Bipolar disorder is a serious life long condition that has affected 2.3 million people in US since 2003. Today I would like to talk to you about Bipolar Disorder and it's affects on its patients. A bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is characterized by extreme mood swings from severe highs (mania) followed by episodes of distinct lows (depression). Individuals with bipolar disorder may suffer from impaired thinking and judgment that can lead to poor decision-making and impulsiveness. A bipolar disorder is often a chronic condition, often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood and usually persists for life. My best friend of 12 years was diagnosed with bipolarism when she was 18. Her diagnosis changed her life and the life of her friends and family overnight. She dealt with mood swings, trying to laugh when dirty joke goes around or cry when appropriate. She was clinically depressed and was obsessed with washing her hands and feet. Every time she got of her bed/ couch/ chair or left and entered a room, she would have to wash her feet and hands. Her hands and feet became so dry that sometimes they bled. I didn't understand as an adolescent what she was going through. I always go irritated and told her to snap out of it until the day she was diagnosed. I have always wondered how it would be like to live in constant fear, in constant depression, constantly washing your hands or thinking that everybody believes your psycho. I would be pretty unbearable. While there is no cure for this disease, people with this disease can lead rich and fulfilling lives. The key is understanding the condition and getting proper treatment.
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