Living Bipolar....A journey outside the box

Bipolar.com

Bipolar. A word that is often heard, but rarely, rarely, understood. Let's take a moment to look at this very complicated illness.

Bipolar or Manic-Depression (they are one in the same) is an affective mood disorder that affects our moods on a daily basis. It really is quite simple. Everyone has mood swings, but the Manic-Depressive's go higher & lower then the average person's. Too high & you are classified as manic. Too low & you enter a full blown depression. There is rarely an in-between. This is what causes the inner turmoil to the sufferer. Moods that grab & hold you so quickly it's like living on a runaway train! A lot of black & white & very little gray.

Here are some of the signs & symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:

Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism & self-confidence, irritability, aggressive behavior, decreased need to sleep without fatigue, grandiose thoughts, racing speech & ideas, impulsiveness, poor judgment, reckless behavior & in most severe cases, delusions,  hallucinations & suicidal thoughts.

Not a pretty picture to most people, but there is hope. Plenty of it actually! There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but it can be treated successfully with medications and or treatment by a medical professional. It's an illness that needs to be monitored & maintained just like any other. (diabetes, hypertension.. etc.) With the correct treatment the person can live a relatively normal life.

Support is the key to this illness, from family, friends & therapists. Bipolar Disorder can be hereditary, so those with depression & other mental illnesses in their family, may be pre-disposed to it. Suicide is another factor that should always be taken seriously. When the Bipolar mind is depressed, suicide may be some of the convoluted thoughts that occur. ALWAYS take these thoughts seriously. If it's a friend or family member, seek help from a medical professional immediately. It's always better to side on the side of caution, then to live with regrets for the rest of your life.

Bipolar Disorder can be treated successfully, but education is key to all involved. The more we delve into a topic by reading up on it, the less scary it becomes. Bipolar is no different...knowledge is power! Now go & open a book......

Additional information can be obtained at: Bipolar.com or The National Institute of Mental Health. gov

For more info: My contact is: LisaRKohl@aol.com  Drop me a line...Give me your thoughts...:)