BI-POLOR DISORDER By: Raymee Watson & Alex Christiansen

What is it? Bipolar disorder is defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels. The ability to function becomes harder to handle with the sever mood swings of manic episodes to deep depression.

What does it do? With bi-polar disorder your valleys of depression is very low and your peaks of happiness and being optimistic is very high. This can cause a person to quit a job and charge credit cards and not care about doing any of it. Can cause the same person to relize what they have done and not get out of bed because of being in debt and unemployed.

What are the daily affects? The symptoms of bipolar disorder can hurt your job and school performance, damage your relationships bi-polar is a hard mental illness to handle even the people that have the disorder will get tired of hearing themselves grieve and send themselves into a deeper depression.

Myths about Bi-polar disorder. Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t get better or lead a normal life. Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can live fully while managing your symptoms. Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression. Fact: Some people alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more often than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also go for long stretches without symptoms.

Myths continued. Myth: Bipolar disorder only affects mood. Fact: Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self- esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure. Myth: Aside from taking medication, there is nothing you can do to control bipolar disorder. Fact: While medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and surrounding yourself with supportive people

What types are there? Bipolar I is one of the most severe forms of mental illness and has an almost 15% risk of death by suicide. It is characterized by one or more full blown manic episodes or mixed episodes Bipolar II in several ways. Persons with bipolar II have experienced multiple hypomanic episodes and a minimum of one major depressive episode.

… Continued Cyclothymia is similar to Bipolar II, but the symptoms are somewhat milder. Recurring episodes of mild hypomania and/or depression are symptoms. Bipolar NOS (Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) is a term used to describe patients who suffer from a form of Bipolar Disorder but do not exactly fit into any of the other categories.

Psychosis. Psychosis is defined as a loss of contact with reality. People suffering from psychosis are said to be psychotic. You may also hear it referred to as having a psychotic break. Psychosis or a psychotic episode is associated with Bipolar I. A psychotic episode can have one or more of the following symptoms: * Hallucinations * Delusions * Thought disorder * Lack of insight

What types of treatment? Treatment is available and needed even if you are feeling better to prevent new episodes. The common most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. Surrounding in ones life with bi-polar will often be very calming and “zen” to prevent outbreaks of depression and mania.

SIDE FACTS. A green ribbon is used to show Bi-polar awareness. February is Bi-Polar awareness month.