preview

The Problem With Bipolar Disorder

Decent Essays

There has been a spike in adolescents being diagnosed with bipolar disorder over the last decade, which has caused the controversy on whether there is a bipolar disorder “epidemic” or not. Although there are obstacles in being diagnosed with bipolar disorder that may interfere with one’s everyday life, such as: manic episodes, mood swings, restlessness, impulsivity, potential harm to you and others, and much more. With the epidemic, it has raised the concern on whether people are being properly diagnosed or not. Being diagnosed with any kind of disorder comes with changes and challenges that affect you and the ones you surround yourself with, whether it’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, coworkers, and other peers. For those being …show more content…

By thinking of both of the emotional highs and emotional lows as “poles,” it concludes why this disorder is called “bipolar” disorder. (Goldberg). Amongst the people who don’t know much about this disorder, they commonly stereotype it as someone who constantly switches back and forth between happy and sad. It is also known as manic depression. Mania, according to "What’s the Difference Between Depression and Manic Depression,” is the symptom that distinguishes bipolar disorder. “Manic” refers to when someone with bipolar disorder is experiencing emotional highs. In this emotional high, “irritability and impulsive or reckless decision making” may be involved. (Goldberg). It may be common that while in their emotional high, their mind may be racing with thoughts. Half of those during mania may experience hallucinations or delusions. (Goldberg). “Hypomania,” on the other hand, is milder than mania and does not have hallucinations or delusions, which makes their emotional high less likely to interfere with their everyday life. This does not make bipolar disorder any easier to live with, however. It must be difficult not always having control over one’s own emotions as well as going from the highest mountain to the lowest valley. “Depressive” is when someone with bipolar disorder is experiencing their emotional lows. According to Goldberg in the article “What Is Bipolar Disorder? Definition and Facts,” people with

Get Access