The twisted truth about bipolar disorder

If you think that you are alone with this debilitating disorder? You are not. It is estimated that millions of American adults are affected by bipolar each year. Often being misdiagnosed with depression or schizophrenia. Can you imaging seeking medical attention to just be misdiagnosed?

People have normal ups and downs, I mean lets face it, THAT IS LIFE. When you are bipolar it makes life a living Hell. Trust me, I know. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can almost ruin or completely destroy the life you know: Your job, family, friends, and disrupt school performance. You name it it is out for the kill. Seek and destroy. No lie.

Although Bipolar disorder is treatable, many people do not recognize the warning signs, and get the help they so desperately need. Since bipolar disorder worsens without treatment, it is important to know what the symptoms look like.

First you must know there are different types of bipolar disorder. All involve episodes of mania and depression to a degree. Yes, I know. Sounds crazy but work with me here.

BIPOLAR I: This episode is very severe including extreme mood swings, from mania and depression.

BIPOLAR II: A MILDER form, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with depression.

Cyclothymic disorder: just decribes even milder mood changes

Mixed Bipolar: Mixed bipolar disorder is defined by periods of mania and depression that happen at the same time, or in rapid sequence. So basically you feel happy, sad, irritable, you have racing thoughts, rage, you just feel great and miserable all at once. You feel crazy, trust me I know.

Rapid cycling: This one is the roller coaster of the sorts but roller coasters are somewhat predictable. Not so much fun. It is characterized by four or more episodes within a 12 month period. Some people experience a few episodes a week, even a few in a day. It is scary and overwhelming when this occurs!

The common symptoms of mania are:

• Feeling very optimistic. Just feeling overly great. You feel "High" or on top of the world. At the same time you may be irritable.
• Feeling grandiose of one's abilities or powers
• needing very little sleep and still having tons of energy.
• lack of concentration
• Talking very rapidly, others cannot keep up with you.
• Racing thoughts with makes life crazy! You jump from one idea to another!
• Impulsiveness and impaired judgement.
• Acting recklessly and not considering the implications.
• In some cases very rarely, Hallucinations and delusions

The symptoms of depression include:

• feeling hopeless or sad
• irritability
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• sleep problems
• appetite or weight changes
• inability to concentrate
• mental or physical sluggishness
• suicidal actions or thoughts

If you every feel any of these or notice someone that you care about having any of these symptoms don't be afraid to ask for help. You do not want to be alone. There are many routes to take when trying to seek help. you need to figure out what works best for you weather it be medication to meditation.