Bipolar defined

What is bipolar disorder? Simply put, it is a disorder where people shift from extreme highs—mania—to extreme lows—depression. It is more than just moodiness. These cycles can last for days, weeks, even months. These cycles interfere with normal daily functioning.

Symptoms seen in mania might be impulsive and extravagant purchases, quitting one’s job, infidelity, needing little sleep, feelings of grandiosity, and fearlessness. Symptoms seen in depression can range anywhere from loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, hopelessness, trouble getting out of bed, to suicidal thoughts.

The first signs of bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, can start in the teenage years or early adulthood. Because mania is often mild, and welcomed, bipolar can often go untreated or misdiagnosed for many years.

More than 2% of the population have bipolar disorder, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, so if you have it you are not alone. It also tends to run in families.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With proper medication, therapy, support and self-help action, people with bipolar disorder can leave happy, productive lives. Some famous people who have done well for themselves despite the disorder include Robin Williams, Francis Ford Coppola, Ted Turner and Sting.

If you suspect you or someone close to you has bipolar disorder, seek medical attention. Your family doctor can help steer you in the direction of better health. It’s important that you are honest about your scope of symptoms so you can receive the right treatment. A person who is bipolar who is put on too high a dosage of antidepressant (i.e. if the person was misdiagnosed as having depression alone) can become manic, and that can be dangerous.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder but it can be managed. Good luck.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.