Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.
There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. You can think of the highs and the lows as two “poles” of mood, which is why it’s called “bipolar” disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Eating disorders often develop in the teen and young adult years, although they can develop at other ages. With treatment, you can return to healthier eating habits and sometimes reverse serious complications caused by the eating disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar
- impaired judgment
- feeing “wired”
- a sense of distraction or boredom
- missing work or school, or underperforming
- thinking they can “do anything”
- belief that nothing is wrong
- being extremely forthcoming, sometimes aggressively so
- likelihood of engaging in risky behavior
- a sense of being on top of the world, exhilarated, or euphoric
- excessive self-confidence, an inflated sense of self-esteem and self-importance
- excessive and rapid talking, pressurized speech that may jump from one topic to another
- “racing” thoughts that come and go quickly, and bizarre ideas that the person may act upon
- This may include squandering money, abusing illegal drugs or alcohol, and taking part in dangerous activities. A higher libido may lead to promiscuity.
Remember: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness
but long-term, ongoing treatment can help control symptoms and enable you to live a healthy life.
Coping with Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are ways to help make it easier for yourself, a friend, or a loved one.
- Get treatment and stick with it—recovery takes time and it’s not easy. But treatment is the best way to start feeling better.
- Keep medical and therapy appointments and talk with the provider about treatment options.
- Take all medicines as directed.
- Structure activities: keep a routine for eating and sleeping, and make sure to get enough sleep and exercise.
- Learn to recognize your mood swings and warning signs, such as decreased sleep.
- Ask for help when trying to stick with your treatment.
- Be patient; improvement takes time. Social support helps.
- Avoid misuse of alcohol and drugs.
Post On Bipolar Disorder
In 1972 an American psychologist named Walter Mischel developed the Stanford marshmallow experiment geared to…
