bp Magazine for Bipolar

what is bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person’s mood can alternate between the “poles”—mania (highs) and depression (lows). The change in mood can last for hours, days, weeks, or months. What bipolar is not Bipolar disorder is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. Whom bipolar disorder affects Bipolar disorder affects more than 5.7 million adult Americans and 440,000 adult Canadians. It usually begins in late adolescence, often appearing as depression during teen years, although it can start in early childhood or later in life. An equal number of men and women develop this illness. Men tend to begin with a manic episode, women with a depressive episode. Bipolar disorder is found among all…

staying the course

We all know this: “Drugs don’t work in patients who don’t take them.” So said famed former surgeon general C. Everett Koop. Yet research shows that approximately 25% of prescriptions are left unfilled and almost 50% of people with chronic illnesses either stop taking their meds or take them inconsistently. In our feature “Rx for Success,” we examine the common causes of “noncompliance”—and right at the top of the list: fear of side effects. Followed by a multitude of reasons: difficulty managing numerous meds; stopping treatment because you feel better—or because you don’t. And let’s not forget the cost ... Having an open and respectful relationship with our doctor is fundamental, along with key factors such as personal health beliefs, motivation, and perception of how staying the course will impact our wellness.…

we hear you

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP (“Back Chat: Jeremy Whitley,” Summer 2019) is wonderful! I have been a reader of comics for over 40 years, and my favorites are always those that deal with our humanity, particularly when issues are dealt with in an insightful and compassionate way. Bipolar is something I live with as carer for my beautiful wife. She has had a rough journey for most of her life, and any positive message is helpful. Thank you for your portrayal of a superhero with this challenge—every person with bipolar is a hero for taking a step forward. An excellent article! —Graeme via bphope .com FRIENDS LIKE FAMILY I IDENTIFY with so many parts of “The Friendship Formula” (Summer 2019). I have lost friends after manic episodes because they labeled me as irresponsible and immoral.…

meet trinita

AGE: 41 OCCUPATION: BLOGGER LOCATION: HAGERSTOWN, MD DIAGNOSES: SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER (1996), BIPOLAR DISORDER II (2006), POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (2011), GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (2011) * * * NICKNAME: T-Varg. FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY: Planet Earth. HOBBIES: Camping, fishing, and writing. I also enjoy interior design and looking at houses. GRATEFUL FOR: My life, my child, and my marriage. TOP OF MY PLAYLIST: “Jezebel,” by Sade. “Crawling,” by Linkin Park (I think it describes depression perfectly). HOW I FIND STRENGTH: Prayer, deep breathing, and being assertive. BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURES: Chipotle burritos. Mango Italian ice. CURRENT PASSIONS: My education and using my writing to advocate for change. GREATEST LESSON: Don’t take on too much. Say no without feeling guilt. WISH I WERE BETTER AT: Household chores. FAVORITE MEMORY: As a child, I loved to lie on my back in the grass and watch the clouds roll by. I still…

mental health headlines

More Koreans seeking treatment September 11, 2019, SEOUL, Korea—The number of people treated for depression and bipolar disorder in Korea grew by about 30 percent between 2013 and 2018, according to a report from the National Health Insurance Service. Rep. Nam In-soon told Korea Biomedical Review the nation needs “a strong system” of mental health care. Ghana youth need interventions August 18, 2019, ACCRA, Ghana—The Ghana Education Service is being urged to incorporate clinical psychologists into the school system amid concerns that self-harm among young people is on the rise. Clinical psychologist Joseph Osafo, a professor at the University of Ghana, said stressors include academic pressure, bullying, and family conflict. Chinese turn to social media August 12, 2019, BEIJING, China—A growing number of Chinese companies are using social media platforms to provide information about emotional…

new research in mental health

Different subgroups of cognitive deficits and strengths in bipolar I September 15, 2019, MAINZ, Germany—People with bipolar disorder can experience different kinds of cognitive deficits and performance, a new study suggests. German researchers, noting the presence of cognitive deficits in bipolar I disorder is well-established, said there is no consensus about which abilities are affected. The study looked at 54 people with bipolar I in remission, having them undergo cognitive testing and resting state neuroimaging. The researchers found three clusters, with one cluster showing deficits in cognitive flexibility and motor inhibition, one with impulsive decision making, and one with good visuospacial planning. The authors said the findings suggest there are clusters in bipolar I with distinct cognitive profiles, characterized by different deficits and strengths. The study, which appeared in the journal Neuropharmacology, was entitled “Cognitive…