Bipolar Information

or, what IS going on here?

First Things First....: This section is not meant to give any medical advice or even to define medical terms. Instead, it deals with the actual feelings of depression and mania. If you have anything to add to this section (i.e. poetry, songs, stories, etc..) please email me at pixie_70@rocketmail.com. And a BIG thank you to those of you who have! If you would like more factual information about the disorder itself, please see the links page.
What is Bipolar Disorder?: Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is different things to different people. To some, it is a relief: a label that puts some meaning into the ups and downs they have been experiencing for some time. For others, it is a burden: the weight of a label to be borne throughout a lifetime.

Simply put, bipolar means "two poles" - a manic pole and a depressive pole. A manic depressive person travels between these poles on a somewhat regular basis, the cycle taking anywhere from hours to years, depending on the individual. All people, not just bipolar people, travel this path, but it is much more pronounced in those with the disorder.

Several combinations of medicines are used to create stability between the two poles. Lithium, Depakote, and Tegretol, in conjunction with a variety of antidepressants and/or anti-psychotics are *usually* effective to some degree. Currently, I am stable on Depakote, Wellbutrin, and Klonopin, which have been working for about nine months now.
Mania: Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds
Before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand
But I keep livin' this day like the next will never come
--- Fiona Apple, Criminal; Happy, happy, joy, joy.
--- Ren & Stimpy (with the "Happy Helmet")
Depression: River, show me how to float
I feel like I'm sinking down
Thought that I could get along
But here in this water
My feet won't touch the ground
I need something to turn myself around
--- Peter Gabriel, Washing of the Water; I quit - I give up
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
It seems
And being alone is the best way to be
When I'm all alone it's the best way to be
When I'm by myself nobody else can say goodbye
--- Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians, Circle

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