In bipolar, one switches between 3 states: Normal, just like evryone else; depressed, or manic. The course of the disease is different for everyone. Some go from normal to manic episodes of varying degree (they can swing all the way up to severe psychosis in some), but very rarely, if ever have depressive episodes. This is know as Bipolar I disorder. Others, like Pat and myself are just the opposite, suffering mainly depressive episodes with very mild manic episodes in between called hypomania, and that is called Bipolar II disorder. In between these are the various other combinations of the two extremes in mood which go by an assortment of names. To make things even harder, these mood swings can take as longs as months or years, or as little as days or hours to go through. Everyone is different.

The most important thing to remember is this...if you are bipolar, you need to live a very healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and sleep as well as good nutrition, get therapy and make sure you are getting the right kind of treatment. By that I mean make sure you are being treated for bipolar disease, not depression...many docs just don't get the difference. Do lots of research...If you go to the top of this page and click "Disorders" and find Bipolar, that will be an excellent start.

As always, you can come here for support or help...there are lots of us here who can help you through, and are really happy to do so!

Take Care,
DJ