Today is world Bipolar Day. Let us take this opportunity to learn more about the illness. Earlier known as manic depression, it is a challenging, chronic disabling illness which affects more than 8.7 million people in India alone.<\/p>\n
5 things you need to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n What is it? :\u00a0<\/strong>Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable brain disease due to certain chemical imbalance in the brain. Just like any other chronic illness which affects other organs of the body (like diabetes), bipolar disorder affects the brain which is also an organ of the body. While there is no known permanent cure, there is very effective treatment which allows sufferers to live satisfying and healthy lives.<\/p>\n Why is it called \u2018bipolar\u2019? :\u00a0<\/strong>There are two \u2018poles\u2019 or \u2018phases\u2019. The manic phase \u2013 in this phase the sufferer is so full of energy that it seems he is on a race against time mode. He can talk nonstop and feels he does not need any sleep or rest. The depressed phase \u2013this phase is exactly the opposite. He is depressed most of the time. Sometimes there are long bursts of uncontrolled crying for no reason or for something as insignificant as dropping a glass.<\/p>\n The effect on family –<\/strong> Bipolar disorder consumes not only the victim but severely impacts the entire family. The family gets emotionally distressed with guilt feelings like \u2013 why? What went wrong? Are we responsible? This upheaval in the family also causes financial stress along with a disrupted routine of daily life whether professional or personal.<\/p>\n