1. What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes changing periods of depression and Mania. The three types of Bipolar disorder are: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder.

2. Why can't you just calm down?

I wish it were that simple and I think that anyone else with bipolar disorder would tell you the same thing. A lot of the time, My brain has functioned with this disorder for a long time. Usually I don't realize that I am going into a manic or depressive state and usually when I realize it, it is too late to stop.

3. What is wrong with you?

I was diagnosed with Rapid-Cycling bipolar disorder. Rapid-Cycling is a spectrum of the disorder where you quickly change states ( as quick as from a few hours to days to months). I sustained an injury when I was young and It lead to imbalances with hormones such as Serotonin, Dopamine, Melatonin, and norepinephrine. Those chemicals are naturally produced in the brain and when someone (either genetically or through trauma) produces less than the necessary amount, Mental health disorders arise (ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression etc.). For me, everything was literally "knocked out of place" if you will. My "episodes" usually last for about 15 hours before I change states.

4. What are your symptoms?

In a manic state mentally I experience: anger, anxiety, fear, paranoia, and impaired judgement. Physically I become restless, talkative, jumpy, fidgitiy, distracted, and agitated.

In a depressive state, mentally I feel hopeless. My physical symptoms are more apparent: fatigue, oversleeping, lack of motivation, and indecisiveness are all sure-fire signs of a depressive state.

5. Why do you get like this?

I experience what is now such a taboo term "triggers". Triggers for me include: lack of sleep, family matters, stress, over-stimulation, unplanned changes, loud noises, violence, and wandering thoughts.

6. Are people with Bipolar disorder Insane?

No! I couldn't sit here and write this entire article on the disorder that I have if I were insane. People with bipolar disorder or any other mental illness can function in society just as well as any other "regular joe" could.

7. Are you always either depressive or manic?

No, I have stable states as well. It is at random when I slip out of a stable state so they can last for a few days before having a manic or depressive "episode". During those stable states, I dedicate a portion of my time to myself in order to understand my triggers and have better control over my mental health.

Bipolar Disorder is not something I can fully control nor do I let it define me. I live with it and I am unique because of it.