Dear DOLLY, I'm 15 and I think I might have bipolar disorder. One week I'm happy and can't stop smiling, the next week all I can do is cry and think the world would be a better place without me. I have tried telling my mum my concerns but she doesn't care. Can you please help? Pippin, SA
Mood swings can be a part of everyday normal life, particularly during the teenage years. Hormones - including menstrual cycle hormones - and rapid physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence are thought to be responsible.
On the other hand, extreme mood fluctuations - especially for no apparent reason - can be very scary. And it's true that people with bipolar disorder do experience moods that range from very depressed to manic. But people with this illness experience more than up and down moods - their thought patterns and ability to get things done can be very severely affected.
The main thing is that you are worried about what's happening, and that is the best sign of all that it's worth getting your moods assessed properly. Your perception that your mother doesn't care about your concerns is also probably affecting your moods.
Your local doctor, school counsellor, youth health centre or a community health centre with an adolescent counsellor are all places you can start to look to talk to someone. There's plenty more information about mood disorders, and also where to get advice and help at www.reachout.com.au You can find a list of doctors and psychologists who could help at www.beyondblue.org.au
