Beyond The Curse / All Rights Reserved / 2008-2009
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes extreme mood changes from manic episodes of very high energy to the extreme lows of depression. It is also called manic-
depressive disorder.
This illness can cause behavior so extreme that you cannot function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar
disorder become suicidal.
Having this disorder can make you feel helpless and hopeless. But you are not alone. Talking with others who suffer from it may help you learn that there is hope for a
better life. And treatment can help you get back in control.
Family members often feel helpless when a loved one is depressed or manic. If your loved one has bipolar disorder, you may want to get counseling for yourself.
Therapy can also help a child who has a bipolar parent.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms depend on your mood swings. In a manic episode, you may feel very happy, energetic, or on edge. You may feel like you need very little sleep. You may
feel overly self-confident. Some people spend a lot of money or get involved in dangerous activities when they are manic.
After a manic episode, you may return to normal, or your mood may swing in the opposite direction to feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When you
are depressed, you may have trouble thinking and making decisions. You may have memory problems. You may lose interest in things you have enjoyed in the past.
You may also have thoughts about killing yourself.
The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be mild or extreme. They may come on slowly over several days or weeks or suddenly over a few minutes or hours. The mood
swings may last for a few hours or for several months.
Who is affected by bipolar disorder?
Over 3 million Americans—about 1% of the population, or 1 in every 100 people—have bipolar disorder, with similar rates in other countries. Bipolar disorder occurs
equally among males and females. It often begins between the ages of 15 and 24.2
Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes extreme mood changes from manic episodes of very high energy to the extreme lows of depression. It is also called manic-
depressive disorder.
This illness can cause behavior so extreme that you cannot function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar
disorder become suicidal.
Having this disorder can make you feel helpless and hopeless. But you are not alone. Talking with others who suffer from it may help you learn that there is hope for a
better life. And treatment can help you get back in control.
Family members often feel helpless when a loved one is depressed or manic. If your loved one has bipolar disorder, you may want to get counseling for yourself.
Therapy can also help a child who has a bipolar parent.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms depend on your mood swings. In a manic episode, you may feel very happy, energetic, or on edge. You may feel like you need very little sleep. You may
feel overly self-confident. Some people spend a lot of money or get involved in dangerous activities when they are manic.
After a manic episode, you may return to normal, or your mood may swing in the opposite direction to feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When you
are depressed, you may have trouble thinking and making decisions. You may have memory problems. You may lose interest in things you have enjoyed in the past.
You may also have thoughts about killing yourself.
The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be mild or extreme. They may come on slowly over several days or weeks or suddenly over a few minutes or hours. The mood
swings may last for a few hours or for several months.
Who is affected by bipolar disorder?
Over 3 million Americans—about 1% of the population, or 1 in every 100 people—have bipolar disorder, with similar rates in other countries. Bipolar disorder occurs
equally among males and females. It often begins between the ages of 15 and 24.2
Beyond The Curse