depression?

Submitted by rosie27 Sat 01/28/2012

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im 19 years old and at times feel like there is something wrong with me and at other times think i have nothing to worry about, ever since i can remember i have been pretty up and down with my moods, i am often outgoing and happy but at other times get extremely low and feel depressed. it will often happen when something sets me off, from looking at myself in the mirror to a fight with a friend or family and just lose it. i feel like there is pressure building inside me and i become so restless, i cannot sit still and will be crying and frustrated and extremely angry. often the only way to relieve the pressure and let my body relax is through vomiting or physical harm. i never let anyone see these meltdowns as it either happens when im alone or i lock myself in my bedroom or bathroom. this often happens at the end of a period of saddness where i have had enough of everyone and everything and consider/ plan a suicide, and all i want to do is sleep and am quite lazy. however im not always like this, at uni i am generally happy and outgoing and at times am extremely bubbly and energetic, therefore i dont tend to let people see my dark moments, these happy periods can last anywhere between a week to a month or so,

Hi Rosie, As I read through

Submitted by Dr. Lane on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 4:40am.

Hi Rosie,

As I read through your post, two disorders come to mind - borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder.

When you talk about things that "set you off" or cause you to "just lose it", as well as the fluctuations in your moods, suicidal thoughts, and the physical harm you do to yourself in response, those are all typical symptoms of borderline personality disorder. They don't fit bipolar disorder.

The only thing that made me consider the possibility of bipolar disorder is when you say your "happy periods" can last from a week to a month. However, that is not consistent with the rest of your post when you talk about being happy and then suddenly something sets you off and you quickly become depressed - that's not how bipolar disorder works, but it is very typical of borderline personality disorder.

You may not meet the full criteria for borderline personality disorder, but it does sound like you have several of the symptoms associated with that disorder.

Consider the self harm and the suicidal thoughts, I strongly recommend that you get see a psychologist or other mental health professional who has had several years of experience for an evaluation.

I hope that helps!

—

Dr. Lane

For Treatment Options Call (877) 331-9311

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