Why?

I have not been diagnosed with a mental disorder but I belive I have Bipolar and Depression.

I don't know what to do with my life as I'm going into year 11 and taking the newer and harder GCSE'S.

[Suzie40]

Hello. I'm a teacher and although I teach at Primary I've heard lots of my secondary colleagues talking about these new GCSE's. I've also got a daughter aged 12 who will be starting them in a couple of years (any tips gratefully received!)

I wouldn't worry too much about your educational future. If you get a good range of GCSE's your choices for sixth form are fairly open. And if you can't imagine life post six form (my son who is about to start year 13 hasn't got a clue) then don't worry.

As for the possibility of you having depression and / or bipolar, only a doctor can diagnose that, but if you are worried about your mood or how you are feeling you could start by talking to someone you trust. Apparently (according to my children) it is totally NOT OK to confide in your parents. Personally I think I'd be a great confidante, but my children seem to think otherwise! Have you got an older brother or sister? How about someone at school?

I'm not going to patronise you by saying it's all hormones and mood swings when you're 16 - but they do play a part in how you feel. I'd definitely suggest having a chat with someone close to you about how you're feeling. Try and avoid diagnosing yourself by stuff you read on the Internet. I've tried it and it hasn't got me very far!

Good luck x

[Hidden in reply to Suzie40]

Thanks for the reply just reading this makes me feel better.

The only tip I can thinking at the moment is don't get behind on corse work because it is so hard to catch up on it, especially at my school cos they don't stop every week we get given 5 page essayist write in two days.

[Suzie40 in reply to Hidden]

What subjects are you doing?

[Hidden in reply to Suzie40]

History

Art

Triple science

Food preparation and nutrition

[Hidden]

Hi sorry to hear this. Don't you have a school counsellor you could talk to? This could be your first step. x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yeah our schoolmates have one and Ive been to them multiple times and they are useless and don't give support or suggestions.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well you can see your doctor on your own and it should be confidential at your age unless you are suicidal or something. You can always ring and ask them first.

If you have a good relationship with your parents and think they would understand then it would also be a good idea to enlist their help too. Good luck and let us know how you get on. x