| Imagine that each of us has a horizontal line that | | | | are depressed they might not be able to access |
| represents our moods. A "flat line" would symbolize a | | | | treatment because they feel helpless. |
| steady and unwavering mood that is always the same | | | | The rise and fall in Bipolar Disorder can be triggered by |
| without the variation of healthy emotions which are | | | | a number of factors and may occur quite suddenly. At |
| unique to man. But living life on the line without variation | | | | times, the mood swings can occur quite rapidly and be |
| isn't reality. | | | | difficult to treat. |
| We all have days when our mood makes a slight loop | | | | Bipolar II is a disorder similar to the above but with |
| above the line and days when the loop goes below | | | | highs and lows that are less pronounced. It is therefore |
| the line. A birthday celebration may cause an upward | | | | more difficult to diagnose. There has been |
| loop while a loss would result in a downward loop. | | | | considerable discussion over the years about whether |
| Bipolar Disorder is a condition in which an individual | | | | children can or should be diagnosed with Bipolar |
| experiences moods where the loops rise or drop | | | | Disorder. Many of the symptoms are similar to |
| significantly above and below the line. When the loop is | | | | behaviours which are evidenced during the "growing |
| far above the line we describe the mood as "manic" | | | | up" years and this can cause a great deal of |
| and when it is far below the line we describe the | | | | confusion. |
| mood as "depressed". Years ago, this disorder was | | | | Because of the complexity of Bipolar Disorder, it is |
| called "Manic-Depressive" but, more recently has been | | | | important that diagnosis and treatment is provided |
| renamed to indicate that there are two opposite poles | | | | through a competent professional. Those who have |
| or extremes and therefore the term "Bipolar". The | | | | symptoms of Bipolar Disorder generally seek the |
| word "Disorder" indicates that "dis"-ease has disputed | | | | services of psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists. |
| the expected "order" of the mood. | | | | Their family members can also benefit through group |
| Those who are "manic" tend to experience either | | | | or individual therapy as well as educational programs |
| elated or agitated moods that result in little need for | | | | offered in community or mental health settings |
| sleep, risk-taking behaviours and an unrealistic sense of | | | | The popular actress Patty Duke and her psychiatrist |
| self. Because people who have Bipolar Disorder often | | | | Gloria Hochman have co-written an interesting book |
| believe that "mania" is the "normal" and "desired" mood, | | | | about her illness that is entitled "A Brilliant Madness". |
| they tend to not want to move closer to the line with | | | | also offers supplemental information through the Patty |
| medication or treatment. The result is that they often | | | | Duke Online Center for Mental Wellness. |
| stay in a state of mania until their minds and bodies are | | | | If you have any questions about this topic, do not |
| exhausted. They then usually plunge well below the line | | | | hesitate to contact a health professional who will |
| to a depressed state where they can find themselves | | | | provide you with appropriate resources or referrals. |
| immobilized, unable to care for their daily needs, or | | | | The good news is that Bipolar Disorder is a treatable |
| requiring hospitalization. | | | | illness and many people do extremely well in managing |
| When the client is manic they might not want | | | | it so that they have full and satisfying lives. |
| treatment because they feel invincible and when they | | | | |