I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder when I was 17. That was not a fun day. The doctors hand you a diagnosis and then send you on your way.
You and your family are left with this huge cloud of WTH? hanging over you all, as everyone tries to figure out what that means.
Bipolar is tricky, It can go into stealth mode and then all of a sudden, it sneaks up on you .... and BAM, you are reminded that you have bipolar. Not cool bipolar, not cool indeed.
Bipolar disorder causes your mood and energy levels to change dramatically. In severe cases, it can interfere with your ability to carry out routine tasks. True that. Been there, done that.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives."
Bipolar disorder can't be cured, but there are ways to treat it. Therapy along with medications tailored to your needs, can really make a difference and help people with BP to function better and lead happy, fulfilling lives.
So it may be forever, but it doesn't have to suck forever. Learning as much as you can and striving to be better tomorrow than you were today is all anyone can do in life, even without BP.
