The Uphill Battle of Bipolar

Having Bipolar I or Bipolar II disease can be detrimental. Bipolar is the 21st century’s term for manic depression. Imagine being intoxicated all the time, only you never know when your dark side will come out. The symptoms of this disease are similar to that of an alcoholic episode. A manic episode is characterized by an elevated mood with impaired judgment. Other symptoms that are congruent with most alcoholics are irritability, risky behaviors like, promiscuity, gambling, and being a spendthrift. Depression is the flip side of the bipolar disease. Having a depression attack can consist of suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and physical pain. All of which are common behavior for alcoholics and drug addicts.

It is not uncommon for a person who is recovering from an addiction to develop Bipolar Disorder. However, people who have bipolar attacks are having them without any help from alcohol or drugs.  It can be horrifying to have a family member with this disease. For example, a person who is suffering from this disease might go out in the morning, feeling great, then all of a sudden go out and buy thousands of dollars worth of stuff he or she can’t afford or use. Then they could come home realize what they did and go into a depressive state suggesting suicidal thoughts. People who suffer from attacks like these and their families have an uphill battle for their lives. There is still so much about the disease that is unknown. It is important to get help when experiencing these episodes. Such episodes do not happen all at once. There are many times when a person will only experience one or the other for long periods of time. It is possible to have a manic attack for weeks, possibly months. At the same time, it is possible for the depression to last that long as well.

Being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder is the first step in recovery.  Getting help for this disease is an important second step. Once treated, this disorder can be somewhat non-existent. To figure out whether or not a person should be treated is up to the person in question and loved ones around them.