Issues with current mental health provider. Need advice.?

[Earthgirl]

My mom was told when I was twelve I had issues by my school counselor. At 16 I was dx w/ clinical depression and was told to take meds. At that time, thought I could conquer the world and family was against meds so I did not take them. At 23 had first child then 24 second child. Soon after dx with post partum depression. Tried treatment but meds made me want to jump in front of truck so ended up inpt at huge well known hosp. Started treatment there and was dx Bipolar. Have been there for 6 years with 3 inpt stays for breakdowns. Been told over and over I am difficult case. Last outpt program was suggested consider ECT (electroconvulsive shock therapy) Have been doing this for months. Also on meds. I feel ECT has improved moods but not completely. Recently med nurse looked at me and said "Do you think you are bipolar?"
I was like..."I have been here for 6 years taking a ton of meds, had bad interactions, now having shock treatment and now you are questioning my dx???" What to do?
Thanks Everyday. I would like that. I thought that is what the therapists were supposed to help you with but they just stare at me and wait for me to talk.

[ACeS]

I have suffered from depression my whole life. My father was manic depressive, mother severe depression. I remember at one point, my mother basically didn't get out of bed for 2 years. I am now getting to the place she was back then. It gets worse the older I get. I do have a career, so I must get up and go everyday, but it is a huge struggle. I hide how bad it really is from firends and family. I went thru most of my life without treatment, knowing what it was, but trying to deal with it myself. I finally begin taking Welbutrin SR, have now moved on to Zoloft. It worked for a while, but seems to have lost its punch. Over the years, my depression has gotten increasingly worse. Several times, I reached out to various Dr.s, looking for help, and was once diagnosed as bipolar. Dr. gave me a script for Seroquel. I went home, researched the drug and the dx, and then threw the meds in the trash. I knew I did not need an antipsychotic, and I know I am not bipolar. I am appalled that after 15 min. of conversation, a Dr. can dx me as bipolar and perscribe me an antipsychotic. Unbelieveable. I now realize I need to change from Zoloft to something else, but I know what I am not, and therefore know what type of drug I will not take. I guess what I am trying to say is, sometimes people are misdiagnosed and mistreated. After you have been taking the wrong drugs/treatment for so long, who knows what you really need? If I were you, I would go somewhere completely different and start from scratch. If the new Dr.s diagnose you and want to treat you the same as you are currently being treated, then fine, they were right. But what if someone out there can really help you, and has a fresh approach to your dx and treatment? If I was dx with cancer, and a treatment was recommended, I would sure enough get at least one more professional opinion. I wish you all the best, and know that you are not alone.

[Cristy B]

Have Faith in GOD.. He can heal all depression.. He healed me thru faith in his word.

[punkbun03]

my dr. actually sent me for a 2nd opinion. turned out he was right , i'm bipolar. perhaps you should get a 2nd opinion. what could it hurt? i hope you get what you need soon.

[Not who you think ....]

I kinda am questioning my own bipolar diagnosis ........ I've been being treated for it for a long time and I'm not sure I have it. It could be so many other things....... I would go to another doctor and I am too ...... Good luck!