Bipolar Disorder

bi•polar (bī pō´ler) adj. 1 of or involving poles or polarity 2 having alternating periods of mania and mental depression

Statistics
• Approximately 5.7 million American adults have bipolar disorder
• About 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older have bipolar disorder
• 25 years old is the median age of onset

Learn. Know. Understand.
Be aware of triggers that can offset episodes:

• Seasonal changes
• Problems with family or friends, or at work

Take action. Seek treatment.

• Seek medical attention

• Begin a Mood Chart

• See your health provider about medications

• Make your friends and family aware of your manic and depressive symptoms

• Write out a list of people who you can call for help

Symptoms

Manic Episode
• Feeling "up" or "high"
• Feeling "jumpy"
• Talking quickly about various things
• Agitation and irritability
• Trouble relaxing or sleeping
• More active than usual
• Do risky things, like spending too much money or having reckless sex

Depressive Episode

• Feeling "down" or sad

• Feeling worried and empty

• Trouble concentrating

• Lost of interest in activities

• Feeling "slowed down"

• Trouble sleeping

• Thoughts of death and suicide

“You don't have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.”
- Dan Millman

Treatment Plan

Professional assistance
• Medication and psychosocial therapy
Support network
• Family and friends
• Group therapy
Healthy Lifestyle
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs
• Regular sleep schedule
• Well-balanced meals and avoid caffeine
• Exercise
Personal initiatives
• Balance of work and social activities
• Coping skills and plan to deal with episodes

This information is not a substitute for your health professional’s care.
Please seek medical attention for further assistance.

http://campushealth.unc.edu/
http://www.nami.org/
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-dis...