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Also referred to as manic depression

A mental disorder identified with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

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Although the causes aren’t known, environment, genetics, altered brain structure and chemistry are factored into the diagnosis.

Certain genes and family history specifically have had ties with bipolar disorder. Therefore, validating that bipolar disorder can be biological, putting it on the Nature spectrum of the Nature vs. Nurture debate.

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Mood: mood swings, sadness, elevated mood, anger, anxiety, apathy, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Behavioral: irritability, risk taking behaviors, disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, crying, excess desire for sex, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, or self-harm

Cognitive: unwanted thoughts, delusion, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, slowness in activity, or false belief of superiority

Psychological: depression, manic episode, agitated depression, or paranoia

Sleep: difficulty falling asleep or excess sleepiness

Weight: weight gain or weight loss

Also common: fatigue or rapid and frenzied speaking

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EMPIRE Andre goes into a mental breakdown after finding out Pamela isn`t real

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“And sometimes it hits me out of nowhere, all of a sudden, this overwhelming sadness rushes over me. And I get discouraged and I get upset and I feel hopeless, sad, and hurt. And once again, I feel numb to the world.”

“Bipolar is like being in a roller coaster ride. Sometimes you can predict drop offs and others you just have to hang on because the next turn sends you into an unexpected spiral. Sometimes you are laughing and throwing your hands in the air and then other times you are clinging, simply holding on for dear life screaming it the top your lungs.”

“Yes. I’m Bipolar…I take a pill to stop the extreme highs. I take a pill to stop the extreme lows. I take a pill to sleep. I take a pill for anxiety. I hate taking pills but I’m stable.

“Having bipolar disorder does not mean you are broken, it means you are strong and brave for battling you mind every single day.”

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2.8% of the U.S. population has had bipolar disorder in the past year

However, it is estimated that 4.4% of American adults experience bipolar disorder in their life

The median age ranges from 18-22 years of age

It is more common in female adults than male

It typically occurs between 18-45 years of age, but is most prevalent in 18 to 22 year old people

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(Manic Episode) Feeling very “up”, “high” elated, energized, having increased activity levels, feeling “jumpy” or “wired”, trouble sleeping, fast speech patterns, feeling like their thoughts are going by very fast and risky activities such as reckless sex

(Depressive Episodes) Feeling down, sad or empty, unenergized, decreased activity levels, feeling worried and empty, forgetting things a lot,  contemplating death or suicide etc.