm gonna explode with pressure because nothing is clear to me.But it's weird,because this alternates with a period of feeling happy and full of energy,wanting to do everything,and yet I get angry about everything and quick to temper.These periods last about a week then switch.I'm also very paranoid all the time.I thought maybe I have bipolar or something,but those periods happen every few months or years apparently.And aswell as that,I went to a doctor,but she said she thinks I'm just being a teenager,I'm almost 18 if it makes a difference.My parents just think I'm on drugs,which I'm not by the way.What does anyone think about this?Am I just overreacting or should I see a different doctor? thanks for your help xx

Hey. Bi-polar are longer episodes of the symptoms you say. But you are in some sort of distress so maybe a visit to another doctor may help. Ask around and see if there is a GP who is good with people with mental health issues there are many.
good luck

[iffybob]

It could just be that you "are" a teenager .. some peoples minds and bodies do take longer to settle after the whole puberty thing ( which is just the start not the end of changes ) .. it may just take you a little longer than some to learn to deal with it all ..

... try not to give your self a lable please .... there is a reason the professionals leave it a long time before doint that ... its so you dont get stuck with somthing that may be passing , and that you can move on from and have a "normal" life ...

.. you could try and keep a diary .. and see if there is a pattern ..

As an example ... if it ocurrs over the mounths oct to april .. it may be SAD (Seasonal affective disorder, a mood disorder with depressive symptoms in the winter ) .. which can be help with somthing as simple as a lamp ...