Why do people keep claiming to have Bipolar Disorder and similar disorders?

[anonymous]

It's getting so annoying! Almost every "emo" (or similar) teen claims to have Bipolar, ADHD, Major Depression, etc. I doubt they even know what it is. They're all over facebook, twitter, tumblr, instagram, myspace... Also, how can I prove that a person doesn't have one of those disorders? I don't see any manias, hyperactivity, or suicide... all I see is a few scratches on their arms and a ton of complaining.

[caluge]

Anoymous, cutting scratching any self harm is a sign of extreme emotional distress. It is very alarming the amount of young people who complain of such symptoms and even more alarming the amount of people who are looking for answers in public forum. Self diagnosing is a very dangerous habit many people get into. Everyone wants to be a doctor, analyst, counselor or some other professional. It is important to realize many of those who seek out this kind of attention are ill equipped to give the advice they are giving and even fewer understand what their illlness may be.

Teens especially reach a crossroad. They are somewhere between adolecence and adulthood seeking their independence and unsure of what their identities are. I lived and grew up in the East Village of NY. This is relevant because this is where I began to understand the differences of people. Some people are taylored and prefer the life of success others prefered the life of art and yet others appeared lost. Either way they chose their avenue.

Those friends and acquaintences you see who enjoy the sadness and seem happy to wallow actually do have a condition, there is a name for everything. That does not mean medicine or treatment are necessary. The emotional response to growing up and into their 20's for some is a confusing and alarming realization. People tend to internalize their distress and silent fears and refocus them in social arena's looking for connections. Most people will outgrow this behavior others will not and will seek out outlets for their personal energy concerns by taking absolute control of their environments, but at long as they are talking then they are not acting they want to be helped or seen.

Asking key questions in an empathetic or compassionate way may help someone who is going through some of these changes, others may need an intervention. However if you want someone to stop their behaviors you can invite them into a group of joy. Sound ridiculous. Yes it does. However connections are important and exploring other ideas outside of your comfort level can be a healing experience. You seem bright enough and perhaps you might consider starting a youth group of your own. Start with an idea. Such as what the majority of these people like, if it is music or art or theatre. Meet once a week and as a group decide on a piece. Analyze the piece and for the sake of community find a similar piece on the opposite spectrum with the same tone. Then as a group discuss it. Define your ideas and the purpose of the discussion and know the outcome you want to arrive at such as whether or not self destructive behavior is felt by the artist and how he or she is looking to overcome it through words or art.

My son likes the song Fallen Angels, by Black Veiled Brides. To look at this band is alarming. I often hear the echos of my own parents and friends in my head. The music is dark and hard and very loud. However the lyrics tell the story of youth wanting to be accepted as they are. When I first heard the song it drew me to another period in my own life when I was young and full of wonder at the world and painfully aware of the injustices of life. I made my son and daughter listen to another band, Skid Row and the song, 18 and Life. We compared the music listened to the lyrics and my son was the first to point out the sound though very different ranged within what he liked.

Music often reflects the popular trends of the age and perspective of the individual. For many this connection will see them through the changes of life. Our tastes mature as we do. We cultivate our likes and dislikes as we learn and experience, but we have to start somewhere. This is a good place to start.

Though you sound together yourself if you really want answers ask the right questions but keep an open mind and see if you can identify with how they feel. You may realize that your dislike of them comes from your own fears that you may identify to closely with them and it is outside your comfort level. The key to helping is getting to the root. If you want the answer again ask the question from the source directly.

Good-Luck

[Jennifer C.]

Maybe they thought bipolar disorder is just about being depressed and mood swings. They lack the knowledge that bipolar disorder is more than that. It is a serious mental illness. Which causes swift and often violent changes in people's moods.

[Rebecca]

Ask them if they have been to a psychiatrist and received an official diagnosis and ask them what medication they are on for it..... if they haven't/aren't then they do not have it and you can tell them that they are an attention whore.....