Today I am really feeling weird.

BIPOLAR DISORDER IS MANIC DEPRESSION


Manic Depression is a mental illness that effects much of the population today. Most people go years with the disorder and do not even realize that they have this problem. It can go unnoticed! Now, lets talk about what this disorder consist of!
Manic Depression is when a person experiences a major high in mood, or a major low in mood. The two can be alternated daily, weekly, monthly, and by the hours! It differs from person to person. When the person is in a high happy mood this is then called manic. When the person is in an extreme low mood this is called manic depressed. Now, when the person has extreme energy with suicidal, sad, or psychotic thoughts then this would be called manic mania!
Manic

The person will feel like they are on top of the world so to speak. They will talk really fast, and have lots of energy. Every person is different. Some people may become very aggressive. This is most common among men. The person may be speeding around doing five things at once, but not accomplishing anything! Some people are very sexually active during this time with several different partners. They are not aware of the disorder at all until very well educated about the disorder. Doctors tend to want these people to be very educated so that they can help control or realize that there is even a problem. An example of being manic is when a person may paint the walls absurdly or draw pictures and write beyond belief! Most of these people are very talented in some areas due to this disorder! Thus, this still is not good, because decision making can be done poorly by the person. An example would be that they go the store and spend outrageous amounts of money without thinking of the consequences! Yes, if you are still reading this, there are people like this! I know because I am one of these people!
Manic Depression

This is a very dangerous stage for the person to be in! They may have crying spells unlike Mania where they would have giggling spells. These crying spells and stress related issues can lead to suicidal behaviors. When I was severely depressed, I would hide under my covers and I would not come out. I might hide in a closet to hide away from the feelings that I was having. Some people tend to turn towards drugs and alcohol during this time. Others may resort to cutting or scratching on themselves, claiming that the physical pain helped release the mental and emotional pain. At this time many people are institutionalized for counseling and medication therapy.
Manic Mania
This is a stage where the person is depressed and stressed to the point that they may hear voices or have hallucinations. This is also a very bad part of this disorder because many people become very aggressive and tend to hurt themselves or someone else. This must not be taken lightly. You see when a person is manic they heave excess energy with happiness and often develop insomnia. When a person is manic depressed they often sleep a lot and feel very tired. But, when a person is experiencing manic mania they are filled with negative energy along with sadness, hopelessness, or psychotic feelings! This is also a very dangerous stage for the person to be in, and should be hospitalized for it immediately!
Medications for Bipolar

Yes, Bipolar is the other common name for Manic Depression summed up into one! Here are some medications that I am aware of for the disorder.These are just a few of so many!
For Manic Episodes
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Lithium (the oldest and most common)
Depakote
Topamax
anticonvulsants (other meds for the disorder)

For Manic Depression
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Paxil
Prozac
Wellbutrin
Celexa
Effexor
Z oloft
For Manic Mania
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Zyprexa
Risperdal
Abilify
Geodon
Most Common Side Effects

* Drowsiness
* Weight gain
* Sexual dysfunction
* Dry mouth
* Constipation
* Blurred vision

Yes, these side effects can be a pest, but it is well worth it to the person with this disorder.Often the person has to have their blood checked for the levels of a particular drug, due to damages to the liver.
There is not a cure for this disorder. Some people have the disorder worse than others. This disorder can be managed with proper counseling and medications. Often the person decides they do not need the medication after they feel better, and then in turn causes them to cycle again. Yes the changes in mood are called cycling.

If you should suspect that you or someone you know may have this disorder don't be shy! You or the person should seek help immediately!
This essay is dedicated to all people who suffer from this disorder or any other disorder. Let's make the public awareness about Bipolar Disorder more popular among our society today!