Could I Really Be Bipolar?

Ever feel like you're on top of the world and nothing in it or about it can bring you down? Have insane amounts of energy like you've just downed a case of energy drinks chased with coffee? Has this feeling lasted for what seems forever? Is it disrupting your sleep? (Sleep? What's sleep? I haven't slept in a week!) Or maybe it's taking a toll on your mind, your body, your relationships and your work.

Does this crazy episode come with a swift decline to the bottom? Where you have no mood for anything. Where all you suddenly want to do is sleep (even after you've “caught up” on that week of sleep you missed out on) Perhaps suddenly, without reason, you feel your life no longer holds any meaning. Or you feel like nothing you do or say will ever make a difference so why do any of it. Has this horrible, depressive, yucky feeling lasted a couple of weeks or more?

If so, you may be bipolar!

Bipolar you say? What's that?

Well, what I just explained to you pretty much sums up bipolar syndrome in a neat little package. It's a roller coaster ride of life where you cycle through highs and lows, otherwise known as depression and mania. And it's not just little ups and downs that last a day or two, like when you're bummed about getting dumped. It's episodes of these feelings that last for days, weeks, months and even years!

Sometimes though, you'll get what's called a mixed episode where perhaps you'll have an amazing energy level, but still be so depressed you don't want to get out of bed. (Although in cases like this, the manic side tends to win out)

So what is bipolar disorder? What is the driving force behind it?

Bipolar disorder or manic depression as it used to be called is a mental health disorder. It is a disruption in the way your brain understands things, comprehends things, and how your moods are controlled and regulated. Put in easy to understand terms, it's an issue with the brain. It's severe mood swings, going from one end of the spectrum, mania, to the other end of the spectrum, depression.

What causes these issues then?

The true reason for bipolar disorder is not totally understood. Some say it is a chemical imbalance in the brain which causes these drastic mood swings. Others argue that it is purely genetic. That means if mom or dad have bipolar disorder, you may very well have it too! There is no argument though that genetics play at least a role in it, as it runs in families. If a parent has it, chances are good a child or even a grandchild will have it. Sometimes it skips a generation, but it is most often seen quite prevalent throughout the entire family. (One thing to note is that many people have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, so just because they don't know they have it, doesn't mean they don't.)

How's bipolar syndrome fixed?

In two words, it's not.

Bipolar syndrome is a life long affliction, but with proper management and coping mechanisms, someone affected by it can still go on to lead a happy normal life. It takes work though and it is an uphill battle. You'll need a proper medical treatment, mixed with healthy doses of therapy. And the things that work for you today, may not be the things that work for you tomorrow. It is for this reason that those with bipolar disorder need to maintain and continue seeking support, and assistance for their condition.