Mania - Why Bipolar Disorder Is Misunderstood

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“Bipolar” is a term that gets thrown around a lot, often in a demeaning way as shorthand for “indecisive” or “inconsistent,” such as, “She’s so bipolar--one day she wants to marry him, another day she wants to break up.” But indecision and Bipolar Disorder are not one and the same. True Bipolar Disorder -- which used to be called manic depression -- is a very serious psychological disorder that could completely upend a person’s life, changing the trajectory of their relationships, physical health, careers, and self-image (if not treated). And it’s not so easily overcome, simply through dancing and love, like for Bradley Cooper’s character in the movie Silver Linings Playbook.

So let’s bust some myths and paint Bipolar Disorder in a truer light, so we can better understand and support the people in our lives who may be struggling with it. After all, about 5% of the population has some form of Bipolar Disorder, so chances are that someone in your life could benefit from you having this knowledge.

What sets Bipolar Disorder apart

The hallmark of Bipolar Disorder, and the thing that sets it apart from plain old depression, is mania. This describes a days-long altered state of being that sends a person careening out of control. Here are five signs that someone is in the middle of a manic episode:

Mania Sign #1:  Euphoria

We’ve all felt giddy at one time or another. Maybe we got an unexpected bonus at work, or we got asked on a date by our crush -- there’s an extra spring in your step and you feel like you’re ready to smile at anything. Now amplify that feeling through a stadium concert sound system. You feel out-of-this-world high on life. You are literally shouting from the rooftops, because being on the ground is simply not enough to express how much you’re exploding with euphoria.

The hallmark of Bipolar Disorder is mania. This describes a days-long altered state of being that sends a person careening out of control.

Mania Sign #2:  Grandiosity

Nothing is impossible for you. No one is better qualified to start this new company. You’re a genius that nobody is smart enough to understand. You’re convinced that your 3:00am scribblings will go down in history as being on the level of Shakespeare. You have the confidence of Kanye ... on steroids.

Mania Sign #3:  Impulsive decisions and bad judgment

You find yourself doing risky, impulsive things...

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