Stop Calling People Bipolar

Why are so many people using the word Bipolar? "He's Bipolar. Girl, she's Bipolar." Did you know Bipolar is depression? It's nothing to joke about. When a person has this disorder their emotions rollercoaster between happy and sad (up and down), mostly down. Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, is defined as a mental disorder characterized by periods of elevated mood and periods of depression. The elevated mood is significant and is known as mania or hypomania depending on the severity or whether there is psychosis. During mania a person feels or acts unrealistically happy, energetic, or irritable. They often make poor decisions without thinking about the consequences. The need for sleep is usually minimized. During periods of depression a person may experience crying spells, can't look others in the eye, and their whole outlook on life is negative. In addition, the risk of harm to themselves and others is high. 

A person diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life. A manic episode is a time of abnormally elevated mood and high energy, accompanied by peculiar behavior that interrupts life. Most people with bipolar I disorder also suffer from periods of depression. Often, juggling between mania and depression. This is where the term "manic depression" comes from. In between episodes of mania and depression, many people with bipolar I disorder can live normal lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder?

During a manic episode in someone with bipolar disorder, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria (feeling "high") or as irritability.

Abnormal behavior during manic episodes includes:

• Flying suddenly from one idea to the next
• Rapid, "pressured," and loud speech
• Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep
• Inflated self-image
• Excessive spending
• Hypersexuality
• Substance abuse

People in manic episodes may spend excessively, even if they don't have the money, have sex with people they wouldn't otherwise, or pursue grandiose, unrealistic plans. In severe manic episodes, a person loses touch with the here and now. They may become delusional and behave bizarrely.

Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months.  Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder?

During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria (feeling "high") or as irritability.

Symptoms during hypomanic episodes include:

• Flying suddenly from one idea to the next
• Rapid, "pressured," and loud speech
• Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep

Individuals with hypomanic episodes are fun to hang out with. They're very popular with the crowd, humorous, and inspiring. What's so bad about that, you might ask? Hypomania can also lead to bizarre and inappropriate behavior. Hypomanic episodes can sometimes lead to full manias that affect a person's ability to function in society. With mania, people might spend money they don't have, seek out sex with people they normally wouldn't, and engage in other impulsive or risky behaviors with the potential for dangerous consequences.

I hope this helps clear up your stereotypes and misconceptions about Bipolar disorder. And if you experience any of these symptoms see your doctor immediately.

Karlyn LeBlanc, LMSW