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You have been told you have something called bipolar disorder. Right now, you may be feeling confused, scared or angry. Maybe you feel all three. This is okay. You have many questions and that is also okay. I will try to answer some of them for you.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Everybody’s brain contains chemicals that make their body and brain work like a machine. These chemicals help your body grow and change. They tell you when something hurts or when you are in danger. They also help you feel emotions like happiness, sadness, anger or love. Most of the time, these chemicals work without us noticing they are there.

In some people, the chemicals that help control moods (neurotransmitters) don’t work as expected. When your brain produces too much of one chemical you become too happy. Happy is good, but too happy can create problems. This is called mania. Your brain then tries to even out your emotions and may produce too much of another chemical or stop producing the one that made you feel manic. When this happens, you can become too sad. This is called depression. Going from mania to depression, then back to mania again is called cycling. Cycling is the main symptom of bipolar disorder.

Does this mean I’m crazy?

No!! Bipolar disorder is a difference in the working of your brain. This does not make you crazy, bad, or anything like that. It just means your brain works differently. Many times you will need medication to help your moods become less drastic, but people take medications every day to make there hearts work better or to keep their blood pressure from going too high or too low. Many intelligent, productive people have bipolar disorder.

How did I get bipolar disorder?

Nobody knows for sure why some brains work differently than others. Scientists do know bipolar disorder is genetic, just like eye or hair color. This means if one of your parents or grandparents have it, your chances of having bipolar disorder are greater. Someday, scientists may be able to change this. For now, they just know that nobody caused this disorder, it just happened.

Will my bipolar disorder go away?

Doctors have not yet found a way to get rid of bipolar disorder. There are many things you can do, however, to control it and live a very productive life. The doctor will probably want you to take some medicine. This will help your brain create the correct chemicals. You may also be asked to talk to a counselor for a time. This person will help you understand better what is going on inside you. Best of all, this person will help you learn what things you can do to become the best person you can be.

Do I have to take medication?

Most people find medications helps them deal with the changes of bipolar. There are some, however, who do not take medication. They have learned how to manage their symptoms without aid of medication. Taking medication is what is most often recommended, but that will be a decision you need to make for yourself. Ask questions and learn all you can about any medication suggested, then you will be able to make a better-informed decision.

We will talk more about bipolar disorder in future articles. The most important thing to remember right now is that you have bipolar disorder, but it is only part of the wonderful human being you are. It is scary at first, but the more you learn, the less scary it gets. Work with your parents and doctor and, in time, you will be able to see this difference can be a good thing once you have it in control.

[Mania] [Depression]

Senior editor Joyce Anthony.