:p
I worked at the same company for 20 years (very stable person); HOWEVER, I was hit with a 2x4... I'm Bipolar I Manic.

I am on meds (last 12 years) which makes me dang near normal :D ; however, I have had two major/severe manic episodes (hospital stays both times).

I would like to share with/help those of you or a family member that has been recently diagnosed with this MEDICAL condition.

Regards,
~~~

Hi, I don't know if my brother andrew has bipolar, but his dad does and he has been tested and is waiting for results... he is only 17.. what are some symptoms that would be apparent do you know?

This is written by a Bipolar I Manic individual.

I would recommend that you first start with your own research to get some basics out of the way. Do an online search on "Bipolar" and read on from there.

There is a lot of information out there, but sadly it is in mere words, and they cannot truly describe what really happens to a Bipolar individual, not to mention family and friends.

Ever Bipolar person has variations of the same illness/diagnosis. This illness is not cut and dry. I believe, you must factor in the individual persons chemical make-up, personality, and hereditary histories... and much more. Response/reaction (i.e. willingness to cope and understand the weight and seriousness of their specific illness) is a huge when it comes to individual recovery.

Please Note: Some have moods swings and a variety of social discrepancies that can be severe. Whereas OTHERS will have days/weeks/months of hospital time, and then they MAY have to reboot their entire brain; just like a computer would reboot, only a PC reboots in minutes... it can take weeks, months or even years to recover from a single episode.

There are even different diagnosis within the illness. Bipolar I, Bipolar II... and are they primarily... manic or depressive, are they rapid cyclers... please do start by doing some research online, and then go from there.

Medication is the key to success; however, many Bipolar individual have issues to taking medication(s). Actually, not wanting to take medication is one of the common byproducts of the illness.


I am in "Edit Mode" now... the above doesn't even begin to cover the scope of this illness... it is a very complex illness.