A Day in the Life of a Bipolar Man

A Day in the Life of a Bipolar Man

For the past three years I have suffered from a psychological disorder named, bipolar 2 disorder . Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning (Santrock 412). I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder three years ago. The disorder typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood and affects people throughout their lifespan. Although traditionally thought of as an adult disorder, there is now recognition that children also suffer from bipolar disorder. There are no definite known causes. Scientists believe that bipolar disorder may be caused by a combination of biological and psychological factors (Santrock 412). Most commonly the onset of this disorder can be linked to stressful life events. Cycles, or episodes, of depression, mania, or "mixed" manic and depressive symptoms typically recur and may become more frequent. My depressive and manic symptoms disrupted my work, school, family, and social life.

There are three main feelings that a bipolar person feels. The first symptom I feel

is depression. The Symptoms of depression include a persistent sad mood; loss of interest

or pleasure in activities that I once enjoyed. The next symptom that a depressed person feels is a significant change in appetite or body weight. The one main symptom I felt was difficulty sleeping or oversleeping; physical slowing or agitation; loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt; difficulty thinking or concentrating. The worst symptom of depression is recurrent thoughts of death, suicide, and self-mutilation (Santrock 411).

The second feeling that I feel is mania. Mania is abnormally and persistently elevated high mood and/or irritability (Ehrlich 403). It is accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms. Sometimes I have a very high self-esteem. I feel as if I can take on the

whole world. The next symptom I go through is decreased need for sleep or increased

talkativeness. Racing thoughts is the biggest symptom that occurs when I am manic. It is

similar to a racecar that cannot stop. My mind jumps from one thought to the next. It is

very difficult to keep my mind on one subject at a time. I am also