I'm sorry you're living with all this. It's possible that the mood swings are "normal" at your age, but if your friends notice it - and are concerned enough to mention it - that's an indicator that your moods could represent something deeper. I think it would be good to discuss what you're going through with a mental health professional - perhaps your school counselor would have some ideas. I know the hardest thing is to tell your parents. Many will brush it off as something you'll grow out of and just tell their kids to get it together.

Are you afraid to talk to them for that reason, or do you think they'd do something worse? I've known some parents to get angry and absolutely forbid trying to see a doctor or psychiatrist, even just to check it out. That's a terrible mistake because - if there you have a mood disorder of concern to a doctor - the problem won't solve itself and could become harder to deal with over time.

In addition to talking to your counselor, you might look closely at the resources in the bipolar site here on Health Central.

I hope you can get some good advice soon that will help you understand what you're going through. Please check back here too - there are lots of folks who want to help. They've been through the same thing.

John