Several people have said I've possibly got bipolar?

[Anonymous]

In the past someone said I had a "split personality" but they wasn't the smartest tool in the box. I could have ADHD and they wouldn't recognise it.
My own brother said I show signs of bipolar and I should probably get checked out..
Now my ex has been telling his friends I'm " possibly bipolar " but he's also not the smartest tool in the box.
I feel like I'm definitely not, I'm just extremely moody sometimes.
I've had a pretty traumatic childhood and I'm sure that could trigger bipolar but I feel like I definitely don't have it.
Do you think I should go doctors and double check or should I just leave it and go with my own opinion because after all I do know myself.

[KDA20]

I have been diagnosed with mild bi polar and have met people who had very serious bi polar. The classic description of bi polar is mood swings but it is much more multi layered than that. With all mental health issues you have to ask how is my behaviour affecting yourself or others. With bi polar the manic highs are often accompanied by risky uncharacteristic behaviour " to chase a buzz " which could lead to addictions to keep the buzz alive. These highs always end in an overload which is followed by a crushing depression where you could stay in bed for days and take a long time returning to normal. So that was my expierence of bi polar make up your own mind about your situation.

[Asker]

I suffer with night terrors and what's more alarming is that someone who's actually been diagnosed with bipolar also has night terrors. Hallucinations is apparently a sign of bipolar, even though mines a sleeping disorder.
I'll sometimes just space out and ignore everyone around me, I'll just sit there looking really depressed, my mind will go blank in important situations, I sometimes refuse to communicate with people, sometimes I hardly talk and other times I won't shut up, I go on series of not eating and I've completely lost my appetite, I'll go extremely moody for no reason also I'm suicidal a lot but I don't go through with it.
I can kind of understand why people may think I'm bipolar but I personally don't think I am. A part of me feels like I should get tested just to shut everyone up.
If it came back positive I probably wouldn't be able to live my life anymore :/

[KDA20]

Just had a quick check of your other comments in answer to other people.
You said that you were on your third counsellor it hasn't really helped but you understand it better. That is half the battle, treatment of mental health doesn't cure you, it helps you to cope, to minimise the effect on your life. If you go and get checked you find out if you have it, it is not a terminal disease. It is an issue that needs to be addressed in your life and a coping strategy formed. Tying yourself up in knots with do I or don't I have it is not coping. Get tested don't have it great but if you do have it let the professionals formulate a coping strategy. Don't be afraid of a mental health issue you may have it only gives it more power over you.

[Anonymous]

I don't think that you should go to the doctor and have them give you a bunch of different types of medication since you have had a traumatic childhood. I think that you just need some type of counselor and therapy sessions to talk through it and hopefully move past it :)

[Asker]

I'm actually on my third counsellor and it hasn't really helped. It's given me a better understanding of things that's happened but that's about it.

[Anonymous]

Having bipolar disorder is not a joke, it's not just about mood swings, and it's not something that an untrained medical professional can diagnose you with. If you think you need help, please do go see a mental health specialist.

[Anonymous]

If it affects your day to day life, go to the doctor.