In my 12 year pursuit to understand Bipolar disorder, I've gained insight I now pass onto you...

Dear Readers of my blog,
Right now that would be three who follow this confusing blog. But I believe this is a great post for those who live with bipolars, or know one, and yes... even if you are one. I will try to make this as clear, concise, and to the point.
1. There are only REALLY three forms of getting it, but there are two more accepted forms that are less likely and not widely publicized. They are:
A. Genetics- you are born this way and inherited it from one who also suffers or had epilepsy or migraines.
1. the same group of neurons that are disfunctional for bipolar disorder, also but in different synapses, cause epilepsy and migraines.
B. Trauma induced- you have such severe trauma, repeatedly during you youngest and most impressionable age that causes you to later in life, react disordered towards stressful situations in the same matter you did as a child.
1. You were repeatedly physically,mentally, sexually, or verbally abused for long period of time. the emotional reaction then is repeated over and over again to presumed to be as dire of consequences that are really more mundane in nature
C. Substance abuse of multiple kinds
when you do drugs, your changing your brains chemical inputs and outputs. Over time your brain stops producing those chemicals and relies on the substance to do the job.
1. Quitting the substances and completely detox from the poisons would bring about an eventual resupplying of those chemicals in your body.
D. Brain injury- the injury so severely beaten up in that area could cause the synapses to mis-fire in non-productive ways.

E. Shift Work Sleep Disorder- people who work varying shifts over and over. some days graveyard shift then turn right around for day shift the next day. it causes improper sleep, mis-reactions to situations that are stressful.
1. To alleviate this getting back into your circadian rhythm will alleviate this.

The last two forms of forming the disorder are rare.
When bipolar disorder is established it is EXTREMELY IMPERATIVE that a therapist and psychiatrist become apart of their lives. They first need to find meds. that work for them, a process that unfotunately is based on trial and error. The medication will make the sufferer feel numb, unable to feel or create art. This will make them want to stop taking it...NO! Eventually the severity of the drugs will ease off and they will be able to feel and create art again. IF THE MEDS. STOP WORKING (usually after six months) then they MUST switch to new dosages or meds. that the doctor prescribes.
The psychotherapy is intended to teach the bipolar sufferer that their first reaction is right but too severe of a reaction. And your therapist will show you how to battle their episodes to get them under control.
However, there are people who do not need meds. or found a better way to deal with it. There are three other ways I have learned from others that their symptom management works for them.
A. Most generic form of dealing with the disorder is what I myself have done. I am myself in therapy and taking medication. It helps but you still need to control the fluctuations in your life. First note in a journal your daily moods for three months. Learn the patterns. I have a six month roll to my disorder, I can be normal for the most part but will easily dip into minor episodes based on what polarity is affecting me those six months. Also full moons make me try something crazy or off my normal schedule and new moons have the direct ability to make me depressed. It technically only lasts for one to two days then I'm back to normal. For people like me it's best to find your circadian rhythm(look it up on wikipedia). I find that rhythm and stick to a schedule and I'm fine.
B. Some people need no meds. at all, they have found alternative ways to control their episodes. One is through nutrition. I know of a bipolar who watches their fat intake and try to eat food in balanced proportions. Eating lots of fish with omega3. This works for my particular friend and I believe her link is on my site, if not then it will be.
C. Another doesn't achieve benefits from medication. Because of his other health problems, the meds. he needs would excacerbate themeds. for the other disorders he has. He's opted for electroshock treatment. Severe, yes... but necessary for him. And he's an intelligent, competent member of society.

IN CONCLUSION- Bipolar is caused by many things and can be taken care of in varying maintenence.
In my next blog post. I will discuss the episodes and fluctuations, as we feel it. The social stigmas and beliefs others put on us. Finally I will discuss MAJOR mistakes that those on the outside do when dealing with a bipolar!