Bipolar Type II Support Group

I hate that question. Who teaches therapists to ask that anyway? I don't think I am, when I am in that state, I know I am depressed. She is usually pretty good and I like her but today was an exception. I can't blame her because others seem to have been taught to ask that.

But still....and then saying that people can be suicidal for many reasons, not all from depression. I know that. I know that I was depressed and suicadal( key word was. I'm past that state now, for the moment anyway).

Does anyone else have problems with that question?

Or i love when they say that we are all depressed some of the time. Well, yeah, sure, but aren't you a doctor who listens to our symptoms, decides what is missing chemically from our brains and prescribes us the correct medicine? In stead, mine was just recently making me feel like all of a sudden i am overreacting and we all have these issues to some degree. Isn't that the therapist's place to talk to us about things like that? Frustrated and changing pdocs already and don't have time to explain all the reasons why. ughh, C

I hate when people ask me that. It's ignorance and I try to explain to them that it's a chemical imbalance not a situational Depression.

I usually ask people who ask that question, why do think there has to be a reason? After all I have a chemical imbalance there doesn't have to be a reason every time I get depressed.

I don't mind when my doctors ask because I have to examine my depression and decide if it's chemical or situational. So it can be helpful. I hate it when people try to diagnose me, usually ignorant people. They say have you tried this or that, others say I'm weak and need to suck it up and get over it. I would like nothing more than stomp some sense into them. My moms best friend went on an on how strong her will is and that she would never succumb to such an illness.

I tried to explain it but my words fell on deaf ears. It's just the way it is in this world and I try to help people understand. I even had to educate my therapist, there are many that don't understand bipolar, my tdoc & pdoc were at odds, tdoc did not believe I have BPII but even if I didn't the meds still help me lead a better life, whats a label anyway. We are strong people, smart, and creative. We also make good friends as well as very giving & understanding, which is more than I can say for a good majority of the population. kudos to us!

It's therapists that shouldn't ask that. Therapists and doctors. The question just implies we don't know our feelings and emotins or state of mind. I wouldn't wish BP on anyone or depression on anyone but if they experiences it they would know that it is not thinking I am depressed, it is knowing.

That question irritates me as well. I like Rick's response. Many people don't get it, and that is why I am so secretive about it, particularly with newer friends or extended family.

My tdoc is always asking "So, can I ask you something?" Well, of course you can! That is why I am here! For you to help me figure this shit out, and how will we get anywhere if you don't ask me questions?!?!

that question drives me nuts. I usually say I am because I am and the suicidal ideations are as natural to me as breathing. they don't get it sometimes....

"Why do you think you're depressed?"

Because i have a chemical imbalance in my brain.

and then there's the destruction of the planet by greedy bastards, the fact that my government is turning my country into a police state, the deaths of my 5 best friends, getting dumped by my partner of 14 years...

should i keep going, or will that do?

I think that will do for now

I would make my own list but its too depressing

Hmm.. I think I am seeing the question differently- not "why are you depressed" but "what makes you think you are depressed".

For me, the reasons I know I am depressed are: I have a general feeling of malaise that never goes away; I am sad/blue/down in the dumps/unhappy with life in general; I have absolutely no interest in doing anything; when I am interested in something, it doesn't last long; I start things I can't finish or give up on too easily; I feel like I have a gaping hole inside me that cannot be filled, no matter how much I eat, drink, smoke, drug, shag, whatever-you name it/fill in the blank. I feel hopeless and like life has no meaning most of the time. I have no control over my life anymore. I have lost my creativity, or at least, the urge to create. I am tired all the time. I eat like it's the last day before the apocalypse. I have positively no desire for sex whatsoever. I feel like nobody will ever love me. I don't understand why this is happening to me. I wonder what the fucking point is in living life like this if it's going to be hell and misery for the rest of whatever time I've got left.

Post edited by: BP2KerryinTO, at: 06/23/2012 10:02 AM