Diagnosis Continued...

Bipolar Behavioral Characteristics

And Cursed by the Devil...  



The Downside of Mania

While riding the manic tornado, a bipolar will sleep little if at all, will often use drugs of varying sorts, and frequently self-medicates with quantities of alcohol no person their size should be able to consume and keep walking--it is a notable characteristic of the species it seems. In its extreme form, mania may manifest itself as psychoses, complete with dissociative behaviors and a crippling inability to distinquish the real world from the one induced by the illness.

An individual on a manic high can be extremely volatile, may exhibit pronounced tendencies toward risky behaviors, often becomes a sexual predator, and may move from being the fast-talking 'life of the party' type to that of a physically aggressive, belligerant danger to theirself and others. Under no circumstances should one attempt to care for a person in an extreme state without the aid of a trained physician and hospitalisation.







The Downside of Depression

Describing clinical depression as a case of "having the blues" is a gross understatement that shows ignorance and lack of respect for the person experiencing a depressive bout. Unable to find desire or energy enough to get out of bed, to eat, speak, make love, work or create, a bipolar in a depressive state enters the dark portals of hell. Nothing pierces the gloom; one becomes interiorised -- eyes staring and lifeless -- inwardly focused.

One can experience delusions and suicidal ideation: death being preferable to the current, and continuous, agony. This period may change rapidly for some rapid-cycling bipolars, or it may be the more dominant mood.

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