Question:
How do I know what the difference is between bipolar disorder or severe depression and typical 16-year-old teenage angst?
Answer:
Note: Please don't say pray and dig into the word. Or otherwise tell me that apostasy is in any way linked with a possible mental disorder because I'm just not in the mood for that sort of discussion.
Answer:
Easiest answer is ask a professional. Visit a psychiatrist or psychologist (I'm unaware of the difference). I don't think anyone here has the training etc. to be able to confidently distinguish between them.
Answer:
Ultimately, that is a call for a mental health professional. Self-diagnosis is generally not a good idea.
To get an idea, though, there are some questionnaires. One is the Goldberg depression questionnaire, although there are others. I'm sure I've seen some for bipolar disorder, but can't seem to find it right now. Anyway, a search could reveal others if you so wish. The DSM-IV criteria might also be useful to look at, and if you do a specific search, you should probably be able to find what you need.
Another thing to look at is how severely the symptoms concerned affect everyday life. If the impact is great, then, while that doesn't necessarily indicate that it is depression or bipolar disorder, it makes it worth looking into. Even if it isn't one of those, a professional can still help and provide coping methods.
Sorry I couldn't be of more specific help, but I can't really think of anything else which wouldn't just be a continuation of the "go see a professional" theme, at least at the moment. Although if it turns out that it is really a mental illness and not "just" teenage angst (which can still be difficult on its own), you'll want to do just that, because the right treatment can make such a difference. Either way, I'll be praying; I was diagnosed nearly four years ago now and I still have trouble coming to terms with it from time to time. I hope you find the information and support you need.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Kepa Easiest answer is ask a professional. Visit a psychiatrist or psychologist (I'm unaware of the difference). I don't think anyone here has the training etc. to be able to confidently distinguish between them. A psychiatrist is a MD who has gone on to do specialised training in mental health. Being a medical doctor allows for a psychiatrist to prescribe medications as needed and means they have a better grasp of the physical aspects of mental disorders. A psychologist is a PhD, usually trained specifically for counselling and the administration of psychological tests. I believe they generally receive more training in psychotherapy (because there isn't also psychopharmacology and all that to focus on), but there are good therapists in both professions and either should be able to advise you on this matter.