Bipolar - Scared About Going To My Gp

[EmilyH42]

this is my first time doing something like this.
now i haven't been diagnosed with Bipolar, but it does run in my family.

My family and friends that i have Bipolar like my nana and aunt, and i can see where they are coming from (kind of), but i am scared to go to my GP for help, i am scared of them turning me away as i have been let down system on other occasions. but my main fear is that i will lose my son, we have had SS involved once before, because of my ex partner, but our case has been closed now. but i am scared about them getting involved once again and fear that they will want to take my son from me. my family do support me as much as they can.

can anyone help me at all?

[trt]

What are your symptoms to think you have Bipolar Emily?

[EmilyH42]

i can be in a calm mood for short times and then i will go in to a hyper kind of mood, i will do things without thinking them through and then at other times i can be so down that all i do is cry and that i dont want to get out of bed and once i do get out of bed, i just sit in my pjs and do nothing. (at times like this is went my mum will come over and help out, or have my son for me, but they are just on my really bad days) i can had down days where i will just be depressed but i am okay to forced myself to go on with my day, but that takes a lot out of me.


its hard to explain it really, as half the time, i do not understand myself

[Buenchico]

Social Services would be far more likely to be concerned about a parent with a POSSIBLE bipolar disorder (who did absolutely nothing about it) than with a parent with a DEFINITE bipolar disorder (who had sought help to get it under control).

The information on the NHS website might help you:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
and you can find a local support group through Bipolar UK:
http://www.bipolaruk.org.uk/

However the first step HAS to be be to talk to your GP about your concerns.

While I'm not trying to minimise the impact that Bipolar Disorder can have upon people's lives, it's worth remembering that many people with BD manage to cope with it remarkably well. For example, Stephen Fry and Catherine Zeta-Jones both have BD but they seem to have it under control.

If you've got the courage to post here then you've almost certainly got the strength of character to seek professional help. In you're still not sure, just ask yourself what is best for your son. Do you want him to grow up confused and insecure through living with a mother who exhibits erratic mood swings or would you rather that he has the sense of security that is only available to children when there is consistency in their lives? Seems like a no-brainer to me - seek help!

[Peaspeculiars]

Emily, I can't be of more help than to echo Buenchico's sound advice. Please do go the your GP and seek help - I know it is scary, but they will have seen this before and will offer un-biased help.
Wishing you all the very best and please don't hesitate to pop back on here if you ever need to talk about this - there are many good people on this site whom would be happy to lend you an ear and try to help if they can. x

[chanel5]

Don't be scared. A diagnosis of BP would not automatically mean SS need to be involved, and as Bienchico has stated, the fact that you are seeking help and taking responsibility for your condition shows that you are acting responsibly. It would be much less responsible if you were to try to struggle on, and perhaps not succeed. Seeking help and advice will mean that you can get the help you need. The one downside of a formal diagnosis is that if you live in the UK, you will by law have to inform the DVA and they will decide if you are permitted to drive. That is a bummer, but it is usually a short-term restriction just for a few months until you become stabilised on the medication your pdoc will prescribe. A diagnosis of BP is not a frightening prospect in terms of your day-to-day life, and there is no need to be afraid of it. I would strongly urge you to register with the Bipolar online community bipolaruk.org.uk This website is completely anonymous (you would give yourself a username) and you can talk to other people who have bipolar and exchange experiences and seek advice. A great deal of reassurance is available from the kind and caring people who post on that website. So please, ask for the help you need and you will find great satisfaction in the knowledge that you are in control or your condition, instead of letting it control you.

[DTCwordfan]

take a relative or close friend in with you, two pairs of ears are better than one and (she/he) can act as a rock for you......otherwise, as above. A close friend of mine has it - and depression from the other side of the family. She's been sectioned seven times (once in France) and has not lost her kids - they are grown up now. Her husband has the patience of a saint it must be said.

[jourdain2]

I can echo the others with their advice. You must, really must, see your GP. If diagnosed and under control then bi-polar is not a huge problem any more. I lived with someone with bi-polar - but he was not diagnosed - then it was
devastating. I learnt a lot about it.Best wishes :) x