Bipolar Disorder: No Longer Silently Among Us

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Demi Lovato have recently put a face to a disorder that is commonly referred to but widely misunderstood: bipolar disorder. While there is so much research and information on bipolar disorder, many refuse to see it as anything other than moodiness.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness) is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

It is estimated that 1% of the American population is afflicted with bipolar disorder, with some psychologists believing that almost 5% of the population has the disorder. With current enrollment at Ole Miss being 14,159, there could be as many as 700 students with bipolar disorder on campus.

“Denial, especially in college students, is common because this makes people different and no one wants to be different, especially on a college campus,” Morgan Bryant, Licensed Professional Counselor at Ole Miss University Counseling Center, said. “People may notice that they are feeling different, but many times family members have to address concerns to an individual before they attempt to seek help.”

Bipolar disorder can be a product of genetics, environment, or a combination of the two. Anyone can be affected by this disorder at any time, but according to NIMH, bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years, with half of all cases starting before the age of 25.

Realizing and accepting that you have bipolar disorder is a major step in the process of treating the disorder. Through medication, therapy, and the support of relatives, friends, and others experiencing bipolar disorder, symptoms decrease and patients create a more stable environment for themselves.

“So many people say ‘This is normal for me, therefore I don’t have a problem.’ That’s just not true,” Bryant said. “Just because we are used to acting a certain way does not mean that those actions are healthy for us.”

Any last helpful hints from the Ole Miss counselor?

“Be informed. Talk to someone. There are so many resources on the Ole Miss campus and beyond that there is no reason not to get help!”