This is for people who are new to this site that are bipolar or people who may know someone with bipolar .
More than 5 . million adults in the U.S. have
bipolar disorder . This illness causes
changes in a person's mood , energy and
ability to function in daily life . But with
treatment , people with bipolar disorder
can find relief.
1. Bipolar disorder is a serious medical illness.
It causes dramatic mood shifts - from
feeling very happy , excitted or irritable
to feeling deeply depressed.
These mood shifts can happen over
weeks , days or even hours. there may
be periods of normal moods between
these extremes.
These mood changes can harm relation-
ships, job or school performance and
even affect a person's will to live .
2. There is no single cause of bipolar disorder .
Scientist think both genes and environmental factors are involved .
3. Both men and wemon can have bipolar disorder .
It can begin in childhood or later in life .
Most often it begins during a person's
later teen or early adult years .
4. The highs are called mania and the
lows are called depression.
During a manic phase, a person may :
Be very happy or very angry.
Have more energy
Have racing thoughts ,talk a lot make ambitious plans .
Be impulsive or reckless .
Have an increased sexal drive .
Need less sleep .
Durring an episode of depression, a person may :
Feel sad ,anxious ,empty or hopeless
have less energy
Have little or no intererst in sex
Be unable to concentrate or make decisions
Have a change in sleeping and eating habits
Feel suicidal
5. Bipolar episodes are different for everyone .
Some people will have only an occasional episode of
mania and repeated periods of depression .
Other may have mostly manic episodes.
Sometime a person will feel manic and depressionat the sametime .
6. Bipolar disorder may be hard to diagnose .
To diagnose bipolar disorder , a health care provider must
look at a person's current and past symptoms .
A person may not recognize the " good " feeling that can occur during
a manic phase of the disorder as part of an illness.
7. Bipolar disoder is treatable .
A person may need to work closely with his or doctor to
develop a treatment plan .
Medications called "mood stabillzers" may be recommended .
They help control symptons .
Additional treatments , including and support groups may also help .
8. Bipolar disorder may need lifelong management .
Learning about the illness can help with managerment .
With support and treatment , a person with bipolar disorder can
lead a fulfilling life .
9. Friends and family can help .
Sticking with a treatment plan may be easier with support
from friends , family or others with the illness.
Family and friends may also benefit from joining a support group.
10. For more Information :
Talk with your health provider or contact your local menttal health sevices.
If you are in crisis or afraid you may hurt yourself , call 1 800 273 8255 .
I hope this helps understanding Bipolar Disorder .
TY Biplarman.
"Mdjunction means to me away of feeling safe! Away I can vent and get help from others who understand what I am dealing with everyday. Away I can reach out to others and make them feel good about them self and to understand they aren't alone... I am so great full for mdjunction and the friends I have made.. Mdjunction is more than a support group to me!!!" (Beckykrafton)
