by Michele Marie Friend Metiva

Created on: August 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 03, 2008

Bipolar Disorder is a biological severe mental illness.

This illness is hereditary and usually one or more disabled family members go undiagnosed or diagnosed with other mental or physical health issues.
It is vital that all family members notify their own personal physicians that Bipolar Disorder is contained within the family.

Bipolar Disorder became my life at the age of 43. I had lived an abundant life without the slightest idea I had a mental health issue to facilitate. I was gainfully employed my entire life working in professional situations from the time I graduated high school until the age of 40.

I graduated with a 3.9 GPA all college prep courses. I am a certified Paralegal and graduated with honors in PC Repair & Maintenance.

I am very knowledgeable about countless subjects of interest. I am extremely talented. If I need extra help - the public library and the World Wide Web give me the information I need to help perform tasks that come naturally.

Once diagnosed I attended classes at the guidance center 4 days a week, had one on one sessions with a counselor, group therapy and numerous discussions with my psychiatrist each time my meds' were changed.

A support group is usually a friend, family member, or colleague in crisis times of mania or depression. Continuing mental health educational classes and group therapy are vital to the well being of a bipolar recipient.

If you or a loved one diagnosed with Bipolar disorder it is vital to follow a plan of action. This severe mental illness must be managed by the diagnosed individual through continuing mental health classes, group therapy, a full understanding of the prescribed drugs or meds' combined with faith and a strong supporting family and friends.

I am Bipolar I. This disorder has unusual symptoms. One of the major confusing effects of bipolar I is called rapid cycling'. This round of psychological mood swings usually runs in 6-week intervals. Mania is the diagnosing symptom of bipolar I.

Mania described in my own words as consistently talking, starting more than one project and not finishing any of them within a certain period. Most bipolar I patients do not get depressed unless wrong meds are prescribed or the individual has discontinued his daily regimen of prescribed because he/she feels fine. Depression can set in and disappear within minutes, hours, weeks but usually ends abruptly. Then the mania cycles back. I enjoy my periods of mania.

Bipolar II is a less invasive disorder except for the depression. The depression of Bipolar II can go on for months at a time while the doctor continues to change meds until finding one that seems to work. All the while, the cycle of depression is over and changing the meds was unnecessary.
Staying on my medication is Vital to my lifestyle. It is also vital to my readers. Taking my at the same time every day, allows me to focus and harness my excitable mind.

Living with Bipolar is your new career. Keep working hard, get a handle on your meds, continue to visit group therapy and keep all appointments with your physician.

Always have your support group and a crisis phone number listed where anyone can find it.

Bipolar Disorder is a biologically severe mental illness that is treatable. The patient has the main responsibility of properly following the doctor's recommendations and continuing mental health classes throughout his/her life.

I hope this article will bring peace to the mind of anyone diagnosed with a mental health issue and his or her family and friends.

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