Ariel:  bipolar depression is a very real and very serious medical condition.  One doesn't "get passed it," or just "muscle through."  One absolutely needs to work very closely with a doctor to understand if the diagnosis is right and what are the best next steps for you.

I'm sure you Mom loves you a great deal, and I'm sure if you thought you were wrestling a physical illness she'd do all she can to help you.  This is no different.  Only a real doctor can tell you what you have and work with you. 

I can't tell how old you are, but if you can't do it yourself, please ask your Mom if you can see a doctor as soon as possible -- or seek out resources at school that might help you.  There are also hotlines on this website that you should not hesitate to call.

Please take this as seriously as any illness you might have, and let a doctor tell you what you have and how best to handle!

Alot of people are not educated in mental illness and I find this myself to be hard as I have a 19 year old diagnosed with BiPolar I since she was 12--my own family know she is diagnosed but do not really understand what this means--even to this day.  They still feel say things to me like, "have you talked to her..." when she is in one of her moods or does something because she is manic, etc.  This makes me mad too and I have given my family brochures, books, etc... I also feel like the older generation probably had no one diagnosed in their family with this disease--even if someone was "moody all the time", etc.

Perhaps sit her down and talk to her about your feelings and how you really need for her to understand what you are going through and how you really need her support.  Use alot of "I" statements like..."I really need you to be supportive of me", "I need you to understand what BiPolar is and what it means for me", etc.  Perhaps at the end of this conversation you can provide her with literature on the disease or perhaps a book (if she likes to read).  Also talk to her in a neutral environment, like go out to dinner or a walk in the park... really have alone time with her.  Hope this helps.