NIMH · Bipolar Disorder

NIMH · Bipolar Disorder

“Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

Bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25.¹ Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.

Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life”. Sited from NIMH

**I do not think that the  name “Bipolar 1 Disorder” does justice to the illness in one bit. It almost seems to belittle the disorder and make it less significant in relation to other mental heath disorders. Manic Depressive illness is a much better description of the disorder. Manic is a single word that is very descriptive, as is depression. The chronological order of my personal illness began in the year 2000, where I spent 5 minutes with a Psych Doc who then prescribed medication for major depression. Personally I believe that was a misdiagnosis. Five minutes is not enough time to assess a patient with any Doctor. After some very life changing events, the suicide of my ex-boyfriend, my diagnosis increased a year later ( in 2003), to Bipolar 2 disorder, along with insomnia and anxiety, but I refused to believe anything was wrong with me and didn’t continue with my therapy. I finally had some reprieve and felt somewhat well, despite the fact that depression was always lingering in the background. In 2007 I became manic, depressed, psychosomatic, and paranoid that I would die in my sleep, so instinctively sleep became like a monster to me and eluded me for many years thereafter. Two years later, my youngest son was abused by a horrible person who I thought I knew. I hit bottom… literally. My children went to live their Fathers and I rapidly cycled between hypo-mania, mania, and severe depression. I was a ticking time bomb, feeling like I would break at any moment.

Education is the key. For myself and for others. We need to educate everyone about mental health disorders to prevent the stigma associated with mental health. Many people with mental disorders become very successful in life and contribute to society in many ways. I personally am a chameleon…. many of us are. We are very good at throwing on the “happy face”, and you will never recognize the storm raging within. **