Types of Bipolar Disorder: Understanding Yours to Overcome It

I remember the day my life changed forever. It happened the moment my doctor looked me in the eye and said the words I was longing to hear after years of confusion.

"You have what is known as Bipolar Type II," he said.

'Finally,' I thought to myself, 'a name for the madness.'

If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or you are sitting in a waiting room wondering which “type” you have and what it really means, you are not alone. Understanding the types of bipolar disorder is a crucial steps toward reclaiming your life.

After living with bipolar disorder for over three decades, here’s what I’ve learned. Knowledge is power. Once you understand what you are dealing with, you can stop blaming yourself and start taking real action.

There are three distinct differences between daily mood changes most people experience from time to time and bipolar disorder.

Episodes of depression and mania, (or hypo-mania) that spring from bipolar disorder are more extreme, prolonged, and far more debilitating than the normal emotional fluctuations.

And the good news? Each type of the disorder presents differently which means that treatment can be tailored specifically to you.

Understanding the Three Main Types of Bipolar Disorder

Before you can start treating something you must understand it. When I was first diagnosed something seemed to shift inside me. I began to see that not everything was my fault. Not everything was due to weakness. I had, in fact, a treatable medical condition.

Bipolar I: The Most Severe Form

Bipolar I is characterized by severe, full blown manic episodes that last at least a week – or is so severe that it requires immediate hospitalization.

Imagine this: Your thoughts are racing like misguided missiles. Some hit their targets while others spiral into grandiosity. You feel boundless energy flowing through you. You truly believe you can take on the world. Sleep becomes unnecessary. Your mind is operating in “overdrive” and the world seems like a big playground designed just for you.

But then comes the other side. Depressive episodes characterized by profound darkness. Apathy. Isolation. Excessive sleeping. Chronic negative thinking and sometimes thoughts of suicide.

What makes Bipolar I distinct, is that during manic episodes, some people experience psychosis – delusions or hallucinations that are so real they become indistinguishable from truth. These people might believe the government is watching them or that they’ve discovered a cure for cancer despite having no medical training at all. But these are not signs of weakness; they are symptoms of a serious medical condition requiring specialized treatment. 

Many people suffering from Bipolar I may require hospitalization during a manic episode because of the risky behavior they engage in; reckless driving, financial irresponsibility, dangerous sexual choices, etc. Such behavior can literally be life threatening.

Bipolar II: The Misunderstood Type

When I was correctly diagnosed, my doctor told me I had Bipolar type II.

At first, I felt almost relieved. ‘It wasn’t bipolar I. Surely that means it’s less serious’, I told myself.

But here's what I learned: Bipolar II isn't "milder" in the way we typically think of the word - it is different.

Bipolar II doesn’t involve full blown manic episodes. Instead, these people experience what is known as “hypo-manic” episodes, which sounds similar but it’s critical to understand the difference.

 Hypo-mania is like mania’s quieter cousin. You fell elevated, energized and productive. You might go on shopping sprees or start some ambitious projects on a whim because your mood is abnormally high and your energy level is through the roof. But here’s the distinction; you are not losing touch with reality. You are not experiencing the psychosis that sometimes comes with mania. You can still function, though often poorly. You might make some rash decisions or decide to paint your entire house on impulse, but you are not necessarily hospitalized.

Depression during a bipolar II episode can be relentless. Research indicates that people suffering from bipolar II spend more time in a depressive state than those with Bipolar I. And that’s where the real suffering lies – not so much in the highs, but in the lows.

But here’s the irony: because hypo-manic episodes aren’t as obvious as manic episodes, many people with bipolar II are initially misdiagnosed with depression. They seek help during the dark times, not realizing that the “good days” they’re experiencing aren’t normal, but are hypo-manic episodes. As a result, antidepressants alone are prescribed which can sometimes make hypo-manic episodes worse, creating a confusing cycle of misunderstanding.

Cyclothymia: The Subtle Perpetrator

Cyclothymia is the mildest form of bipolar disorder, and yet it can be the most insidious because it flies under the radar. Cyclothymia consists of briefer periods of hypo-mania and persistent depression but are not as severe as Bipolar I or type II.

The danger with Cyclothymia is that it is often gets dismissed as being “moody”, or having a personality flaw. Friends might think you are just being difficult. Family members might chalk it up to emotional immaturity. But Cyclothymia can significantly interfere with your relationships, work, and daily functions. However, with proper treatment it can be managed effectively.

I think of Cyclothymia as a voice in the back of the room that nobody listens to until suddenly it is screaming so loudly you can’t ignore it anymore.

Why Understanding Your Type Matters

When I finally understood that I had Bipolar II, not just "depression," everything changed.
My doctor explained this would mean:

  1. My treatment would be different. First of all, he prescribed a mood stabilizer, not just an antidepressant alone. He also added a medication to control hypo-mania.
  2. It meant that I’d eventually be able to recognize my own patterns. Understanding hypo-mania helped me catch the early signs before things spiraled out of control. I also learned that excessive optimism – the feeling that I could accomplish anything – were “red flags”, not grandiose fantasies.
  3. It also meant I could stop the “shame” cycle. I wasn’t lazy during my depressive episodes, nor was I irresponsible during hypo-manic ones. In reality I had a biochemical imbalance in my brain that required medical management.
  4. It meant finding help through bipolar support groups, a cognitive therapist that specialized in mood disorders and communities of people who truly get it. All of these things brought about significant changes in my life.

The Pathway Forward: From Understanding to Stability

Here’s what thirty plus years of living with bipolar disorder has taught me. Understanding the specific type of bipolar disorder I had was just the beginning. The real transformation came from commitment.

After correctly diagnosing me, my doctor asked, “Now that you know what you are dealing with, what are you willing to do about it?”

Without hesitation I said, “Whatever it takes.” And I meant it. That commitment included:

Taking these simple steps have taught me that bipolar disorder, no matter what type, affects the whole person – your mind, your emotions, your faith, your body and your relationships. The pathway to recovery isn’t just about taking medication, it requires a holistic approach that includes:

But My Story Doesn’t End Here and Neither Does Yours

When I was in the depths of my struggles – after three suicide attempts and four hospitalizations – I never imagined I’d be here sharing my story and helping others deal with their disorders. The pain was too real. The confusion too deep. The hopelessness too complete.

But I’ve learned that bipolar disorder is treatable. Stability is possible. It’s not easy, and requires commitment, but it is absolutely achievable.

Your diagnosis is not your destiny. Understanding which type of bipolar disorder you have is simply the first step towards taking back control of your life. There are treatments that work, support systems that understand, and pathways to stability and purpose.

The question isn’t whether recovery is possible – it is. The question is, what are you willing to do about it.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're struggling to understand your bipolar diagnosis, or if you're navigating the confusion of which type you have and what that means for your treatment, you don't have to do this alone. I've walked this path, and I know how isolating it can feel when nobody around you truly understands what you're going through.

I'm here to help. Whether you have questions about your specific type of bipolar disorder, need guidance on finding specialized treatment, or simply want to talk to someone who genuinely understands the bipolar experience, I'd love to connect with you.

Click here and fill out the contact form to reach out. I reply to every real message. Or leave a comment below. Let's start a conversation about your journey toward recovery. You deserve support from someone who has been there—and I'm ready to listen.

Your story doesn't have to be one of struggle and confusion. With the right understanding, the right treatment, and the right support, it can become a story of remission, recovery, and reclaiming your life.

The path forward starts with a single step. Take it today.

An Inside Look At Rapid Cycling Bipolar and Its Hidden Effects

Technically, rapid cycling bipolar disorder is defined as experiencing a depressive episode, followed by a manic or hypo-manic one, with little or no break in between. That description however, is cold, clinical and impersonal and doesn’t begin to describe what it feels like to experience a rapid cycling episode.

For me, rapid-cycling was like a two-headed monster with enough power to reduce a human being to the level of a babbling idiot, or like a demon that demands absolute submission to it’s will. One minute I felt like I was being thrown into a dark dungeon, tormented by an onslaught of excessive pessimistic thoughts until all hope was lost.

Then, without warning, the “chains” fell off and I was catapulted into a hypo-manic state where I was subjected to its most lethal weapon, deception, which enticed me into believing everything was great. Boundless energy seemed to flow through me and at times I felt indestructible. Creativity, high productivity and a drive to succeed, convinced me that I could take on numerous projects all at the same time and make wise decisions about all of them. My mind seemed to be operating in “overdrive”. Thoughts raced through my mind like misguided missiles, some failing to hit their targets while other thoughts appeared perceptive and at times ingenious.

Unfortunately, this made communicating with others difficult because I was unable to speak fast enough to express my thoughts. As a result, I often became agitated and impatient with anyone who could not keep up with me. In short, hypo-mania for me was a journey into grandiosity. It created in me an inflated idea of self importance that often led to ill conceived business ventures, unwise decisions, financial irresponsibility and a complete disregard of risks and dangers.

How Rapid-Cycling Impacts Daily Relationships

My experiences with rapid-cycling often led to misunderstandings, and at times fits of explosive anger which put a tremendous strain on my relationships with others. For example: During the years I spent in show business, (before I was diagnosed), the cast members and associates I worked with were often perplexed by how quickly my moods and behavior fluctuated. When my enthusiasm was high, I was friendly, quick witted, adventurous and fun to be around. Then for no apparent reason, when I wasn’t rehearsing or performing I would isolate myself, or hide from life in the unconscious state of sleep. As a result, many of my colleagues labeled me as “moody” at best, or they thought of me as an aloof snob.

Later in my life, (again before I was correctly diagnosed) when my mood swings rapidly transitioned from depression to a hypo-manic state, my wife initially made sincere attempts at compassion and forbearance. However, seeing that I was physically able to function, but appearing unwilling to do so, accusations and arguments occurred leading to a complete breakdown in communication.

Friends of mine, who also witnessed my rapid mood swings were quick to show genuine concern and offer what they considered “helpful” suggestions. But, when they thought their words were having little effect or gong unheeded, they began labeling me as irresponsible and unwilling to help myself. Some, in fact, sought to saddle me with guilt as a way to change my behavior. All this left me feeling isolated.

There seemed to be no one who could truly understand the signs and recognize what I was going through. And that frustrated me. I needed something else to begin my self care.

Steps I Took to Manage My Rapid-Cycling Episodes

1) Find a Specialist

First and foremost was finding a doctor who specialized in treating people with types of bipolar disorder.

2) Make a Commitment

Next and equally as important was making a commitment, that (no matter what) I would adhere to the treatment plan my doctor outlined and take the medications he prescribed.

With time, this began to stabilize the bio-chemistry in my brain which allowed me to function in a calmer, rational and emotionally controlled manner.

3) Develop Coping Skills

The third step was to develop effectual coping skills;

How Others Can Support Someone in a Rapid-Cycling State

Spouses, family member, and friends who seek to support someone who is experiencing a rapid cycling bipolar episode usually have little, if any, knowledge of bipolar disorder and even less about rapid cycling. Therefore, in addition to conferring with the doctor who is treating the person you are seeking to support, here are some practical things you can do.

The things I’ve outlined are not easy. In fact, they are contrary to our basic emotional instincts, but with time, patience and perseverance they will mature you as a person and provide the support someone needs to recover from this condition.

I never wanted sympathy, pity or advice during my episodes, but I greatly appreciated those who could empathize with what I was feeling. It meant so much to me to hear someone say, “yes, I understand – that’s the way I would feel in your situation.”

I look forward to your comments. If this has helped you, please share it with others. Or you have further questions, contact me.

A Personal Odyssey from Bipolar Disorder Madness to Remission to Recovery

Bipolar disorder is not only treatable and recovery possible, but it is achievable. I know this not only theoretically, but from personal experience.

What I have learned along my thirty year journey from confusion and pain to break through and recovery is that bipolar disorder, no matter the type or signs, affects the whole person – mind (one's thoughts and beliefs), soul (one's emotions) and body (one’s physiology and behavior).

It's more than words, it also extends its tentacles to every area of one's life. Based on that, the pathway to recovery involves a holistic approach.

The Early Years

Like so many who battle with manic depression, I was blessed with a diversity of artistic abilities that enabled me to tap into the deepest strata of my being. In one sense, my disorder was a blessing in disguise because my mood swings often triggered a plethora of artistic expressions both as an artist, an actor and a writer.

After graduating from the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, New York and a stint on active duty in the U.S. Navy, I decided to follow in my father's footsteps as an actor/dancer and spent ten years in show business.

The bright lights and big city life were not without its pitfalls, and it was during that time that my former mood swings became more radical.

Rather than giving them much thought, I simply chalked them up to an artistic temperament or my type "A" personality.

I later learned, however, that those experiences were actually manic depressive episodes.

The Ravages of Bipolar Disorder - A life Out of Control

With each passing year, my episodes became more frequent, lasted longer and became more severe. Subsequently, those radical mood swings led to bizarre behavioral patterns such as: apathy, isolation, excessive sleeping, chronic negative thinking, irresponsibility and thoughts of or attempts at suicide.

Then for no apparent reason, I suddenly cycled into a hypo manic state, characterized by "highs" (e.g. a hyperactive, euphoric state), racing thoughts, excessive speech, flights of ideas, impaired judgment and little if any need of sleep for days at a time. In addition to all that there were periodic apparitions, recreational drug use and sexually promiscuous behavior.

In short, my life was spinning out of control, which led to three suicide attempts and four hospitalizations all of which resulted in being misdiagnosed.

Break Through

Things began to change the day I was introduced to two young women, both of whom had extensive knowledge about bipolar disorder from first-hand experience and hours of empirical study.

After patiently listening to my story they asked several questions regarding my diagnoses, the medication I was taking, and the treatment plan my doctor had prescribed. As Jan, one of the two women listening to me shared some of her own forays with manic depressive disorder it became obvious to me that she understood what I was talking about.

Considering her knowledge and experience with my condition, along with the empathy and concern I read in her eyes, she gained my complete trust.

Later, as I was preparing to leave, Randi, Jan's roommate, handed me a piece of paper and said, "The next time you see your doctor, ask him these questions and get back to us."

I followed her directive but found my doctor's response to the questions I raised evasive and ambiguous at best. Frustrated and disappointed, I called my new found friends and made arrangements to meet with them again.

After hearing what my doctor had to say and the treatment plan he prescribed, both women advised me to stop wasting my time seeing what they called a general psychiatrist. "You need to get to a doctor who specializes in mood disorders", Jan said.

She then referred me to her doctor, who just so happened to be the Director of the Mood Disorder Program at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, and offered to arrange an appointment for me.

The Diagnosis

Finally, after years of speculation, confusion, hospitalizations and incorrect diagnoses, I was correctly diagnosed by Dr. Paul Goodnick.

Following a thorough physical examination and a review of my life history, Dr. Goodniek, looking me directly in the eye, declared that I was suffering from what was known as Bipolar disorder, type II.

He then asked me a simple yet pointed question.

"Now that you know what you are dealing with, what are you willing to do about it?"

My answer was as direct as his question.

"Whatever it takes", I replied.

"Okay, here's what it is going to take," he said, promising to treat me if I would agree to the following conditions:

I continued that regime for ten years which eventually led to remission and recovery from the ravages of bipolar disorder.

Critical Lessons That Lead to My Recovery

  1. My self identity and purpose in life.
  2. The need to repair broken relationships with family and friends.
  3. The faith to believe that "God had not given me a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind." II Tim. 1:7.

Implementing and practicing these self care steps eventually led to a third career as a Certified Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist with the David Lawrence Mental Health Center in Naples Florida.

That position opened doors for me to lead a bipolar support group and opportunities to speak at various NAMI functions and conferences.

If you'd like to discuss your own situation or you have further questions, contact me.

Bipolar Disorder Words: Are They Just Semantics? What Do Words Like Remission, Recovery, And Living Well, Really Mean

Words are important. They are used to express thoughts, ideas, concepts, facts and emotions. Therefore, accurate information and clarity of words, especially when discussing bipolar disorder, is absolutely essential.

Put another way, inaccurate or false information leads to misconceptions, erroneous perceptions, confusing points of view and discouragement which ultimately leads to negative behavior.

Thus, words have consequences, not only for the individual suffering from bipolar disorder but for their family and friends.

Common Words Used to Describe Bipolar Disorder and their Consequences

During my time as a bipolar support group facilitator, I became acutely aware of how certain words were being used.

For example, after listening to some in the group express themselves, it became clear that the presuppositions and conceptions those individuals had of themselves were largely due to misguided or false information they received that ultimately became part oftheir belief system.

The following is a case in point.

Certain individuals had been told that bipolar disorder is a "sickness" or a "disease". Buying into that idea and applying those labels to themselves, those people who perceived of themselves as being "sick, were behaving like sick people.

To make matters worse, those same individuals had a tendency to blame their laziness, irresponsibility, character deficiencies and poor personal relationships on their "illness", insisting they were incapable of doing anything about it.

It has been said, and correctly I might add, that those suffering from manic depression are not at fault for showing the signs of having the disorder, but knowing that treatment exists, they are certainly responsible for their recovery.

Based on those early experiences, I resolved never to refer to my disorder as a sickness.

In the strictest sense of the word, bipolar disorder is not a "sickness".

It is not something someone contracts like the flu or a virus.

It is rather a biochemical imbalance that occurs in the brain.

As human beings, these chemicals affect our moods and subsequently our behavior.

For someone suffering from bipolar disorder, an abnormal increase in these chemicals will determine the degree and severity of their mood swings.

There are a wide variety of medical tests, including brain scans that reveal the difference between a bipolar brain to that of a normal one.

To ignore the science behind bipolar disorder is irresponsible.

I've also found that using words like "sickness" and "disease", especially when in a psychiatric context, tends to promote stigma and discrimination rather than reducing it.

Clarifying The Meaning Of The Words Remission, Recovery, and Living Well.

In laymen's terms; remission is the journey and recovery is the result, or as another author puts it, "having the right picture, opens the door to recovery and a better future.

How Language Affects One's Self identity, Treatment Goals, And Behavior

Alexander Pope, the renowned English poet, once said, "Know Thyself'.

Shakespeare declared, "To your own self be true".

Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived proclaimed, "As a man thinks within himself, so is he." (Prov. 23:7)

In other words, the words we use internally, (self talk) greatly influences the perception each of us have of ourselves as well as the impact it will have towards gaining a meaningful purposeful life.

This then raises another question;

Where Do I Begin

Before we can say we know ourselves, we must first correctly identify who we really are. Years of radical moods swings, together with irrational thinking have created the false self image many of us have of ourselves.

During my depressive cycles, I frequently thought of myself as worthless, useless and unfit to inhabit this planet. As a result, I hurt those closest to me, lost jobs and made poor decisions about most things.

The people I associated with found it difficult to separate me from my behavior which led to criticism, condemnation and rejection. Those dismissals only reinforced my negative self image.

Mania also distorted my true identity. At times I saw myself in an exaggerated extravagant light. Having that image of myself led to ill conceived business ventures, unwise decisions, financial irresponsibility and a complete disregard of risks and dangers that are so obvious to others.

As my emotional peaks and valleys began to level out, thanks to the medication I was taking, I knew it was time to address those issues.

The inner journey to discover who I really was began with what I called an honest self confrontation. That exercise was a slow, sometimes painful and arduous process.

As difficult as it was, however, I eventually got to a point where I was able to distinguish the true from the false ideas I had about myself. That new perspective turned out to be a major milestone in my recovery.

Helpful Practical Self Care Exercises - Here are some I found most helpful.

How we think and the words we use are not just semantics - they really do matter.

It is my fervent desire that anyone who has taken the time to read this blog, has found it profitable, encouraging and worth your time.

Keep pressing on.

It is better to say I'm glad I did, rather than saying, I wish I had.

Self Care from A Bipolar Disorder Man's Point of View

Practicing the right kind of self care can make a real difference in managing bipolar disorder symptoms. Self care from a man's perspective is more than finding a way to unwind after a long day, In fact, from this man's point of view, it is an intrinsic part of "recovery" that allows one to experience ongoing stability and clarity towards a better future. Self care, for me, began with apassionate desire to achieve a state of being that was satisfying, like happiness or contentment.

1) Begin With Commitment

Self care begins with a commitment to follow your doctor's treatment plan; particularly as it relates to taking the medication he or she prescribed. Balancing the brains bio-chemistry is the cornerstone upon which self care and everything else rests.

2) Visualize What It Will Be Like To Attain Your Deepest Desire

That is the spark that ignites hope. To put it another way, "Without a vision, the people perish." (Prov. 29:18) A good example of this can be seen in the following illustration.

Many little boys dream about or visualize themselves as one day becoming a major league baseball player on a team that wins the World Series. It is the idea that one day that vision could become a reality that drives that youngster to do whatever is required to make that dream come true.

3) Develop A Plan With Discernable Goals To Track Your Progress

This can be done by keeping a journal. Included in your plan must be a mindset or attitude to never give up, no matter what obstacles comes your way. I offer this counsel not based on a theoretical theory, but from my own life experience when a friend asked me the following question;

"At this point in your life, if you could do anything you want, what would that be"? That question was asked at a time when I was well along in my treatment plan, in large part due the medication my doctor had prescribed, and my answer reflected that.

"That's easy", I said. "I'd work with people struggling with manic depressive disorder"

"Well then", my friend continued, "if you want to work in the mental health field, find a place to start and work toward that end."

After months of filling out applications, going to interviews ad-nauseam and pressing on through one frustration and disappointment after another, I finally was offered an entry level position in a residential treatment program that was part of a mental health center. Although I wasn't working exclusively with bipolar rapid-cycling patients, I was in the field I desired to be in.

4) Have A Contingency Plan In Place In Cast You Face A Setback

Your Contingency Plan May Include:

A temporary or permanent environmental change. This may be something as simple as a stroll on a beach - a walk in the park - listening to relaxing music, or something more permanent like a new place to live.

A consistent physical exercise program can also serve to clear your mind and reset your focus.

Engaging in some form of self-expression, such as; painting, writing, learning to play a musical instrument, gourmet cooking, gardening or learning a new skill can help if you encounter a setback.

Developing new friendships by socially interacting with people who share your interests and with whom you are comfortable being around.

5) Remove "Triggers" That Can Hinder Self Care

Triggers may include:

Trying to derive your identity, self worth, or purpose in life by attempting to "fix" everyone around you in order to gain their approval. Always remember; No one can make another person say, feel, or do anything without first giving them permission to do so.

Living your life well without setting boundary's and limits, particularly when it comes to relationships with others will hinder healthy self care as well. Therefore, learn to think about what you are being asked to do. Then ask yourself if it is in your power to do it and if it would be in the best interest of the person making the request to do so.

The following is an example taken from my own life experience may help clarify this point. I was asked once, how I usually respond when someone pushes my proverbial "panic button".

"I'd probably drop whatever I was doing to help them," I replied.

"Even if you knew that it would not be in that person's best interest?"

"How could it not be in someone's interest not to help them?" I asked.

"When it would prevent that person from helping themselves, or when it might be dangerous to do so."

"But if you care for someone, you're there for them, right?" I countered.

"But where do you draw the line? What are the limits? What if someone said they "needed" one hundred thousand dollars, or a brand new Tesla?" I was asked.

Although some of the questions asked by my inquisitor that day were exaggerated, they stopped me cold in my tracks and I began to see what was meant by setting boundaries and limits. I also learned something else that day; that saying "no" sometimes may be the best things I could do to help someone.

Buying into irrational fears and anxieties, can hinder and impede healthy self care. I was made aware of this when a very wise man once said, "Fear and anxiety are rarely based on facts or present reality. They are almost always founded on speculation and "what if" scenarios. However, those same "what if' questions vanish, (and so do fears and anxieties) when the future becomes the present and one's attention is fixed on the solution."

6) What Is At The Core of True Self Care?

True self care is, in fact, the very opposite of what most people think of when it comes to this subject, especially when it comes to men.

All that has been said thus far is certainly helpful, but it is the superstructure. The foundation, upon which absolute self care is built, from this writer's perspective, is love, i.e. meeting the needs of another person, without having as a motive personal gain. In other words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 29:35) Love is primarily about getting the focus off of one's self and onto others; as such, the measure of genuine self care will be in direct proportion to loving and caring for others. This however, this is only possible, (as mentioned in point #1) when a person's bio-chemistry is under control; and that happens when one remains on the medication prescribed by their doctor.

Let me be perfectly clear, when speaking about "love," I'm not referring to a warm fuzzy emotional feeling, or some form of sensual pleasure.

What I am speaking about is something completely objective - character - which is defined as follows:

"Love is patient and is kind. It is not jealous. It does not brag and is not arrogant. Love is not rude or disrespectful. It is not easily provoked. Love does not keep track of wrongs committed. It does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes and endures all things. Love never fails." (I Cor. 13:4-8)

One last thought directed to men. Taking care of yourself, especially when you recognize the signs of bipolar disorder, is not a sign of weakness, but rather is a form of strength. Everyone, including those reading this post, possesses unique talents and abilities. No one is here by accident. We all have a role to fulfill - a purpose - that no one else can carry out but you.

I look forward to your comments. If this has helped you or you have further questions, contact me.