When someone is in a good mood and then all of the sudden snaps into a bad one people might say that they are "Bipolar". The word "Bipolar" has become a generalized term to describe mood swings, but it is SO much more than that.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes manic and depressive episodes. Each episode lasts a MINIMUM of one week. Using the term "Bipolar" to describe a sudden mood swing is incorrect.

There are two different types of this disorder. Bipolar I is more drastic than Bipolar II, but both can be dangerous. Most people experience both mania and depression while others may only experience mania.

Mania causes abnormally high energy levels that affect daily life. Those who experience this may have difficultly sleeping, become hyperactive and easily irritated. Mania becomes dangerous due to causing impulsive and risk-taking behaviour. A person may spend outrageous amounts of money or jump off of a bridge. They feel invincible and are blinded by euphoria.

Depressive episodes cause extreme lows. Common symptoms are loss of interest in activities, excessive sleep and unreasonable crying. Depression becomes dangerous due to missing out on daily activities and continuous suicidal thoughts. A person may push away loved ones or lack good hygiene.

What causes Bipolar disorder? The exact cause has not been found, but genetics, environment and brain chemistry can induce these episodes. Manic and depressive episodes are on-going cycles. Because of mania, the brain responds by lowering mood. It goes through a period of depression and then compensates by elevating mood. Stopping this cycle is the goal of doctors who treat Bipolar disorder.

Treatment typically includes therapy, counseling, medication and lifestyle changes. The severity of each patient's illness and their medical preferences will direct which kind of treatment they endure. Some may do all four.

I encourage you to use the word "Bipolar" correctly. This mental illness causes suffering to those who have it and their loved ones. It can be controlled through treatment, but those who need the help may not get it due to the generalized talk of the illness. It is VERY important to take mental illnesses seriously. Your attitude can affect the outlook of others and could possibly save a life one day.