What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar is a mental disorder marked by alternating periods
of elation and depression.
Bipolar disorder, also known as 'Manic-depression' is a brain disorder that causes irregular and unusual shifts in behaviours, distorts moods and thoughts, energy, and the ability to function. The fatigue, lack of well being and low self esteem is often associated with feelings of guilt in the lower, depressive mood and followed by the feeling of extreme elevation of mood, energy and excitement, delusion and illusion. This is known as the usual 'up' or 'high' spectrum of mood change and this sudden surge of sleeplessness and energy leads to very exhausting cycles of 'lows' and deep depression.
Bipolar Disorder is often referred to as having a 'yo-yo' or 'spiralling' syndrome as one continuously cycles from repeated 'high' and 'low' mood disorders. Bipolar Disorder is very different from the normal 'ups and downs' that everyone goes through. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe often giving the feeling of being able to 'conquer all' with the heightened pleasure and exhilaration of strength and false sense of 'wellness', coupled with almost unendurable suffering and unfortunately for many and not infrequently, suicide.
It is has been said that Bipolar Disorder appears to be an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological during the experience of these episodes. Bipolar Disorder has been related to damaged family and partner relationships, poor job ethics and interrupted school performance.
Early recognition and effective early treatment is vital to the future well being of people with bipolar mood symptoms. The positive news is that with effective treatment bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead self satisfying and productive lives.
Links about understanding more about Bipolar Disorder for individuals, families and caregivers and how to get help for this illness have been posted on the right upper side of this page.