National Bipolar Day is celebrated each year on March 30th. This day is meant to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminate negative attitudes or beliefs towards the condition. 

Bipolar, or manic depression, can be a life-long disorder that affects someone’s mental health, primarily their mood. These mood swings range anywhere from depressive episodes–where the person diagnosed will not move or get out of bed for weeks, sometimes months at a time–to manic highs in a matter of hours. Depressive episodes may have symptoms of low energy, motivation, and loss of interest in everyday activities. Manic highs develop a euphoric state of mind. Mood swings like these can affect someone’s sleep patterns, energy levels behavior, and ability to think clearly. 

The exact cause of manic depression is unknown, but a combination of environmental and genetic factors can lead to being diagnosed. According to the ‘National Institutes of Health,’ treatment can include a combination of medications and psychotherapy that aims to help a person identify and change troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

As a school community, we should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Bipolar disorder. Someone with bipolar disorder may be subject to suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our school’s anonymous reporting system, ‘Say Something’ or meet with the guidance counselors we have available.