Bipolar Disorder

We hear the wail of the remorseful winds
In their strange penance. And this wretched orb
Knows not the taste of rest; a maniac world,
Homeless and sobbing through the deep she goes.
- Alexander Smith

Bipolar disorder, still sometimes referred to by its old name, manic depression, is a category of affective disorders characterized by the classic symptoms of cycling between two extremes of the human emotional spectrum, namely mania and depression. It directly affects up to three percent of the world’s population, striking child, adult, man and woman regardless of race or ethnicity. This disorder has a strong genetic component to it, leading many experts to consider it a built-in genetic response to external events and triggers – it is not the result of a lazy or weak character, it isn’t something that can be ’snapped out of’ if the afflicted wants it badly enough – the disorder is lifelong, as is its treatment.

Bipolar disorder requires competent medical treatment, and responds best when detected early. The three most effective modes of treatment for bipolar disorder are medication, psychotherapy and education / awareness. Bipolar disorder is one of the leading causes of suicide, with some studies suggesting up to fifty-five percent of people with bipolar disorder will at some point attempt suicide. Perhaps even more common to bipolar disorder than attempts to end life are actions that effectively destroy what one has in life. If you suspect that either you or a loved one may be manic-depressive, get help – the longer this goes without help, the more damaging it becomes and the less it tends to respond to treatment.

To help those who, like myself, are interested in increasing education and awareness about this illness, I am compiling and maintaining a list of helpful, related links. If there is a link you would recommend, I welcome your E-mail (my address can be found at the bottom of the About page). *Please keep in mind that the following links are meant to provide information and personal perspectives from multiple sources, not endorsements or diagnoses.

Bipolar Disorder Overview

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Self-scoring Questionnaires (not meant to replace the diagnosis of a qualified mental health care professional)

Treatments and Tools

Organizations

Articles

Bipolar Individuals on the Web
Bicolor Leaf