What Does It Mean To Be Bipolar?

Bipolar means more than just the normal highs and lows that everyone experiences. When a person is bipolar, the moods are extreme, intense and affect their daily lives.

Bipolar symptoms vary; depending on what stage is person is in. If a bipolar person is in the depressed stage they may:

Appear to have the blues and be sad
Abstain from activities they one enjoyed
Have a low sex drive
Express feelings of hopelessness or guilt
Have trouble sleeping or sleep for long periods
Eat too much or eat too little
Be unable to make decisions
Talk a lot about death and have suicidal thoughts.

If a bipolar person is in the manic stage they may:

Seem to have endless energy
Sleep very little
Become easily distracted
Talk excessively
Have lots of self-confidence
Participate in risky activities and act recklessly

Another form of bipolar disease, hypo mania, is a stage where the bipolar person feels good about themselves. At work, they are completing projects. Creativity is high. But this milder form of mania can lead to depression or mania.

If a bipolar person is sad one minute and excited the next, they may be experiencing a "mixed mood." The feeling can go back and forth in a day or maybe during the course of a few hours.

There are two different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I patients have hypo mania but do not experience the extreme manic episodes. Hallucinations and paranoia are symptoms of Bipolar I but are not present in people with Bipolar II. Those who suffer from Bipolar II will not experience mixed episodes.

If you believe you are bipolar, you should seek help for a doctor or mental health professional. In the meantime, there are things you can do to manage your bipolar symptoms:

Get enough sleep
Exercise
Follow a proper diet
Don't abuse alcohol or drugs
Reach out to family and friends

The cause of bipolar disorder has been debated by medical professional for decades. Some attribute it to genetics. Some say it is a brain disorder. Whatever the cause, doctors now that most bipolar patients are triggered by stress. That trigger can be a happy event, such as a marriage or new job, or a devastating event such as divorce, death of a family member or a serious illness.

For some with bipolar disorder, the trigger can be something as simple as lack of sleep or an argument with a family member. Alcohol and drug abuse can also trigger bipolar disorder. These triggers can be managed with proper diet, exercise, sleep and abstaining from alcohol or drugs.

Treatment for bipolar disorder varies from person to person but often medication is required. Lithium is the most often prescribed medication and has been used by doctors for more than 50 years to treat patients with bipolar disorder. Many people also undergo psychological counseling as part of their treatment to deal with being bipolar.

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More Bipolar Information

Bipolar Disorder--What It Is And How To Recognize It

Are They Mood Swings Or A Bipolar Symptom?

The Importance of Bipolar Medication

What Does It Mean To Be Bipolar?

Not Just "Crazy"- The Story Behind Bipolar Disease

Bipolar Depression-It's Not Just The Blues