Re: How do I know if I am diagnosed correctly? Depression/ADD or Bipolar??

[Anonymous]

First of all, SAM I AM, you have lots of courage to keep going and you can see it in your writing. You have a tenacity of spirit and a clear survivor mentality. However, at the minimum you would meet the criteria for what is referred to as a Dysthymic Disorder, chronic depression. Sometimes this is partly a combination of your environment and your genes taking a whack out of you. The meds will only address some of the story and even then, you may need to be on combination treatments. Who is addressing your coping strategies, your self esteem, your occupational story etc? There are many different components here and, frankly, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Take a step back and focus on one symptom. Maybe it is anxiety, self esteem, clutter, motivation, etc. Now, create a treatment plan on one thing and make it a holistic plan. Knock off one symptom, it gives you hope you can manage the rest of them. You stated you wanted your depression managed first more than your ADD. OK.

If necessary seek out a specialist in depression to help you. Always remember, that if things get so bad you can’t go on, go to any ER and they will always assist you.

Focus on the positives, count your blessings and surround yourself with people who care about you and distance yourself from the things that make you feel unsafe. Step out of your soap opera (we all live in one, incidentally) and gain new perspective. A professional therapist can show you the way. Hope, Spirit and Love. Start here and the rest follows. Don’t make things more complicated than they have to be.

REPORT ABUSE