Can a person with bipolar live a normal life?

Bipolar disorder — or manic depression, as it is also still sometimes called — has no known cure. It is a chronic health condition that requires lifetime management. Plenty of people with this condition do well; they have families and jobs and live normal lives.

How a person with bipolar thinks?

Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.

How does bipolar change your life?

You might feel restless and have a hard time making decisions. Your memory may also be low. Bipolar disorder can affect your ability to fall and stay asleep. Manic phases often mean that you need very little sleep, and depressive episodes can result in sleeping more or less than normal.

Can bipolar go away?

Although the symptoms come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifetime treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, and family discord, but proper treatment leads to better outcomes.

Can a bipolar person live a normal life without medication?

Bipolar disorder is not curable, but there are many treatments and strategies that a person can use to manage their symptoms. Without treatment, bipolar disorder may cause unusual mood episodes. People with the condition may alternate between high periods, called manic episodes, and low periods, or depressive episodes.

What is the best job for someone with bipolar disorder?

Experts say work can be helpful for people living with bipolar disorder. Working in a supportive environment can give you a sense of structure and purpose. Moreover, it can reduce feelings of depression and build your confidence.

Does Bipolar get worse as you age?

Bipolar may worsen with age or over time if this condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.

Is bipolar a disability?

Bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the ADA, just like blindness or multiple sclerosis. You may also qualify for Social Security benefits if you can’t work.

Does bipolar worsen with age?

Can you hold down a job with bipolar?

No one can discriminate you for living with bipolar disorder in the workplace. This is illegal. If you decide to tell your employer about your health condition, Mental Health Works and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have resources to help you have that conversation.