Studies have found that 25-50% of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide. Although this topic is a sensitive one, it is desperately needed in the public discussion. Suicidal ideation during  bipolar depression is qualitatively different from other types of depression, and people suffering from it need to know they are not alone, that recovery is […]

    The “tortured genius” myth, so often attributed to creative individuals (e.g., artists, authors, performers, etc.) can be a persuasive one. It can also prevent creative people who are bipolar from seeking treatment.     Many gifted people who are bipolar fear that medication or therapy will diminish or rob them of their creativity, yet research, […]

Bipolar depression is often more severe and differs in character from uni-polar depression. For me, it was frequently being unable to function even at a basic level. Coupled with that was a complete loss of meaning and purpose, together with periodic suicidal ideations. The Onset and Progression of Bipolar Depression My introduction to bipolar depression […]

Looking back on my experience with bipolar disorder I was never aware that my emotional state and ultimately my behavior sprang from a bio-chemical imbalance in my brain. How could I? I’d never heard of manic depression before. I always attributed my emotional and mental state as being part of my personality or my artistic […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]