Could You Be Bipolar?

If Your Emotions Are Taking You for a Ride, You Might Be Bipolar

By Rachel Solano, published Sep 28, 2006
Published Content: 17  Total Views: 86,235  Favorited By: 4 CPs
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About two months ago I was diagnosed with bipolar syndrome. While this worried me I felt relieved… finally, an explanation for the constant emotional rollercoaster. Could you be suffering from this syndrome?

Most people have emotional ups and downs, but people that suffer from bipolar syndrome can’t control these extreme emotional changes. One day you might feel extremely down, tired, despondent. Nothing seems to go right and the slightest problem leaves you feeling like nothing will be right again. The next day you might feel full of energy and creativity and might start acting a little reckless. Many that suffer from bipolar syndrome go on shopping sprees, embarrass themselves in public by doing things they wouldn’t normally do, stay awake all night because they have too much energy… the list goes on.

Some that suffer from bipolar syndrome have such swings several times a day. Imagine that! Someone who is bipolar is both depressed and suffering from mania. These are some of the possible symptoms you could suffer:

This is how you might feel when you are “down”:

• You down or sad for no apparent reason.
• You are losing interest in activities and things you used to enjoy.
• You feel discouraged, guilty, or insignificant.
• You sleep too much or can’t sleep at all.
• You gain or lose a lot of weight.
• You have no energy and feel tired al the time.
• You have problems making the smallest decisions or concentrating.
• You think about killing yourself.

This is how you might feel when you are “up”:

• You have a lot of pent up energy.
• You don’t sleep as much.
• Your mind jumps around and your thoughts are constantly racing.
• You are very easily distracted.
• You chatter a lot more than you used to.
• You feel on top of the world.
• You want to do everything at once but don’t get anything done.
• You do things you don’t usually do that might be risky and out of character. 

Could You Be Bipolar?

This girl could be going through the "down" phase of bipolar syndrome

Credit: Anita Patterson

Copyright: Anita Patterson

Takeaways
  • Bipolar persons can go through quick emotional changes.
  • One day you might feel on the top of the world, the other, on the bottom.
  • Some suffererers end up in the hospital due to manic or psychotic attacks.
Did You Know?
Bipolar syndrome affects approximately 2.3 million adult Americans-about 1.2 percent of the population.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
I've rarely heard Bipolar referred to as a syndrome. Usually it's referred to as Bipolar Disorder.

Posted on 12/05/2006 at 11:12:00 PM

 
In addition, prescription drugs are a godsend to many and a hazard to others. Exercise and talk therapy was most beneficial for me along with homeopathic remedies such as St. Johns Wort (to a degree) and medicinal marijuana believe it or not! Positive thought processes are also beneficial and aid in everyday life.

Posted on 11/16/2006 at 10:11:00 PM

 
Thank you for posting this story. Unfortunately the negative stigma placed on Bi-polar disorder still prevents many fom seeking help.

Posted on 11/16/2006 at 10:11:00 PM

 
Please have a look at the blog here, as it may provide you with means of breaking out of your condition completely: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&pop=1&ping=1&indicate=1

Posted on 11/06/2006 at 6:11:00 PM

 
excellent article and you are not alone. May i humbly suggest that you look up the following book which worked wonders for me WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS - I bought it directly from the publisher www.mandala-press.com it will be out on amazon shortly however I love this author as she really understands our condition

Posted on 10/21/2006 at 11:10:00 AM

 
Great article. It's well-written and does a terrific job at helping us to understand bipolar syndrome.

Posted on 10/09/2006 at 2:10:00 AM

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