Imagine one day you wake up feeling like you are on cloud nine. You feel amazing! A complete surprise. For the past few weeks, you felt like you hit rock bottom. Between complications at work and your recent break-up, your situation could not get any worse. However, things are different, today, as you jump out of bed full of energy ready to greet the day. After practically inhaling your breakfast, you boot up your laptop ready to be productive. Yet you find that your overexcitement gets the best of you as you struggle to find a point where you can start. Out of the blue, you remember a conversation you had with a friend about the new 2021 Porsche 911. You had your eye on this car for some time now and were very excited about its release. Momentarily, you think to yourself that you should buy the car, but you quickly brush the idea aside. You know that the money you had was for a down payment of a new home. Without even thinking about it, you pull up a picture of the car, the specs, the sleek new design, and the amenities; everything still amazes you. Suddenly you have a change of heart. You think to yourself, I want to buy this car. This time, the idea doesn't seem so preposterous but you laugh it off anyway. But slowly, the want evolves into a need; no, I need this car. So against your better judgment, you go to the Porsche car dealership to buy the new car. There goes the house you were saving for, but all you could think about was the car. You go to the countryside for a test drive; you start the engine, hit the gas pedal, and take off like a rocket. You crank up the speed from the normal 65 trying to see just how fast this car can really go. You're well above the speed limit, but you’re craving excitement. However, almost immediately, you're pulled over by the police. They give you a 500 dollar speeding ticket, but you don’t care. Over the next two weeks, you continue to behave recklessly: you skip work, eventually lose your license from piling on more tickets, and prodigally spend money like it grows on trees. After skipping multiple days of work, your boss tells you you’re fired. Now all of a sudden, you’re back to feeling depressed. You feel lonely and helpless and regret buying that stupid car. This behavior is an example of many of the millions of cases of a mental illness known as Bipolar disorder. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

     So what is Bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder will experience abnormal mood changes, ranging from feelings of depression to feelings of elation. The periods of elation are known as manic episodes and the periods of depression are known as depressive episodes. It is also important to note that the severity and longevity of each period widely vary depending on the type of Bipolar. Nevertheless, the shifts in mood and behavior have a variety of consequences affecting many facets of life.

​

     Now that we know what Bipolar looks like, let's take a look at the different types of Bipolar. The most common type, Bipolar 1, is when one experiences manic episodes for at least seven days or when symptoms of a manic episode are severe enough to require hospitalization. The manic episodes of Bipolar 1 are far worse than any other type of Bipolar. Symptoms of manic episodes include inflated self-esteem, feelings of grandeur, hyperactivity, rapid speech, insomnia(inability to sleep), and racing thoughts. During mania, these symptoms can contribute to impulsive decision-making like gambling all of one's money or getting involved in life-threatening activities. On the other hand, others may undergo psychosis, for example, they might believe they have special superpowers or that they are on a special mission from God. A Bipolar 1 diagnosis does not require a depressive episode, but if it exists it can last for more than two weeks. A depressive episode might occur in the aftermath of a manic episode, usually in regret or embarrassment of behavior or thoughts during the manic episode. 

The second type of Bipolar Disorder is Bipolar 2. Bipolar 2 is diagnosed when one has experienced at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode in their lifetime. Hypomania is a milder form of mania, lasting for four days instead of a week like mania. Additionally, hypomania has the same symptoms as mania, although hypomania is defined as not having any major impairment in daily life. At first thought Bipolar 2 would seem to be a mild case of Bipolar 1, however, that is incorrect. Bipolar 2 has less intense mania, but more intense depressive episodes. Although only one significant depressive episode is required for diagnosis, it is possible to experience multiple.  Symptoms during depressive episodes may include severe fatigue, loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy, uncontrollable crying, insomnia, and recurring thoughts of suicide. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

     Lastly, in addition to Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2, exists another disorder known as Cyclothymia disorder. Cyclothymia disorder isn’t a bipolar disorder, but it behaves similarly to one. Someone with Cyclothymia will experience mood changes fluctuating between highs and lows, however, the key difference is that neither the highs nor lows are severe enough to qualify for mania or depression. Cyclothymia is difficult to identify because the mood fluctuations aren’t very severe, but if left untreated it can develop into a bipolar disorder.

​

     Bipolar disorder is daunting and it may feel impossible to find the balance necessary to live a functional life, however, recovery is possible. Bipolar varies from case-to-case so it is important to talk to your psychiatrist for a treatment plan that works for you. This may include certain medications and psychotherapy. Many people with Bipolar avoid therapy because of the stigma associated with mental health disorders, however, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Bipolar disorder is not a personal failing and it does not define who you are as a person. Many people affected by Bipolar recover, thanks to outside treatment, and go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.