Bipolar Illness

Bipolar disorder or manic-depression is more serious than the everyday ups and downs that most people experience.

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition in which a person experiences extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression). During a manic episode, a person’s mood is excessively "high," irritable, or aggressive. It is common for a person who is manic to think that nothing is wrong with their behavior even though it is extremely distressing to family and friends.

During a depressive episode, a person may feel sad or lose interest in previously enjoyable activities. Someone with bipolar disorder can experience a variety of mood patterns, such as having mostly episodes of mania or mostly episodes of depression. Another person may cycle rapidly between the two. It is also possible for someone to remain symptom-free for extended periods of time.

Bipolar disorder can affect your ability to work, study, interact with people, or take care of yourself. However, bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with counseling and/or medication. If you think that you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, contact your school’s health or counseling service.

It is not uncommon for people who have bipolar disorder to think about suicide, and it is important to seek help immediately if you or someone you know is having these thoughts.

Fact or Fiction?

Everyone has highs and lows, so it isn’t anything to worry about.

FICTION: Most people do have good and bad days, but when these seriously interfere with your ability to function, you should seek professional help.

There are a variety of causes of bipolar disorder including both genetic and environmental factors.

FACT: While bipolar disorder does run in families, environmental factors such as extreme stress, sleep disruption, and drug or alcohol use may trigger bipolar disorder.

Once a person has their bipolar disorder under control, they don’t need their medication.

FICTION: While bipolar disorder is highly manageable, the treatment of bipolar disorder is usually life-long.

Medications are all you need to treat bipolar disorder.

FALSE: Medications are certainly important; however, a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise and sleep; effective coping skills; a support network; psychotherapy; and religious/spiritual practice can all contribute to the successful management of bipolar disorder.

People with bipolar disorder always have severe mood swings.

FACT: Most people with bipolar disorder have more episodes of depression than mania. Less dramatic manic states, called hypomanic episodes, can be subtle and go unnoticed by others.

People with bipolar disorder can recover with treatment. They may go on to hold jobs in many areas, including holding positions in jobs of authority such as law enforcement or government.

FACT: People with bipolar disorder can and do hold positions of authority everywhere. When properly diagnosed and treated, people with bipolar disorder can have highly successful careers.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition in which a person experiences extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression).
Bipolar disorder is most commonly diagnosed in people of college age.
70% or more of people with bipolar disorder respond well to medication that helps reduce the frequency and intensity of manic episodes. A combination of professional counseling and medication helps most people return to productive and fulfilling lives.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

MANIA:

Excessively "high," euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers, such as feeling able to control world events
Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
Racing thoughts or fast speech
Distractibility or difficulty concentrating
Agitation
Spending sprees
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Poor judgment
Lasting period of behavior that is different than usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong

DEPRESSION:

Persistently sad, anxious, irritable or empty mood
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, including sex
Withdrawal from friends and family
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or rundown