How to get diagnosed for Bipolar disorder?

Do I just make a doctor's appt.? Do I HAVE to see a shrink? My parents and friends don't know about this, and there is no way I am going to a psychiatrist because that would mean I would have to bring this out in the open which is not going to happen. I'm 19 and don't know what to do... I need to do something about these waves of depression that keep hitting me... I am getting tired... Sometimes I am just extatic with happiness then the littlest thing gets to me and everything goes down hill... I've been that way all my life but it's starting to get worse. If I go to my doc and tell him I'm depressed will regular anti-depressants work, or do I have to be fully evaluated in order to determine what meds I need? Seriously, with my current social status this would be way to embarassing maybe I should just start doing coke.

I think that if you were bipolar, someone would have noticed by now.. Except you. most people want to be diagnosed with bipolar but i assure you, it blows. You lose friends, you lose bf's.. you can't connect with your family, and it takes FOREVER to find the right pill that works with your system >.<

I almost wish I would have jst hide it all my whole life, instead of spending most of my time locked away in an institution. And I wasn't even suicidal or anything.. doctors over-react, and before you know it, a "volintary" visit will keep you imprisioned for months

go see a psychiatrist, you need help!!!!!!!!
Seek professional help immediately. Don't worry about what the diagnosis is until a professional tells you.
I think it would be more embarassing to start doing coke!

Your GP should be able to diagnose this, they have a list of symptoms that arise with bipolar and if you have a certain amount of them, they will diagnose you. I do not know the exact list of symptoms ( maybe another reader can help out on this.)
They probably would put you on a anti depressant that is relevent to your condition, and please take them cause my brother suffers from it and he stopped his medication within days cause it made him sleepy, but it doesnt last, it does pass. So keep on them.
Another bit of advice, you should think of telling your parents at least. Just so they can know whats going on and they may be able to help you if your having a tough time. Depression isnt as stigmatised anymore as what it used to be.
Generally GPs are very hesitant about making diagnosis outside their specialty. They will probably refer you to a Psychiatrist, like they would refer you to a specialist (like say an oncologist if you had cancer). If you are Bipolar and you tell your Doctor that you are just depressed, the meds will help you for a little while. Then you'll swing the opposite way and they will not be useful. In fact, they might even make the situation even worse. It is very important that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment. You may find that you merely suffer from depression and that a few months on Anti-depressants are all you need. You may find though that you have an ongoing condition that will require medication for perhaps your entire life.

As for the embarrassment factor, you may find that people are more understanding than you think they will be. Even if not, if you are seriously ill (which you may or may not be) and you hide it and pretend it isn't there, it can exacerbate the condition and come out in really unpredictable ways. In any case, you get to choose who you tell and what you tell them. If people ask you and you are embarrassed, just say it is a doctors appointment, rather than a shrink appointment. Just say you are going to have some tests run. It is far better to know and at least attempt to take action than to endure in silence.
Hello........ Well it sounds as though you are less afraid of the mental illness that you may have than the reaction or reception you may get from your peers should you be diagnosed. This is understandable to some degree, I suppose. Some people will react very badly, but most people will think highly of you if you take charge and take yourself in for an evaluation. You say that there is no way that you will take yourself to a psychiatrist for fear that it will "get out" There are laws which protect you from any doctor discussing what you and he/she talk about, so this should not keep you from going. If you go to a regular doctor, and the doctor determines that you need a psychiatric evaluation, an appointment will be set up for you with someone more qualified to help you. All of this will be done in strictest confidence. Be very cautious if a regular M.D. decides that you are just depressed and prescribes any anti-depressants to help you. If you are truly bipolar,and misdiagnosed with depression only, these medications will most likely trigger the mania associated with bipolar and you will become extremely ill, even psychotic. The same thing will happen if you decide to start self-medicating with cocaine. I know that these things are true because it is precisely what happened to my daughter. Although her initial trigger was a near fatal operation,where she coded on the operating table, her symptoms worsened when she was given the wrong mix of medications[too much anti-depressant] and again, when in an effort to self-medicate, she used the drug ectasy.
I think that you have taken the first step towards wellness by admitting that something may be going on. Don't stop there, because without seeking treatment, you will never get back the balance which you deserve, and clearly want. You say that things have gotten worse. You can't expect things to improve if you do nothing but wonder what is wrong. Be proactive and remember that you truly are the only one who gets to decide what your destiny will be.........don't wait, just make an appointment. You won't regret it. Good luck to you and take care...........
My daughter is bipolar...........diagnosed 7 years ago, and doing just fine