Living with Bipolar by A ntoni a Ros e Living life to the fullest is the message that
I have been living with bipolar 1 for at least 18
I want people to learn about being bipolar.
years. It started with a huge manic episode, and as I think back on that time in my life, I
This is a disorder that can be tricky and
realize that it lasted a few weeks and began
results in extreme highs and lows. There
with me not being able to sleep at night. I
are two types of bipolar disorder: bipolar
currently pay close attention to my sleep
1 and bipolar 2. According to the National
patterns because I want to make sure that
Institute of Mental Health, the basic aspects
I am not headed into a manic episode. Self-
of bipolar disorder involve clear changes in
care is very important, and being aware of
mood, energy, and activity levels.
my own mental health is crucial to my overall health and wellbeing.
Bipolar 1 disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur, as well, typically lasting at least two weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features having depression and manic symptoms at the same time are also possible. Bipolar 2 disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above. There are other disorders that are also related to bipolar disorder known as cyclothymic disorder which is defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years or one year in children and adolescents. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and depressive episode.
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