What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Mania And Depression

Many people may have undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder. It is important to be educated on the topic in case you or someone may have the illness. Bipolar means you are not in the “middle” in regards to your mood. For two weeks, you are feeling depressed while at other times when not depressed, you are manic. The only requirement for a Bipolar I diagnosis is mania, but it may be accompanied by depression.

What is depression? It includes: decreased interest in activities, low appetite, decreased sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, suicidal thoughts, apathy and guilt. What is mania? It includes: racing thoughts, irritability, uninterruptible speech, excessive energy, decreased need for sleep and grandiose thoughts.

Bipolar II is when you have depression and hypomania; hypomania is just a less intense version of mania. Generally, people with Bipolar I become nonfunctional and can no longer work if not medicated; their mania causes too much distraction to continue being productive. People with Bipolar II can still function but can greatly benefit from medication.

Is Bipolar dangerous? Yes it is! Who would want to shift moods from one extreme to another? On one side, a person is depressed and may commit suicide. On the other side, a person is manic and may get in trouble with the law. Bipolar needs to be treated, and thankfully, people do well on medications. Medications such as Lithium and Valproic Acid work great.

But it is always best to include psychotherapy in the treatment process, which includes talking to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can help you understand more about your personality and how to handle your illness. Overall, always seek professional help to be officially diagnosed with Bipolar. I believe every person who has Bipolar can have a successful life if treated!

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)