Is this normal?

Parent Cafe
1

<h2>I was told to post this in Parents Forum to get more insight.</h2>

<p>Last year, I suffered from depression that didn’t run in my family except my grandmother who had post-partum depression. Because my parents didn’t believe in medication, I didn’t receive any treatment or therapy, although I was pretty suicidal. After I finished my junior year, I relaxed over summer. I got my self-esteem back, thinking it was just stress from school. However, I still had anger and hopelessness. When I went back to school, everything was great. Until November to December- can’t remember exactly when.</p>

<p>I realize that I have dramatic mood swings since Nov.-Dec. For 1-2 weeks, I get really down and really irritable (but sometimes I laugh at stupid things). I notice that I have difficulty sleeping and concentrating. I seldom cry at night, feeling hopeless. This makes me think that all feelings from last year come back. All of sudden, I just get so much energy and get excited for a short while. I become talkactive (very unusual), talking about random things unrelated to conversations. It’s difficult for others to understand me sometimes. Then, I get down again for a while, and then I get excited again for a while. This goes on and on. Is this normal? Is it stress and anxiety caused by school? Is it crazy hormones? Is it just mood swings?</p>

2

<p>your school should have a clinic that has someone you can ask- I would hesitate to diagnose but I think it is worth asking about</p>

3

<p>It sounds like you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm[/url]”>http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I hope that’s the right link. I would definitely see a doctor about it.</p>

4

<p>I don’t know about seasonal affective disorder because I had ‘negative’ feelings throughout last year, especially April and May when I got suicidal.</p>

5

<p>hairypotty–you should see a therapist if possible. It does not sound normal to me. And suicidal? Not okay. Definitely see a therapist ASAP. Does your family have medical coverage? If you mention that you are feeling suicidal you should be able to get an appt. with someone right away.</p>

6

<p>Yes, please do make an appointment right away with someone - school nurse (not clear if you are in hs or college), school clinic, school social worker. As all of us parents are saying, we can’t diagnose here. But what you describe isn’t something you should ignore, because there is help readily available - via talk therapy and/or medication. Your awareness of what is going on is impressive and I applaud you for reaching out. Please do see someone right away and come back and tell us how it goes. We care.</p>

7

<p>Ok, thanks for your advice. It’s nice to know there’s always someone out there to help you.</p>

8

<p>hairypotty -</p>

<p>I’m reluctant to even suggest a diagnosis, but you do describe mood disorder symptoms, which can be very successfully treated with medication. Only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe though. I concur with the other parents, please try to make an appointment with a physician or talk to your school nurse about a referral as soon as possible. Until you get answers, please feel free to come to the parent forum and let us know how you are feeling.</p>