mental illness

[missdiana]

Hello

I have this problem that has been bothering me for long time and I tried my best to ignore it until it is a good time.

I feel like I have a mental disorder - Bipolar disorder.
I have family history of mental illness and I sort of acknowledged my conditions since high school and I had sort of clear idea what I have in freshman year in college.

I was able to manage myself with self-controlling and self-medication (excessive caffeine drinking and drinking). I thought I can manage this condition by myself or I wouldn't need professional help until I graduate from school.

Yet, I had an episode recently and I feel like I have meet my limit and I need a professional help. the only problem I have is that will it look bad on my application to dental school if it said I have a mental disorder condition?
I never met professionals because I was afraid it will last in my record and I haven't tell my advisor about this because it can affect my LoR.

Bipolar disorder....is known for making poor decision, random actions, over confidence/intense depressions, and more. It is NOT what dental school is looking for in their candidates.

I have 3.98 GPA and good volunteer career with good leadership position. I am known for responsibility and loyalty. I tried so hard to make sure that my condition won't affect my life.

Like I said up there, I had an episode recently and I feel like I need a professionals help
yet I am not sure I should wait until I applied to dental school or not.

It is bothering me and I need a good, rational opinions from people who don't care about me too much. I know everyone I know would say that my health is more important so I should see doctor now but I value my dream a lot. IT is my dream and I have been working so hard and I can't let it go now but I don't want to make a poor decision because it can be my disorder affecting my decision.

so will you be kind enough to give your honest opinion on this matter?

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[Gosia5]

I am sorry to hear your are having a hard time. I am pretty sure that obtaining any sort of psychological counseling stays confidential and is not reflected any where on your record. If you are worried about the LOR, then maybe consider not telling your adviser your situation. I am sure you can make an appointment to see a psychologist at the student health center without informing your adviser. It sounds like you have done very well academically, but now I think it is time to take care of yourself.

 

[timmytim]

its better to get it checked now and possibly not get accepted versus get kicked out after you take out a loan to pay for your school

i know someone in similar situation who did not seek professional help for his metnal illness but later got kicked out because he got into a fight with few students and a faculty.

now hes in debt up to his eyeballs and most likely wont be able to payback in his life.

 

[dentalWorks]

known for making poor decision, random actions, over confidence/intense depressions

sounds like 90% of american high school / undergrad population to me.


suppose for a second you do have bipolar (and I HIGHLY doubt any pre-dent, or actually anyone in the world can confirm ur self-designated bipolar over the web), you need to go to the right professionals and let them make that diagnosis.

as far as your typical day to day activities goes... the saying "if it ain't broke don't try to fix it" fits ..... If I REALLY had bipolar and I had 3.9 GPA, you know what? I wouldn't mess with it, it seems to be helping you at the moment.

 

[Malva]

Hello

I have this problem that has been bothering me for long time and I tried my best to ignore it until it is a good time.

I feel like I have a mental disorder - Bipolar disorder.
I have family history of mental illness and I sort of acknowledged my conditions since high school and I had sort of clear idea what I have in freshman year in college.

I was able to manage myself with self-controlling and self-medication (excessive caffeine drinking and drinking). I thought I can manage this condition by myself or I wouldn't need professional help until I graduate from school.

Yet, I had an episode recently and I feel like I have meet my limit and I need a professional help. the only problem I have is that will it look bad on my application to dental school if it said I have a mental disorder condition?
I never met professionals because I was afraid it will last in my record and I haven't tell my advisor about this because it can affect my LoR.

Bipolar disorder....is known for making poor decision, random actions, over confidence/intense depressions, and more. It is NOT what dental school is looking for in their candidates.

I have 3.98 GPA and good volunteer career with good leadership position. I am known for responsibility and loyalty. I tried so hard to make sure that my condition won't affect my life.

Like I said up there, I had an episode recently and I feel like I need a professionals help
yet I am not sure I should wait until I applied to dental school or not.

It is bothering me and I need a good, rational opinions from people who don't care about me too much. I know everyone I know would say that my health is more important so I should see doctor now but I value my dream a lot. IT is my dream and I have been working so hard and I can't let it go now but I don't want to make a poor decision because it can be my disorder affecting my decision.

so will you be kind enough to give your honest opinion on this matter?

Many times self medication does more harm with good, especially with caffeine and alcohol. You should go talk to a doctor so they can assess you. They are bound by doctor patient confidentiality, so if anyone were to find out it would be from you telling people. If it is concerning you enough to make a thread about your fears, then you should go speak to your doctor. Whatever the outcome, it is best you know what you are dealing with so that you can address it ASAP. A mental illness diagnosis is not a death sentence, and you can still peruse your dreams.

 

[teethfordays]

As many have said, you should seek professional help. You might not even have bipolar disorder at all. Everyone has their ups and downs. You should definitely think hard about your decision to become a dentist as if you are indeed diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it could get in the way of your dental education or possibly interfere with your ability to provide care for patients or interactions with staff and colleagues.

 

[Jbrowndds]

If you go to a doctor all they are going to do is throw a pill at you that will make you feel tired all the time. Find ways to calm yourself. Meditate. Pray. Maybe you need more sleep.

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[cookiemonster44]

MissDiana,

I would seek professional help and work on meeting with a psychologist to learn how to manage living with Bipolar Disorder (if that's what you are diagnosed with by your psychiatrist). From what I understand, Dental School is incredibly stressful, but it doesn't have to be for you. Personally, I have learned not to take myself too seriously. I worked incredibly hard to get into dental school and now I just want to pass/coast. Not everyone can or should be a specialist no need to put extra pressure on yourself. Nothing in life is worth your sanity and there are plenty of professionals who are living with mental illnesses and some how they have learned to manage. I would talk to a professional and take their advice. I wish you the best and hope you find a sense of balance in your life.

 

[timmytim]

those pills work most of time this forum does not need advice from voodoo doctors

 

[sleeplessinsf]

you should really seek professional help. self medicating is not healthy. if you are untreated, the dental school stress could potentially set you off and the effects could be devastating to both yourself and your classmates. i had a co-resident that I strongly suspect was bipolar. her mood swing was unbelievable (she even admitted to suspecting that she has it) and she was constantly getting in fights with staff, directors, vendors, coresidents, and patients. she made our lives and probably her own life very miserable.

however, one thing to consider. even though whatever happens between you and the therapist is confidential, you still need to disclose it in your disability insurance (and maybe liability insurance) applications. especially if you have health insurance, it is very easy for them to pull your records and jack up your premium or possibly deny you coverage. but you probably don't need to worry about that right now - just concentrate on trying to get better.

 

[predent12]

I wish you the very best, and you definitely SHOULD go see a doctor.

Would you go to a doctor if you had the flu? Yes. This is no different.

You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about, but this is something that you should address.

 

[UCSFx2017]

I used to get really depressed in high school for no reason at all. I think it helps to rationalize why you are depressed. More likely than not, you'll realize that there is no reason to be depressed and that you can consciously choose to be happy instead. It sounds silly that someone could choose to be happy but I was able to do it, with some effort, by focusing on positive past experiences.

Do not be discouraged. I'm not saying that you're bipolar but plenty of remarkable people were bipolar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_bipolar_disorder

Do realize that one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is suicidal thoughts. If you do have suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately and know that depression is fleeting and never perpetual. I sincerely hope that your situation is just a silly bout of hypochondriasis.

Also this. http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/intelligence-linked-to-bipolar-disorder/
Keep in mind that psychology is a soft science that has a lot of room for just speculation and never really associating anything firmly.
"These findings provide support for the hypothesis that exceptional intellectual ability is associated with bipolar disorder."
"Although having A grades increases your chance of bipolar disorder in later life, we should remember that the majority of people with A grades enjoy good mental health," Dr. MacCabe added.

None of us here are physicians and this thread may violate TOS agreement. Maybe you're abusing caffeine and are experiencing withdrawal?
http://neuroscience.jhu.edu/griffiths papers/CaffwdReview.2004.pdf

 

[Toothshucker]

If you go to a doctor all they are going to do is throw a pill at you that will make you feel tired all the time. Find ways to calm yourself. Meditate. Pray. Maybe you need more sleep.

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those pills work most of time this forum does not need **medical**advice from voodoo doctors

Or from a predent who is not a psychiatrist/psychologist

 

[timmytim]

Or from a predent who is not a psychiatrist/psychologist

thnx for correcting my statement

 

[chingaling]

Kudos to you for being self aware and and realizing something isn't right. Many individuals are in denial over their "flaws" and choose to blame others instead of actively trying to better themselves, so you already got a major hurdle out of the way. It is interesting that you think seeking treatment will get in the way of getting in/staying in dental school...I think not seeking treatment could have a potentially more damaging effect on your dental school goals. As other posters mentioned, a doctor can not divulge information regarding your treatment- that would violate HIPPA rules. In the event that you are diagnosed with something- that is a step in the right direction for your quality of life AND career in dentistry. Best of luck and be proud that you are taking control of the situation, your life, and your goals. Go make the appointment now!!!

 

[Jbrowndds]

That's what I believe. I don't believe in medicating for everything little thing. So what. Next...

 

[Jbrowndds]

Why are you even coming to people who are not even qualified to talk to about this. I'm.not trying to be rude but if you feel like you're are have an issue like that sdn is not the place to ask question. Don't be upset if you get answers like mine. Obviously I'm not a qualified.

 

[timmytim]

That's what I believe. I don't believe in medicating for everything little thing. So what. Next...

maybe you should add a disclosure next time before you misinform someone with what you believe in

 

[Jbrowndds]

I didn't misinform anyone. I gave my opinion. I have bipolar friends who are on medications for it and it makes them tired and that's it. There are other ways of healing yourself. That's what wrong with people these days. Everbodys high on some medication. Again my OPINION.

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[Jbrowndds]

That was a joke by the way...sort of

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[jeffity]

Your delivery could use refinement.

 

[Bobby Fischer]

Your delivery could use refinement.

oh please. Kindergarten was over a long time ago. If a prospective dental student is in this forum they are adult enough to digest some random internet person's opinion without sugar coating everything. Grow up peeps. Sometimes the truth isn't all warm, fuzzy and cuddly. Sometimes I think some people around here are still getting their daily mindset from watching Barney and Teletubbies reruns. Good grief.

 

[Toothshucker]

I didn't misinform anyone. I gave my opinion. I have bipolar friends who are on medications for it and it makes them tired and that's it. There are other ways of healing yourself. That's what wrong with people these days. Everbodys high on some medication. Again my OPINION.

Sent from my LG-LS970 using SDN Mobile

There are many medications for bipolar disorder. How would you know that what your friends are taking would be what anyone else would take; and how would you know if someone would respond the same way? There's not usually one specific treatment that works for the majority of psychiatric patients. Patients with the same disorder can have different symptoms and also similar symptoms to different degrees. There are many patients that are treated successfully without medication, but that is for a patient and their doctor to decide.

You'll also learn about evidence-based medicine in school. That's actually quite important.... you don't make health decisions based on your friend's case, which you most likely do not know the majority of.

You are correct though, OP should seek professional help and not on a forum. It's been made clear that no one will find out unless the patient tells someone themselves.

 

[jeffity]

oh please. Kindergarten was over a long time ago. If a prospective dental student is in this forum they are adult enough to digest some random internet person's opinion without sugar coating everything. Grow up peeps. Sometimes the truth isn't all warm, fuzzy and cuddly. Sometimes I think some people around here are still getting their daily mindset from watching Barney and Teletubbies reruns. Good grief.

I'm not taking about being warm and fuzzy. But thanks for playing.

 

[mdb6476]

I used to get really depressed in high school for no reason at all. I think it helps to rationalize why you are depressed. More likely than not, you'll realize that there is no reason to be depressed and that you can consciously choose to be happy instead. It sounds silly that someone could choose to be happy but I was able to do it, with some effort, by focusing on positive past experiences.

Do not be discouraged. I'm not saying that you're bipolar but plenty of remarkable people were bipolar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_bipolar_disorder

Do realize that one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is suicidal thoughts. If you do have suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately and know that depression is fleeting and never perpetual. I sincerely hope that your situation is just a silly bout of hypochondriasis.

Also this. http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/intelligence-linked-to-bipolar-disorder/
Keep in mind that psychology is a soft science that has a lot of room for just speculation and never really associating anything firmly.
“These findings provide support for the hypothesis that exceptional intellectual ability is associated with bipolar disorder."
"Although having A grades increases your chance of bipolar disorder in later life, we should remember that the majority of people with A grades enjoy good mental health,” Dr. MacCabe added.

None of us here are physicians and this thread may violate TOS agreement. Maybe you're abusing caffeine and are experiencing withdrawal?
http://neuroscience.jhu.edu/griffiths papers/CaffwdReview.2004.pdf

I am the same way as you. Often when I get depressed, like out of nowhere, I usually sit down and have to think about why..after I think about it I know there isn't a basis to it and I'm fine

 

[UCSFx2017]

I am the same way as you. Often when I get depressed, like out of nowhere, I usually sit down and have to think about why..after I think about it I know there isn't a basis to it and I'm fine

Sometimes it does happen randomly and other times I intentionally have depressing existential arguments with myself but overall I can recover pretty quickly.

oh please. Kindergarten was over a long time ago. If a prospective dental student is in this forum they are adult enough to digest some random internet person's opinion without sugar coating everything. Grow up peeps. Sometimes the truth isn't all warm, fuzzy and cuddly. Sometimes I think some people around here are still getting their daily mindset from watching Barney and Teletubbies reruns. Good grief.

It's called empathy. I can see why someone like you needs to downgrade everything to the elementary level for you to express yourself. Whatever helps.

 

[missdiana]

Why are you even coming to people who are not even qualified to talk to about this. I'm.not trying to be rude but if you feel like you're are have an issue like that sdn is not the place to ask question. Don't be upset if you get answers like mine. Obviously I'm not a qualified.

I am not upset at all because I thought just like you before. After I sort of figure out what I "might" have, I laughed at myself and thought I am turning into one of those people looking at WebMD and self diagnose for different disease every week or so. I simply asked this question because I wanted to know that if mental disorder can affect decision in dental school admission. I guess i did talk about my problem bit more than I intended to.
well, Thank you for the your honest opinion.

oh please. Kindergarten was over a long time ago. If a prospective dental student is in this forum they are adult enough to digest some random internet person's opinion without sugar coating everything. Grow up peeps. Sometimes the truth isn't all warm, fuzzy and cuddly. Sometimes I think some people around here are still getting their daily mindset from watching Barney and Teletubbies reruns. Good grief.

Thank you for speaking up what I felt for me. I am not down or upset because some people are not taking it seriously or think I am bit paranoid.

Sometimes it does happen randomly and other times I intentionally have depressing existential arguments with myself but overall I can recover pretty quickly.



It's called empathy. I can see why someone like you needs to downgrade everything to the elementary level for you to express yourself. Whatever helps.

I like your picture btw.
I tried many different things and meditation, preying, religion, excessive drinking, excessive caffeine in-take, lots of sleep and more stuff that books and internet told me it will help. well it did help for while. I can't deny it. it does help but sometime it hits the limit and I don't want to end up making poor decision and put myself on next morning news paper.

Thank you for your interest and I do like your picture.




thank you everyone for reading and answring this thread.
I guess I did share too much of my problem and worried too much for my problem.

I talked to my doctor and I am scheduled to meet specialist next week.
They made it sound like a big deal and tried to send me to different people and that bothered me a lot. It was great comfort of reading these answers.

thank you and I hope this won't affect my life too much .

 

[mdb6476]

How does Caffeine help you? I always feel like it makes my anxiety (which often comes along with depression) much much worse. I think it's proven to make anxiety levels higher...

 

[missdiana]

How does Caffeine help you? I always feel like it makes my anxiety (which often comes along with depression) much much worse. I think it's proven to make anxiety levels higher...

I didn't drink large quantity of coffee and tea and energy drink to feel less anxious.
I need something to keep me off from bed time to time. (which last about 3 month once it starts)
I can't get out of bed so I sleep 7 hours and lay down in bed for another hour and sleep again for another 7 hours and I repeat it over and over again (and i do not eat, call, have fun during this time. Mostly me laying down on bed with headache and feel like there is nothing out there for me.)

Caffeine intakes keeps me going back to bed.
When I am depressed, I went to library and won't let me go to dorm. I slept only hour or two sitting down and I forced myself to wake up and took another coffee and had another coffee three hours later...that was only way to stay awake and go to all the classes.

so, to answer your question, I didn't use caffeine or alcohol for mood controling. it was mostly to keep the life style I needed. (alcohol for sleep actually.)

 

[dentalWorks]

lmao

 

[scrambledgreggs]

,

 

[Member902507]

I'd say, seek a professional's opinion before you deem you have something. It happens to everybody (thank you internet!) that we know what we have before we're fully diagnosed. Also, I try VERY hard to not do that, yet I always end up doing it, because it sometimes make me think the professional is ignorant...so in that situation, I get two or three people's opinions on what's happening.

Additionally, if you are diagnosed with having a mental disability, it's fine. Dental schools don't need to know about it (unless you wanna tell them about it and how you overcame this hurdle...but a 3.98 is pretty solid, so no explanation need there). Additionally, you can list with your school's Office of Students with Disabilities, and you can sign up with your OSD office in dental school too. They won't tell the dental school that you're even signed up with them. I've found that students who have any sort of disability (mental or physical) should sign up with the OSD office, because it gives a paper trail, and doesn't seem like it came out of the blue.

I have some experience with this, I guess, so you can PM me if you have any specific questions! Good luck, and don't think a dental school won't take you because of this, especially because they're not allowed to discriminate because of a disability! (Either before you get in, or after you're in)

 

[teethlove]

I'm not taking about being warm and fuzzy. But thanks for playing.

"Taking"? Lol try being nice first and if that doesn't work, proofread your rude sentences.