Bipolar Disorder
Step 2. Understand that bipolar disorder is a real illness.
Bipolar disorder is more than the usual ups and downs of life. It is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. The up feelings are called mania and the down feelings are called depression.
Most people with bipolar disorder go back and forth between mania and depression. Some people have both feelings at the same time, which is called a mixed state.
More than 2 million Americans have bipolar disorder. It can happen to anyone, no matter what age you are or where you come from.
What causes bipolar disorder?
You may want to know why you feel these extreme ups and downs. There may be several causes.
- Bipolar disorder may happen because of changes in your brain.
- Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. This means that someone in your family such as a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, sister, or brother may have bipolar disorder.
- Sometimes the cause of bipolar disorder is not clear.
Bipolar disorder is a serious illness, but it can be treated. You can feel better.
Step 3. See your doctor.
Don't wait. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. Get a medical check-up to rule out any other illnesses that might be causing your mood changes. Ask your doctor to send you to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor trained in helping people with bipolar disorder).
If you don't have a doctor, check your local phone book. Go to the government services pages (they may be blue in color) and look for "health clinics" or "community health centers." Call one near you and ask for help.
>> Go to Step 4. Get treatment for your bipolar disorder. You can feel better
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