Depression Understood Forums

Ok, so first off, I am NEW. Never been to this site until now. I decided to do some research tonight. I know I have a problem. Diagnosing it is also a problem.

How do I know I have bipolar disorder, and I'm not just a lazy and stubborn piece of society? How do I know that it's depression that I cannot suppress.... or can I? Am I just feeling sorry for myself? Everyone has problems, life crushes everyone, so why am I the one being labeled as "depressed" or "bipolar" or WHATEVER. Is it an escape? I don't know......

HOW DO YOU KNOW? How do I know?! How does ANYONE know?!?!?!

Hello universalindifference,

Welcome to the forum, a good site with caring people.

Bipolar and depression are not 'labels'. They are true conditions, such as the simple cold or to the extreme, cancer. Best advice I can give is see a doctor, start with the family physician. There are medications that can help.

Since you are new, let me share this with you. We have a Depression-Understood chat room, where you can talk with others that share these feelings and issues. You will be able to get support, immediately, and find answers to questions you may have.

Hope this helped some.

Warmsoul