Bipolar Disorder

Top 5 Things people ask me about Bipolar Disorder:

Note: All facts stated below regarding Bipolar Disorder came from the National Alliance on Mental Illness or from personal experiences.

1. What exactly is it? 

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder. It can look a lot of different ways which sometimes makes it hard to diagnose. Most people with bipolar suffer from manic and depressive episodes which can include symptoms like (but not limited to)- Manic: feeling overly happy for an extended period of time, racing thoughts, decreased amounts of sleep, increased talkativeness, easily distractible, feeling jumpy/irritated, impulsive or risky behavior; Depressive: long periods of hopelessness or low self-esteem, decreased energy, constantly tired, changes in eating or daily habits.

2. How common is it? 

More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar disorder used to be referred to as "manic depressive disorder" until later in the 80s, so it is interesting to think how many people could have suffered from BD but were categorized as having depression. Bipolar Disorder presents in a lot of different ways so it is hard to diagnose. Most doctors do not like to diagnose until multiple episodes have occurred. This is why, in my case, I was not diagnosed in 2004 when I experienced my first manic episode while I was in high school. They wrote it off as stress during my senior year and I went along with life. Later, when I had my next episode in 2008 it was much clearer, as I was experiencing the exact same symptoms.

3. Do you have to take medicine? 

Short Answer: Yes.

I believe in a healthy lifestyle both in exercise and diet, but it is important to accept the fact that sometimes we need medicine. Many people suffering from bipolar disorder self medicate with drugs or alcohol because they don't like the way medicine makes them feel. What they fail to realize is that if you combine medication with time, therapy and a doctor's care you can find a treatment plan that works for you. Self-medication is not the answer, it's only a matter of time until you relapse. The best thing a person with BD can do is find a great doctor they can trust. Sometimes that's hard or takes time. Both psychiatrists I've worked with have listened when I've given feedback, they listened to my opinions and we came up with a treatment plan together. I have never felt forced to take meds I didn't want to take, and I know if I have a problem I can call them.

4. What is mania, or a manic episode? 

Mania is defined best by the symptoms I described above: feeling over happy for an extended period of time, racing thoughts, decreased amounts of sleep, increased talkativeness, easily distractible, feeling jumpy/irritated, impulsive or risky behavior.

My doctor explained my manic episode as being similar to someone high on cocaine. I have never taken cocaine, but I can tell you that my memories of my episodes are very blurred. I felt extreme joy in one moment and extreme paranoia the next. A week after it was over, I could barely remember any of it. Kind of like waking up from a dream with just bits and pieces.

5. Is it hereditary? 

Studies suggest, yes. I am inclined to think my grandfather may have suffered from bipolar disorder. He was diagnosed with depression, but I believe it could have been BD. I also have a cousin that has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had similar episode experiences as me.

If you think you may be suffering from Bipolar Disorder, or other mental illness, please feel free to reach out to me if you need help connecting with a professional. Don't believe the lie that you're on your own with this. There is a whole community fighting mental illness together.

The best online resource is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. There are fantastic blogs, articles, and medical insight on this site.