“Every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kiind ALWAYS!”

A Personal Perspective

I live with bipolar disorder. For much of my life—including my youth in the 1970s—this condition went unrecognized, often dismissed as just a part of my personality. It wasn’t until I returned from my time in Iran and consulted with a neurologist, Dr. Barkley, that I received a formal diagnosis.

Navigating medication can be a daunting process filled with misconceptions. While some treatments carry reputations for difficult side effects, others—like Lamictal—can offer stability without significant weight gain or sleep disturbances. For many, finding the right balance is the key to being present for family and reclaiming a sense of “normalcy” that mania often disrupts.

The highs of mania can feel like a superpower—bringing intense confidence, creativity, and energy. However, that “god-like” feeling often masks a descent into impulsivity or legal trouble. Staying consistent with treatment isn’t about dulling your brilliance; it’s about maintaining the stability required to share your gifts with the world.

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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by identifiable emotional disturbances. Unlike other conditions, it involves distinct cycles of extreme “highs” (mania) and “lows” (depression). Between these episodes, many individuals experience periods of remission where they are mostly or completely symptom-free.

While it is equally common among men and women, it is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30.

Recognizing the Symptoms

State	Common Experiences
Mania	Extreme energy, racing thoughts, rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, and heightened risk-taking behaviors.
Hypomania	A milder form of mania lasting at least four days; often characterized by high productivity and creativity, though irritability may still occur.
Depression	Pervasive sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
Mixed Features	A state where mania and depression occur simultaneously, often resulting in high energy coupled with deep despair.

Health Risks and Considerations

Bipolar disorder is a significant health condition that requires proactive management. It is associated with several secondary risks, including:

• Increased Suicide Risk: The incidence of suicide is estimated to be 15 times higher than in the general population.
• Co-occurring Conditions: Many individuals also manage Anxiety, ADHD, or substance use disorders.
• Physical Health: There is a documented correlation between bipolar disorder and increased cardiovascular issues.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar I: Defined by manic episodes that are severe enough to require hospitalization, often interspersed with depressive periods.
• Bipolar II: Characterized by hypomania and depression, without the more extreme manic peaks of Bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: A chronic state involving milder fluctuations of hypomania and depression over at least two years.

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Don’t forget to read on about bipolar on the pages listed below.