What does being bipolar really mean?

Answer 1

Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is a diagnosis in psychiatry referring to mania (or hypomania or mixed states) alternating with clinical depression (or depressed or euthymic mood) over a significant period of time.

Unlike highs and lows a normal person might experience, one with bipolar disorder experiences extreme mood swings that can last for minutes to months. Mood changes of this nature are associated with distress and disruption, and a relatively high risk of suicide.

There have also been links to high functioning, notably regarding hypomania ('below mania') and creativity. More often than not, people with bipolar disorder are above average in creativity, perseverance, and sometimes intelligence Miles Agha.

Countless writers, musicians, artists, scientists, performers, poets, and other creative talents have been diagnosed with some form of bipolar disorder, and some even attribute it to their creativity. Both the natural drive for success and flight of ideas in the state of mania and hypomania are linked directly to many creative motives. Some people who suffer from bipolar disorder have mixed states often, where they feel depressed and 'blue', but unlike clinical depression one in a mixed state may still feel 'always high'. It is one of the signature characteristics of bipolar disorder. They may have creative energy, racing thoughts, but a constant negative feeling.

These two extremes combined can often lead to anxiety. This is one of the reasons that many people with bipolar disorder also suffer from panic disorder.

Answer 2

That a persons mood is really "up" for several weeks, and they seem really hyper and might drink a lot, and party really hard, and never sleep during the "manic phase", then they will get really "low" and not be able to come out of their house and will avoid any social activities. They become really depressed in this phase. It's in cycles of extreme highs and extreme lows. Very debilatating and requires meds and therapy. very complicated and serious.

Answer 3

I do believe its when a person has depression no matter what kinds of medicine their on!! Let me look it up in my Medical Encyclopedia, for you.. back in a min.......A psychological disorder marked by manic and depressive episodes. And it goes on to talk about the four different catagories.... Which are not realated to sciztophrenia, (if I spelt that right),, so dont worry about that, okay...Hey good-luck, to you... Our whole family suffer's from depression.... And I think alot of it, stems from "Poor Eating habits" to be quite honest with you...... So Be Happy, and You have a Wonderful Day, for me, now...... Smile!!!

Answer 4

Bi=two Polar=opposites
Manic or hyper states or periods followed by periods of lows or depression

Answer 5

im bi polar, here what it is, it means you get depressed for no aparent reasons(well there is a reason realy, but its your own damn mind that produce it, your thoughts are stuck on the negatives, why it is stuck on that, its coz ur depressed, so realy theres no aparent reason) realy depressed, sometimes suciadal depressed, and then you feel so happy sometimes for no aparent reasons too( and here the euphoric state can hit you instantly you just suddenly feel so good, why i dunno), realy happy, sometimes that cycle take a minute, sometimes days, but the depressed part is the more constant part, but when you do get euphoric, men it feels soooo good, a realy engulfing sense of well being, then you feel like sh*t again, thats bi polar for you

Answer 6

it means you will lose everything in your life that brings you joy and you will be told to take mind altering medication so the people around you can handle you

it sucks the big one

Answer 7

my son has it .he's 17 now. it's awful! all i can say is good luck. go to counsling take your meds. and at lest that day would be better for you....