How do I know it's bipolar and not just depression/ptsd?

[laura&disorder]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with depression 4 years ago, and I saw a PWP for a year and was prescribed anti-depressants which I have been on for years. I have had elements of anxiety with panic attacks too.
I have been through some very tough times, and then after these tough times I was diagnosed with PTSD. I'm just receiving diagnosis after diagnosis and now, after seeing a doctor again, I'm worried I'm bipolar.
After reading a lot on bipolar, it really does ressonate with me. I go through searing highs and lows at which I contemplate suicide on a daily basis, I've been making terrible decisions, taking a lot of drugs, living dangerously, cheating on my partner sexually every chance I get even though I adore him and it's completely against my morals to do so. I can become frighteningly aggressive very frequently. I really don't know what's going on, and the therapy waiting list is 10 months long. I'm scared, without a real diagnosis, I'm going to reach a low one day that's going to end badly.

Thanks,
Elle

[Mind]

It sounds as though you have been through a lot recently, and, although you can see that the way you are reacting and behaving is not good for you, you are finding it difficult to change this. Maybe you could go back to your GP and tell them about your concerns, and ask to be referred to the mental health team. A psychiatrist should be able to give you a specialist assessment and a clearer diagnosis. If you have bipolar disorder, this may well lead to different medication from what you have received up to now (antidepressants can trigger the highs of bipolar in some people).
You have evidently already read quite a lot about bipolar online, but do look at Mind's information if you have not already done so. http://www.mind.org.uk/information-supp ... h4eeG5HOy0

best wishes
Mind Info Team