I have suspected depression in myself for some time. My older sister was recently diagnosed. Now I think I'm bipolar, although my "manic" phase lasts only a day or so every several weeks. When I phoned for a doctor appointment a few months ago, the nurse was very caring and got me right in, but the doctor said I was just stressed and prescribed sleeping pills. I plan to make another appointment, but what should I say is my primary reason for seeing the doctor? Should I say I think I'm suffering from bipolar disorder? I know doctors don't like for patients to self-diagnose, but I don't know which symptoms to mention when making the initial appointment. Also, I realize that I may be wrong. I'm really tired of trying to function like this.

Amy

If you feel you may be depressed or even bipolar, I recommend that you contact a clinical psychologist or other licensed mental health professional for an evaluation and treatment suggestions. A mental health professional will want to know exactly what you're experiencing, what you think might be going on with you -- and why -- and your personal and family history.

Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or other therapist. I usually recommend that a person's first entry into mental health treatment be a non-physician therapist. A therapist will be trained in psychological evaluation and can refer you to a psychiatrist or other physician for medication if that seems warranted. (Even if you do have bipolar disorder, I recommend psychotherapy in addition to any drug treatment because psychological therapy can help alleviate the stress that can trigger manic episodes, as well as address issues related to depression and the diagnosis itself.) These days, many psychiatrists are not trained in psychotherapy or psychological approaches to treatment, and they may rely primarily upon biological treatments such as medication.

You can also seek a psychologist or other therapist on your own, if you don't need your physician's referral for insurance purposes. You can find one through your state or local mental health association, the psychology department of a local college or university, or through the recommendation of friends or family members who've seen a therapist they found helpful. Good luck.