Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. It causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and ultimately the ability the carry out day-to-day tasks. The moods of bipolar range from periods of extremely "up," elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, "down." or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Both the manic and depressive periods can be brief, from just a few hours to a few days. Or the cycles can be much longer, lasting up to several weeks or even months. The periods of mania and depression vary from person to person-many people only experience very brief periods of these intense moods, and may not even be aware that they have the disorder.
Bipolar disorder can also be an invisible disability, especially with the stigma against mental health. This stigma has prevented people to feel comfortable with talking about what they're going through and getting help for the fear of what other people may think, which is extremely relevant with bipolar disorder. It can also be incorrectly diagnosed as depression, so it is important to seek help even after a diagnosis has been made. This was the case for Lynn Rivers, who was not diagnosed with depression until a later age. Lynn Rivers is a 4th term United States Representative for Michigan ’s 13th district. In 1995, one year after she was first elected, Rivers was the first member of the U.S. Congress to talk openly about having bipolar disorder. “I had made a promise to myself during the campaign that I would speak out,” says Rivers. “Then, my opponent tried to use my illness to discredit me. So, I gave a speech about my experience at a fundraiser.” This is where we can see how disability is looked down upon in society, as it was used to "discredit" Rivers in a political campaign. However, her speech about her experience got a positive response. Encouraged by the crowd’s positive response, she went on to tell her story to the press. Today she continues to give talks to audiences around the country. Rivers had her first daughter at age eighteen and soon after began experiencing severe anxiety attacks. Three years later, her anxiety increased and depression followed with the birth of her second daughter. Sensing something was very wrong, Rivers sought the help of a psychiatrist. She was first diagnosed with depression; then her diagnosis was changed to bipolar disorder. Over the next 12 years she worked closely with her psychiatrist to find a combination of medications that stabilized her. Rivers says:
Bipolar disorder can also be an invisible disability, especially with the stigma against mental health. This stigma has prevented people to feel comfortable with talking about what they're going through and getting help for the fear of what other people may think, which is extremely relevant with bipolar disorder. It can also be incorrectly diagnosed as depression, so it is important to seek help even after a diagnosis has been made. This was the case for Lynn Rivers, who was not diagnosed with depression until a later age. Lynn Rivers is a 4th term United States Representative for Michigan ’s 13th district. In 1995, one year after she was first elected, Rivers was the first member of the U.S. Congress to talk openly about having bipolar disorder. “I had made a promise to myself during the campaign that I would speak out,” says Rivers. “Then, my opponent tried to use my illness to discredit me. So, I gave a speech about my experience at a fundraiser.” This is where we can see how disability is looked down upon in society, as it was used to "discredit" Rivers in a political campaign. However, her speech about her experience got a positive response. Encouraged by the crowd’s positive response, she went on to tell her story to the press. Today she continues to give talks to audiences around the country. Rivers had her first daughter at age eighteen and soon after began experiencing severe anxiety attacks. Three years later, her anxiety increased and depression followed with the birth of her second daughter. Sensing something was very wrong, Rivers sought the help of a psychiatrist. She was first diagnosed with depression; then her diagnosis was changed to bipolar disorder. Over the next 12 years she worked closely with her psychiatrist to find a combination of medications that stabilized her. Rivers says:
"I’ve managed to reach balance with my medication and have been in good health for ten years. But I had to continue working with my doctor for 12 years to get to this point. I had a number of relapses and each time it was not only heartbreaking to feel I was losing, but also very embarrassing. I had to keep starting over, fighting the same battles. There is a real anger and frustration that goes along with that. Psychotherapy has also been a great help. I’ve learned how to function as a healthy person and had a chance to talk through my feelings. My family and community have been very supportive and we talk openly about my condition."
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