So, you wanna talk about bipolar disorder? Cool, cool. Grab your coffee—or, if you’re like me today, your third espresso that’s probably a bad idea but here we are.

Let me start by saying: Bipolar disorder isn’t just “mood swings.” Like, no. If regular moods are a gentle kayak ride, bipolar is getting yeeted into Class 5 rapids without a paddle. And sometimes the water’s on fire.

Wait, What Even Is Bipolar Disorder?

Okay, quick science-y bit (I’ll make it painless, promise). Bipolar disorder is a mental health thing where your brain chemistry throws tantrums. There are a few types, but the main two are:

• Bipolar I: Big, dramatic manic episodes (think: deciding at 3 AM you’re gonna start a llama farm, maxing out your credit card, and texting your ex all in the same night).
• Bipolar II: More hypomania (less “I AM A GOD” and more “I cleaned my entire apartment and wrote a novella in a day, why am I like this”).

Then there’s depression. Ohhh, the depression. Not just “I’m sad,” but “I haven’t moved from my couch in 72 hours and my snacks are now my emotional support system.”

My Personal Theme Park Ride

I remember my first real manic episode. I was 24, hadn’t slept in like… four days? But I felt amazing. I reorganized my entire closet by color, wrote 20 pages of a screenplay, and convinced myself I could definitely start a podcast. (Spoiler: I did not.)

Then, crash. Ohhh, the crash. Suddenly, I couldn’t get out of bed. My brain kept whispering, “You’re worthless, why even try?” Fun times.

Myths That Need to Die

• “You’re just being dramatic.” Nah, Sharon, I’m not choosing to cry over a toothpaste commercial.
• “Manic episodes are fun, right?” Sure, if you think not sleeping, making reckless decisions, and alienating everyone you love is a vibe.
• “Just exercise and eat kale!” Wow, cured! Why didn’t I think of that?!

Things That Actually Help (For Me, Anyway)

• Tracking moods: I use an app like Daylio. It’s like a mood Fitbit. “Oh, I’ve been hypomanic for five days? Maybe I shouldn’t adopt another cat.”
• Routine, but like… loosely. Too rigid? I rebel. Too loose? I become a goblin. Find the sweet spot.
• Saying no to ALL-NIGHT LIFE-CHANGING IDEAS. Write ‘em down, sleep on it. If it’s still genius in the morning, maybe consider it.

Medication: The Love-Hate Saga

Meds can be a game-changer. Also, a trial-and-error nightmare. I once took something that made me sleep 14 hours a day. My productivity was negative. But when you find the right combo? Magic. (Not “cured” magic, more like “functional human” magic.)

The Social Stuff

Explaining bipolar to friends is… tricky. Some get it. Some say, “Yeah, I get moody too!” (Cool, but does your moody involve impulsively booking a flight to Iceland?)

My rule: If someone reacts badly, they’re not your people. Surround yourself with folks who get it—or at least try to.

Final Thoughts (Kinda)

Bipolar disorder isn’t a life sentence. It’s a weird, messy journey. Some days you’re winning. Some days you’re eating peanut butter straight from the jar at 2 PM. Both are valid.

Oh, and pro tip: If mania hits, hide your credit card. Trust me.

Anyway, coffee’s gone. You got any weird bipolar stories? Or just wanna vent? Hit me up.