Here is some very basic information:<\/p>\n
There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar one and Bipolar two. The difference between the two is mania.<\/p>\n
Bipolar One:<\/strong> Those diagnosed with bipolar I (one) experience depression along with full blown mania.\u00a0<\/p>\n 70% of these full blown\u00a0 manic episodes involve psychosis ..and hospitalization is common, especially during a first episode. (The age of this episode is usually teens to early 20s.)<\/p>\n Biopolar Two<\/strong>: Those with bipolar II (two) have depression with a milder form of mania called hypomania.\u00a0\u00a0 Hypomania is<\/em> milder than full blown mania, but can still be very destructive financially, sexually, \u00a0in the work place and for all relationships.<\/p>\n All forms of mania\u00a0can be destructive in a very short amount of time, especially if a person makes a life changing decision when ill.<\/p>\n Rapid Cycling: <\/strong>If a person has four or more mood swings a year, they receive a rapid cycling diagnosis. (Four or more! Some of us have four or more a week!)<\/p>\n It’s personal: <\/strong>Each person has their own mood swings cycle which is why an individual management plan is so essential- but it’s rarely possible to\u00a0successfully manage\u00a0moodswings without some good meds.<\/p>\n The mood swings can come out of nowhere and slam through life with little warning. True!<\/p>\n Gosh, is there any good news! <\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, <\/strong>if you know what type of bipolar disorder you have- Bipolar I or Bipolar II- you will know whether you’re dealing with full blown mania\u00a0or hypomania.\u00a0\u00a0People with \u00a0Bipolar I usually get hypomanic before going into the full blown mania.\u00a0\u00a0This is especially imporant info for family, friends, health care professionals and partners.\u00a0 You have to know the signs of the mild mania so it never goes too far.<\/p>\n The stonger the management plan, the better control you can have on the mania! I use my Bipolar Health Cards to keep my life on track. But… the mood swings are still a common companion! We just have to keep going. Onward!<\/p>\n Julie<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We have to learn an entirely new language when bipolar disorder comes into our lives. <\/p>\n Here is some very basic information:<\/p>\n There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar one and Bipolar two. The difference between the two is mania.<\/p>\n Bipolar One: Those diagnosed with bipolar I (one) experience depression along with full blown mania. <\/p>\n 70% of these full blown manic episodes involve psychosis ..and hospitalization is common, especially during a first episode. (The age of this episode is usually teens to early 20s.)<\/p>\n Biopolar Two: Those with bipolar II (two) have depression with a milder form of mania called hypomania. Hypomania is milder than full blown mania, but can still be very destructive financially, sexually, in the work place and for all relationships.<\/p>\n All forms of mania can be destructive in a very short amount of time, especially if a person makes a life changing decision when ill.<\/p>\n