World Bipolar Day

World Bipolar Day

March 30^th

World Bipolar Day will be recognized each year on March 30^th. March 30^th is the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder. The vision of World Bipolar Day is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminate social stigma. The goal is to educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness. Currently, about 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar disorder, this is about 6 million people. Virtually anyone can develop Bipolar Disorder. Most people are in their teens, or early 20s when symptoms of Bipolar Disorder first appear.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

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. There are four basic types of Bipolar Disorder. All of the basic types include changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. Most people know Bipolar Disorders as someone having very extreme “ups” and “downs”. While this is partially true, it doesn’t explain everything.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder is defined as manic episodes that last at least seven days. Manic symptoms are symptoms that are so severe that the individual needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes can occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks. An individual with Bipolar I Disorder may also experience depression and manic symptoms at the same time. Someone that has been affected by bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes as described in Bipolar I Disorder.  Hypomanic episodes are a sustained state of elevated or irritable mood that is less severe than mania. It does not significantly impact the quality of life. Hypomanic episodes associated with Bipolar II Disorder must last at least four days. It is common that an individual with Bipolar II Disorder has more depressive episodes than hypomanic episodes.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder, sometimes referred to as Cyclothymia, is defined as numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as numerous period of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years. While Cyclothymia has similar characteristics of Bipolar Disorder, the symptoms are in a milder and more chronic form.

Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders

Unspecified Bipolar Disorders have defined symptoms that do not match the above three categories. Since Bipolar Disorder is classified as a spectrum disorder, there is a very wide range of severities.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Someone with Bipolar Disorders experiences periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and unusual behaviors.

People who have manic episodes may:

• Feel very “up,” “high,” or elated
• Have a lot of energy
• Have increased activity levels
• Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
• Have trouble sleeping
• Become more active than usual
• Talk really fast about a lot of different things
• Be agitated, irritable, or “touchy”
• Feel like their thoughts are going very fast

People who have depressive episodes may:

• Feel very sad, down, empty, or hopeless
• Have very little energy
• Have decreased activity levels
• Have trouble sleeping, they may sleep too little or too much
• Feel like they can’t enjoy anything
• Feel worried and empty
• Have trouble concentrating
• Forget things a lot

Proper diagnosis and treatment help people with Bipolar Disorder lead health and product lives. Talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional is the first step for anyone who thinks he or she may have bipolar disorder.