TeenHealthFX - Answers - Bipolar, Self-Injuring, And Close To Suicide

Bipolar Disorder & Extreme Moods / Question
Published: August 24, 2007

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm 15, and I think I'm bipolar. I've been self-injuring, and have come damn close to suicide on a number of occasion. All of my friends and especially my girlfriend are concerned about me. I've taken a screening test that says I have manic episodes and depressive episodes. The problem is my parents. I've tried talking to them about getting help, but they don't want me to. They say it's just that my friends are depressed, or that I listen to depressing music. It's a ridiculous notion in and of itself, even without realising the fact that I have just as many friends with mental health issues as not, and listen to just as much depressing music as any other mood or genre. What should I do about my parents?

Signed: Bipolar, Self-Injuring, And Close To Suicide

Dear Bipolar, Self-Injuring, And Close To Suicide,

TeenHealthFX is concerned to hear that you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar, are engaging in self-harming behaviors, and have come close to killing yourself several times – and we are particularly alarmed that your parents are not willing to have you evaluated by a mental health professional. You suggested in your email that your parents blame your current mood on your friends being depressed or the type of music you listen to – however, FX wonders if the reverse may be true – that you are drawn to people who are depressed or depressive music because you are dealing with a mood disorder.

FX thinks that it is important for you to say to your parents that you need to see a therapist or psychiatrist immediately. Let them know that this is something that has to take place as soon as possible because you are engaging in self-harming behaviors and are worried that you may go through with suicide. If they say they do not want to schedule something for you, say to them that not doing anything is not an option here unless they want something to happen to you.

FX also thinks it is important to educate your parents about bipolar and to point out the symptoms you experience that may indicate bipolar disorder. You can print out signs and symptoms about bipolar disorder from the following link and show it to your parents:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=2

It would also be helpful to point out to your parents that bipolar disorder is a mental illness that requires professional treatment – and that the condition can worsen when treatment is not in place.

If your parents continue to resist getting treatment for you, FX thinks that you need to find someone to advocate for you – your medical doctor, a counselor at school, an extended family member, or any trusted adult you know or could reach out to who will help to convince your parents of your need for help.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.

You can also contact the Self-Injury Hotline (information only, not a crisis line) at 1-800-DON’T-CUT, 1-800-366-8288.

If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX