I can relate to almost all signs of bipolar disorder. I told my mom about it but she thinks it’s just the hormones and won’t get me diagnosed. What can I do?

It sounds like you’re doing your best to understand yourself better, and that takes a lot of courage to do! It can be both frustrating and disappointing when family members don’t take our concerns about our mental health seriously. While it is possible that hormonal changes or imbalances can contribute to mood swings or changes, Bipolar Disorder involves patterns of extreme highs and lows that affect the quality of your daily life in highly impactful ways. Talking to a licensed mental health professional is the best way to understand if what you’re experiencing is Bipolar Disorder or something else entirely. Scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor is also important so potential medical conditions can be explored and confirmed or ruled out.

If your mom isn’t open to the idea of a diagnosis right now, there are still things you can do.

Start by tracking your moods daily by writing down (either using a journal, notes app, or other tracking app) when you start experiencing very high moods and energy or very low moods and energy, what happened right before these mood changes, and how long they last. Over time, this will help you identify patterns and triggers.
Speak with a school counselor (if applicable) or contact a free mental health hotline in your area, which can provide support and additional resources.
Download self-care apps that help you track your feelings, moods, and provide ideas on how to cope and practice daily self-care.
Opening up to a parent can feel intimidating and scary, especially if they don’t often validate your feelings and experiences. However, explaining how this impacts your life and why getting help matters to you could be helpful. This could lead to you being able to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or mental health professional.
Remember that seeking support for yourself is a positive step, and this is not a linear journey. Keep going!

Ingrid Camacho

I can relate to almost all signs of bipolar disorder. I told my mom about it but she thinks it’s just the hormones and won’t get me diagnosed. What can I do?

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