Bipolar?

When did it become common to describe someone “Bipolar?” How can you know if someone is bipolar or not? There’s a definition, and it’s usually not what you think it is. Often, personality disorders, are in fact the accurate diagnosis instead of the casual “she’s so bipolar!.”

What bipolar is NOT:

1. She/he is all over the place, one minute calm and the next not.
2. She/he can be so happy and the next moment sad.
3. She/he can be so kind and the next minute mean.
4. She/he can be depressed for a whole hour everyday.

Consider that a true Bipolar “Mood Swing” requires a minimum of 1 week. Not hours, minutes, or seconds.

As you can see, the diagnosis of Bipolar needs a professional, usually an M.D. or D.O. that trained in medical school and then did a four year residency in Psychiatry (Behavioral Health.) Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Social Workers, Therapists/Psychologists and Family Doctors can also diagnosis the disorder but their ability to make a diagnosis will vary quite a bit on their training and experience. Generally a D.O. or M.D. Psychiatrist will be the authority on the matter if there is a question on the diagnosis.

Sometimes a diagnosis can’t be made in a 50 minute evaluation. Sometimes we need family or friends accounts of how one has behaved over the years to help piece together the diagnosis. Often, those afflicted with bipolar, do not remember the severity or details of how they were when they were in a certain “swing.” Whether it be Mania or Depression. And let’s not forget the stigma attached to being “Bipolar.” Does this render one incompetent or “crazy?” Does this mean you lose the respect of others, and people might roll their eyes in your direction? Does this mean you might not get a job, or let’s say keep a job? We cannot ignore the fears many have in being diagnosed Bipolar. This is enough to stay away from the doctor’s office for many.

Despite the stigma, it’s important to know that being diagnosed leads to being under the care of a psychiatrist, going to appointments, figuring out the medication that works the best with the least amount of side-effects. This is actually the key to keeping that job, staying in control of your life, and maintaining self-esteem required to live a life with the diagnosis of Bipolar.  Becoming healthy again and preventing further “swings” can help one maintain a very fruitful and content life, minimizing the distressing effects of an unmedicated bipolar episode. Bravo to television shows, such as Homeland, which broaches the subject head on. The HBO show depicts how the intelligent (no pun intended) CIA agent Carrie Mathison can be only be successful with the aid of medications and stopping medications can cause her to spiral out control. In real life as well, many people are able to have family, children and careers while preventing the spiral by using medications and being under the care of a Psychiatrist.

This information does not replace the evaluation of a professional. You should seek out medical attention if suffering from symptoms of a mental illness. These are my own opinions.

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