Bipolar disorder or other wise known as manic depression, is diagnosed to people who experience both highs and lows, also known as mania and depression. Many of these suffers feel that their emotions are on a roller coaster, never knowing when they are going to get manic or depressed. Bipolar disorder is broken down into two kinds: bipolar I and bipolar II. People who experience bipolar disorder I have full manic episodes and major depressive episodes, and people who experience bipolar disorder II have hypomanic episodes (mildly manic) and have major depressive episodes (Comer 219). People who experience mania may have an elevated mood, talk fast, irritability, verbal outbursts, extremely optimistic, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, delusions and hallucinations, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities. Of course this all may seem fine and dandy but some of these symptoms can lead to destructive habits such as driving extremely fast that could endanger other people, promiscuity, or drug and alcohol abuse. Another key point I'd like to make is many people who experience a manic episode can and may get psychotic, or go through psychosis, which can lead to delusions and hallucinations. This can be very scary for someone going through this. The most common form of hallucination is hearing and seeing things. Some hallucinations may be good while others very scary and bad. Many suffers usually have to be hospitalized to cope with the psychotic episodes. People who experience depression may have a loss of interest in things they once found pleasurable, excessive sleep or decreased sleep, overeating or not eating enough, poor concentration, hopelessness, irritability, suicidal thoughts, or self injurious behavior thoughts. The average onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years old (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1BIPOLAR_ADULT.shtml). Obviously some people experience these symptoms at a very young age, possibly as an adolescent. There are many other disorders that are similar to bipolar disorder such as Cyclothymic Disorder and Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder, so those should not be ruled out when being diagnosed.
This is a scan of a bipolar brain when manic and depressed. As you can see red, orange, and yellow colors indicate higher brain activity in the brain while a depressed brain has low activity which is indicated by the blue and green colors.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder but lithium and other medications have proven to be very effective in helping reduce the symptoms. Psychotherapy is also another form of aid for suffers (Comer 222). Personally, I think taking medication, attending therapy or even attending DBT (Dialect Behavior Therapy), and attending NAMI meetings can help any individual get better. I have met many people who suffer with all kinds of illnesses and the combination of those have really helped them.
Now onto the stigma that surrounds mental illness and people who suffer from bipolar disorder. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people say, "She's crazy! She's up and down and up and down! She needs to be put in a nut house." First off, those comments are offensive to me and to anyone who suffers with a mental illness. People with mental illness are not crazy! THEY ARE PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU AND ME. There are many people who are very successful that suffer with a mental illness such as Virginia Wolfe and Ernest Hemingway. They should not be judged based on their moods or actions. They deserve the same amount of attention and respect just as anyone else. People with mental illness have a face just like everyone. Some people hide their illness better than others, most likely because they are ashamed or embarrassed. Mental illness affects tens of millions of people each year (National Institute of Mental Health). Instead of judging other people who have these roller coaster moods, do your research. Maybe there is a way you can help that person. There are many people who suffer from mental illness and don't even know it.
I also want people to quit saying that because someone has these rapid mood swings that they are crazy. I know I cannot make people stop from saying such things but seriously, listen to yourself when you talk. How do you know you aren't offending someone right next to you that suffers from bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that has to be treated with care.
I want to address the people who do suffer with mental illness. Do not think you are crazy. There are other people out there who do experience what you go through on a daily basis. There is ALWAYS help. Support groups such as NAMI are only a couple miles away. Also, do not be ashamed that you have a mental illness. It is something that you can use to help other people.
Now to you readers, here's my question: Why do you think some people give mental illness a negative stigma?
***NOTE: For anyone commenting please be careful of what you say, there are many people out there who suffer with mental illness and you could easily offend someone by posting something offensive. As for the ignorant people, comment away...just be warned that what you say will most likely be a full fledged attack on your stupidity and ignorance.
