Questions About Exploring Your Symptoms:
1. Bipolar disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression. Do you have any reason to
suspect that I could have bipolar disorder? Can I share with you why I believe I may
have bipolar disorder?
2. What types of symptoms should I be aware of or look for?
3. If you think that bipolar disorder could be a possibility, what would you do to
confirm the diagnosis?

• Recognize that suicide is preventable and depression is treatable
• Recognize that suicide victims and survivors can be anyone.
• They come from different occupations, age groups, ethnic groups, etc.
• Show that suicide has consequences
• People-especially young adults-need to understand what to do if someone they know attempts suicide or shows signs of suicidal behavior
• Understand that current research can alleviate concerns about depictions

First Draft Services:

 Questions About Living With Bipolar Disorder
If I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder...
1. What types of medicines or other treatments might you prescribe for me?
And what types of side effects might I face?
2. Would you suggest that I see other/additional health care professionals
for bipolar disorder?
3. How often would I need to schedule office visits with you?
4. What would be the most important things I could do to stay physically
and mentally balanced?
5. How should I discuss bipolar disorder with my friends, family members,
and co workers?
6. Are there any patient support programs available with free information,
resources, and practical advice?

• Depression is often misdiagnosed, or over-diagnosed.
• Misdiagnosis of depression can result in over-prescription of antidepressants or other mood stimulators.

•  If you have bipolar disorder, you're not alone. In the United States, estimates suggest about 8 million American adults may be affected by this serious mental illness. Bipolar disorder impacts both men and women of all ethnic groups.
  
• While this illness can cause extreme mood swings, most people with bipolar disorder spend more time in the depressive phase than the manic or hypomanic phase when they are ill or symptomatic (in other words, when they are symptomatic, they experience more "lows"-or bipolar depression-than "highs").