A person with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is often defined as a someone who experiences moods that shift from high to low and back again in varying degrees of severity. The two poles of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. It is common for the person to be depressed more often and experience only one bout of mania to be considered for bipolar disorder.

Depression symptoms:
Refusing to get out of bed for days
Sleeping more often
Tired but unable to sleep
Instances of uncontrollable crying
Uninterested in things you once enjoyed
Ignoring daily responsibilities
Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless for a long period
Unable to make basic decisions
Thoughts of suicide

Mania symptoms:
Feeling like superman. Even if it is unsafe or illegal.
Requiring less than normal sleep, but not feeling tired
Living, Spending, or Dressing excessively and lavishly.
Indulging in risky sexual behavior. Increased libido.
Having hallucinations or delusions
Extremely energetic

Bipolar Depression is not something that can be ignored or that will just go away. Many people with this mental disorder often enjoy the "mania" part of the disorder and will often discontinue their medication. It's very important that medication be continued in order to avoid much of the inappropriate behavior that can result during the bouts of "mania".

If you know someone or you suspect of being bipolar yourself...it is important that you seek the consult of a mental health professional. Obtain a diagnosis. Create a treatment plan. Take your medication. Work with your psychotherapist. Explain to your loved ones. Stay connected with people. Know that this disorder is very manageable.

Consider starting by educating yourself with one of our recommended reading selections:

New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder : Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Solutions, Including: Proper Diagnosis of Depression & Manic-Depressive ... (New Hope)
by Jan Fawcett, Bernard Golden, Nancy Rosenfeld, Frederick K. Goodwin

Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder
by Julie A. Fast, John D. Preston

Lisa Angelettie M.S.W. is a psychotherapist and author on a variety of mind-body-money-relationship issues for women. You can also visit her at http://www.girlshrink.com