What does it mean to be Bi Polar?

Answer 1

Bipolar Disorder is a very serious condition in which the person experiences unusually intense cycles of clinical depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states. The disorder can cause great distress among those afflicted and those living with them. Bipolar disorder can be a disabling condition, with a higher-than-average risk of death through suicide. Bipolar disorder can vary in severity and affect people differently. There are many very high functioning bipolar people of above average creativity, and also those with life threatening depression symptoms. .

The difference between bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder (also called major depression) is that bipolar disorder involves both elevated and depressive mood states. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among people with the illness. Fluctuating from one mood state to the next is called "cycling". Mood swings can cause impairment or improved functioning depending on their direction (up or down) and severity (mild to severe). There can be changes in one's energy level, sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms and cognitive functioning. Some people may have difficulty functioning during these times.

Bipolar disorder is often a life-long condition that must be carefully managed. Because there is so much variation in severity and nature of mood problems, it is increasingly being called bipolar spectrum disorder. The spectrum concept refers to subtypes of bipolar disorder or a continuum of mood problems, that can include sub-syndromal (below the symptom threshold for categorical diagnosis) symptoms. Nassir Ghaemi, M.D., has also contributed to the development of a bipolar spectrum questionnaire. The full bipolar spectrum includes all states or phases of the bipolar disorders.

Answer 2

Andrewlee does have a point on the impact of diet on the mental state. It is also true they don't test the neurotransmitters in the head, but with drugs that specifically target the neurotransmitters, and the person gets better then there is obviousl a chemical imbalance. Medications alone do not completly "cure" th problem. Counseling is helpful especially when in the depressed phase. Most of the meds used are designed to stabilize mood such as Depakote, Lamictal, topamx, and Tegretol. These drugs are anti epileptics,but have the effect o mood stabilizers. some doctors will give antidepressant. It is ha to live with, but once the moods are stabilized, then it gets easier.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. But there is diffrence with the normal ups and down a ussual person experience. This kind of disorder can be treated. You can check your web, there are alot of links that can help you explain about Bi polar.

Answer 4

People who are bipolar, are people who have extreme highs (happy moments) and extreme lows (sad moments). Medication can be given by doctors, but understand, that the drugs given to any psychological disorder, only "takes away" the symptoms, and does not address the underlying cause of the problems - which is mostly diet based. Many medical based doctors will argue, that this is crazy... because they do not understand the true reaction of diet on the body. And many quacks argue that there is a chemical imbalance... and someone above said it, this cannot be proven, unless they test the chemicals in the head... which they don't... so nutrition is the best defence against bipolar, and other psychological disorders.

Answer 5

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

Answer 6

A bipolar sickness is a chemical imbalance contained in the mind that would want to nicely be managed with very certain drugs. someone with a bipolar sickness may have minor or significant mood swings from very pleased and overly bodily energetic to very depressed and likely suicidal. There are different warning signs which incorporates becomng very indignant/aggitated at the same time as in a manic section or retreating from paintings, associates and leisure activities in the course of the depressive section. those with the medical prognosis of bipolar sickness can stay very useful and chuffed lives in the experience that they attain out to a psychological well being specialist or regular practitioner for help.

Answer 7

Well, I am bipolar myself. I am a 59 yr. old female and was diagnosed in 1995, I think. This is what the doctor told me:
Most people that are bipolar lack lithium, which is a mineral in our brains. Lithium is what helps people to control their moods and behaviors. Because we don't have enough (or none) Lithium, our mood swings are extreme. We go from manic to depressive, thus it being called manic/depressive disorder when it was first discoverec. There are two levels of bipolar, 1 & 2, and I'm 1. Thankfully, even though bipolar is a mental illness, and there is no cure, it is one of the most easily treated illnesses. There is a lot of good medications for bipolar. The "manics" of bipolar is when you feel euphoric, like you can do any thing, and will do reckless and risky things. Or it can be like mine was, a sense of "well-being", exteme well being, with no guilt, shame, anger, sadness or what we can call negative emotions. I love everyone when I'm manic, I have extreme energy levels, and will be able to stay up for 72 hours with maybe 4-6 hrs. of sleep, in fact, I have. The less sleep I have, the better I feel! On the flip side, when I crash, which you do from the mania, I think of suicide, hate people, don't want to be around ANY ONE at all, won't talk on the phone, and is all I want to do is sleep, not even eat! I have problems processing my thoughts in either cycle. The manic side I talk loud, fast, and WAY too much! lol When I'm on the other side, I talk very little and so quietly that people sometimes has a hard time hearing me. In this cycle, I get my feelings hurt easily, and I get mad easily, and I sit on the "pity pot" easily. People that are bipolar my doctor told me, are usually creative in either cycle, not both cycles, but one or the other. Our thoughts can go on and on and on and on................! My letters to friends becomes books instead of just letters, like 5-18 pages, reason being, no lithium to stop the thought process. I easily confuse people, because I easily go quickly from one topic to another without even really knowing I am.
I also read a booklet that described bipolar like you are standing still on a freeway with the cars going 70 miles around you; and that is your brain, your body is standing still, but your mind is going 70 miles an hour, no matter awake or asleep.
We are consistently inconsistent!!!!! Bipolar people have a tendency to have problems with drugs and alcohol as this becomes a self medication, to shut your brain off, and zip to make you go! I am a recoverying alcoholic of 8 yrs., and I know for a fact I drank to shut my brain off, or to make "myself" have fun.
Any way, I hope this helps you. It isn't a good thing to be bipolar, but it is nice to know we didn't bring our emotional problems on our selves, and there is a real reason why we behave the way we do. However, please don't use bipolar as an excuse for bad behavior, get help, go to the doctor, get medication, do what you have to do to be a responsible person.
Remember, bipolar isn't the same on everyone that is bipolar, however, we all have similar symptoms and problems. It usually depends on your level of bipolar, your doctor, your support group, and your therapist how much problem you have with your bipolar.

Answer 8

Bipolar it's a psychological disorder, and it means you are in an alternate state of manic (like high) and depression. Each state can last from weeks to months. Bipolar is the most severe mood disorder, and hard to treat. :(

Answer 9

Bipolar Disorder is a very serious condition in which the person experiences unusually intense cycles of clinical depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states.

Check out www.wikipedia.org for more information

Answer 10

Chemical imbalance...you go through cycles of feeling very lifted like you can concur the world and then crashing. You can be set off by something someone says, get very emotional over almost nothing (like full on bawling).