Do you know someone who is totally euphoric for one period and completely depressed the next? That person may be suffering from bipolar disorder. This condition can be difficult to admit, but in truth, learning to recognize it is the best way to tame it.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme shifts in mood. Symptoms can include an extremely elevated mood called mania. They can also include episodes of severe depression. Bipolar disorder is also known as bipolar disease or manic depression. We all have our ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder these peaks and valleys are more severe. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can hurt your job or school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt your daily life.

It’s like living on a roallercoaster of unbalanced and unregulated emotions.

During the periods of elevated mood the person feels unusually “high” and optimistic or extremely irritable, with racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next, and sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic. These feeling could lead to several dysfunctional behaviors like spending sprees, unsafe sexual activity, and fights.
The downsides moments are characterized by deep sadness, hopelessness, lack of intrest in activities once enjoyed and even suicidal thoughts.

“You are either too happy, too sad, or you just don’t care. Finding the feelings in the middle do not come naturally. You have to fight everyday to find them”.

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free.
There is more to treatment than medication. Medication alone is usually not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy with a professional counselor, lifestyle changes, and social support.