How to Tell the Difference Between Common Stresses and Bi-polar Disorder

WOW! Who in the hell left the gates open to allow the devils of hell to roam the earth? Why did the heavens snatch the angel's wings away, so that they could not fly with me for total protection? Well, it may sound like extreme questions, but these are the questions that back washed up to my brain; after being diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. I felt somewhat good, because now I knew why I was doing all the things I did on a daily basis. However, fear and shame smothered me and I ran for the hills. Well while I hid in the hills I had some soul searching to do. Do I keep this to myself, or do I let people know? Well, I knew that I could not keep something like this a secret, plus I know there are thousands of people living like I lived at a certain time; and I wanted to end their darkness. I wanted to show others that if I can get through it...ANYONE CAN!

What made me get examined? Well, I was in heavy research (by literature and live people interviews) for my third book, One by One; Portraits of Mental Illnesses in America. I had just selected my five topics to discuss based off facts and the testimonies hundreds have shared with me. Well once I got to the bi-polar section, ice should have been all over me; because I was frozen. The signs and the ugly images of all my rants, raves and severe mood swings all jumped right into my face. I got scared and closed the book. Now I had already dealt with clinical depression, but man--- having bi-polar ALONG with ADD, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was added to my health resume; was a blow I never saw coming. I thought about scratching the bi-polar section and looking for another topic--but hell, how long could a sista run? Well, I got myself together and I took that trip to the psychiatrist. I simply want to place the facts on the shelf for you all to check out. Give this some deep thought and steady concentration, this may help you...or a loved one!

Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Manic episodes- In this phase the individual displays moderate signs of invincibility. The individual sincerely thinks that he/she is the most special and important person in the world. They act as if they died, the world would stop then suddenly explode. This phase is considered to be the high side of the individuals disorder.

Little Rest- This issue is still within the manic phase. Most bi-polar people can thrive with little to no sleep. many confused this as the individual being 'high strung' or 'full of energy.' when it's not the case. This act can be very dangerous because the body's metabolism is off. Plus the individual is placing extreme wear and tear onto his/her body. Little to no sleep IS NOT NORMAL.

High Sex Drive- A high percentage of bi-polar individuals are actually addicted to sex. Hyper sexual Disorders in bi-polar individuals is very common. Now the factor of this finding comes from the idea of the inflicted actually having some form of head trauma; to where neuron processing and the traveling path is altered. Suddenly a certain part of the brain that gives us stimulation/satisfaction goes into overtime. Now I will have to do another article on hyper sexual disorders, so lets stay on track. This act is still contained within the 'manic' episode phase.

Unstable and unpredictable mood swings- Examples of extreme mood swing s can vary from happy one moment, to irritable and snappy, to all the way sad. The thing with the mood swings is that the person is very unpredictable. Anyone around the individual would feel as if or he/she is 'walking on eggshells' all the time.

High thoughts of ones own self- This goes back to dealing with the moments of invincibility and high importance. In the midst of the mania, the individual feels as if he/she is better than the rest of others.

Racing thoughts and very talkative- Thoughts are constant like to the ticking of the clock. This makes it hard for the individual to rest. They are physically sleep but mentally---their mind is jogging a twenty four hour marathon. Now the individual is also overactive. There seems to be constant job duties on their lists. They are always busy!

Easily distracted- The attention span and concentration level is shot down like a Christmas turkey.

Impulsive actions occur that can cost the individual his/her lifestyle- Money management skills are very poor for the individual. Strong impulses occur like constant flows of electricity to the brain; powering the person to go on frivolous shopping sprees. More foolish acts include; partaking in foolish ventures, driving recklessly, and frequent need for indiscriminate sex. This is where the sex addict behavior rises to the surface of the sheets. These behaviors can hurt not only the individual, but their family members.

Now keep in mind, bi-polar individuals cycle in between manic and depressed episodes. Now when the individual has been on the high of their manic episodes, it all must come to a end. Next up to bat, is a bad round of dark depression. Signs of depression are as follow. Keep in mind, if you see your friend/loved one going back and forth to the highs and lows---send them to a professional. This guide is simply given to help you notice signs and symptoms. The evaluation and diagnosis should be left up to your psychiatrist.

Depression Signs

Feeling sadness or anxiousness for a significant amount of time- People need to understand the difference between the 'blues' and depression. The blues occur because your relationship has ended. The blues are when its not sunny outside, when it rains, or something sad has happened. Depression occurs for an extended amount of time. More than 2 weeks of sadness indicates that the individual may be dealing with depression. Being sad for no given reason is a big time sign.

Feelings of hopelessness and extreme pessimistic attitude- People who are hard on themselves and lack confidence in themselves need to be given a red flag of attention.

Slow thoughts and speech- This is due to the individual being excessively tired. There is little energy to do anything or go anywhere. No drive, all energy has been zapped form the core of the individuals soul.

No desires to participate in activities- What use to seem fun is no longer that. Individual will put off family affairs and other routine acts, just to be alone. Even in this mode, there is a lack of sex drive; which is totally opposite to the individual who is in the manic episode.

Poor eating habits, restlessness, extreme irritability, and change in sleep patterns- The individual is too busy being drowned in their depression, so the desire to eat is low. Sleeping is hard. Lots of tossing and turning. Many different moods occur. The sleeping times are all off. Up on and off throughout the day. Sometimes the individual will sleep over 10-14 hours. Trust me---I know all about that!

Listen, I could go on all day but I wanted to give you a running start. I do however, want you to know as well as understand that there are many forms of bi-polar disorder. It is up to your doctor to diagnose you. Remember---HONESTY IS A MUST when you are being evaluated for a mental disorder. Nothing is worse than being told you're one thing when you are not! Last but not least, make sure you continue your regimen of medication. DO NOT STOP taking the meds. your doctor prescribes for you. Much brain damage can occur as well as acute behavior changes. Be smart and be pro-active inn your health care.