Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness apparent by severe changes in mood, thought, energy and attitude.  People who have it go through different mood changes from very happy and active to very sad and hopeless and inactive, and then back again.  The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t aways apparent but it is believed that it hereditary and abnormal brain structure and function may also play a role.  If not treated, bipolar disorder can lead to damaged relationships, poor job or school performance and even suicide.

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Symptoms Of Mania

• Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
• Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
• Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
• Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance
• Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
• Impulsiveness, poor judgment, easily distracted
• Reckless behavior
• In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations

Symptoms Of Depression

• Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
• Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
• Pessimism, indifference
• Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
• Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

"To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist."

-Gail Sheehy, Author

Helpful Resources For Bipolar Disorder

Moodswings is one of the first online psychotherapies for bipolar disorder. It is based on a successful validated manualized intervention, the MAPS programme.
Pendulum.org. One of the oldest mailing lists on this topic also has a Web site which is a very comprehensive resource on bipolar disorder, offering online resources, symptom lists, book lists, medications, treatment options, etc.
VeryWell.com. An online community and extensive collection of resources which includes articles, newsletters, chat, forums, links and much more for those who struggle with this disorder.