Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness characterized by episodes of an elevated mood known as mania, usually alternating with episodes of depression. During mania an individual feels abnormally happy, energetic, or irritable, but often makes poor decisions due to unrealistic ideas or poor regard of consequences. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can hurt your job and school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt your daily life.
The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. For some people, depression causes the most problems; for other people, manic symptoms are the main concern. Symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania may also occur together. This is known as a mixed episode. Mood shifts may occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day.
Although bipolar disorder is a disruptive, long-term condition, you can keep your moods in check by following a treatment plan. Unfortunately many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get the help they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms look like. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please get help right away. Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting better.
If you need advice and support you can contact:
The South African Depression and Anxiety group http://www.sadag.org 011 234 4837
SABDA: Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorders Support Group in South Africa www.supportsabda.co.za
011 326 0661
The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. For some people, depression causes the most problems; for other people, manic symptoms are the main concern. Symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania may also occur together. This is known as a mixed episode. Mood shifts may occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day.
Although bipolar disorder is a disruptive, long-term condition, you can keep your moods in check by following a treatment plan. Unfortunately many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get the help they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms look like. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please get help right away. Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting better.
If you need advice and support you can contact:
The South African Depression and Anxiety group http://www.sadag.org 011 234 4837
SABDA: Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorders Support Group in South Africa www.supportsabda.co.za
011 326 0661