Winston Churchill used to refer to it as his “black dog.” When haunted by this problem, Churchill would undergo manic phases of intense productivity.

Florence Nightingale, the noted nurse and statistician, would hear voices in her head. During her teens, and early 20’s, she would experience severe depressive episodes as a result of this problem.

One of the most popular among the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, is one titled “The Starry Night.” This painting is said to depict the extreme highs and lows that Van-Gogh suffered as a result of this disorder.

These are but a few of the great and well-known personalities of both past and present that have displayed a symptom of bipolar disorder. It is no surprise that bipolar disorder, as the sixth largest cause of disability in the world, has affected, and continues to affect a great many individuals. It is a disorder that causes its sufferers to experience extreme changes in mood that can rapidly shift from manic episodes of intense energy levels, to an extremely depressed condition.

While bipolar disorder, particularly those cases classified as Bipolar I, can greatly hamper a person’s ability to function normally, all is not lost. People suffering from bipolar disorder can still live relatively normal lives. An accurate diagnosis by a trained professional in this area, is essential to helping a person achieve a normal life. An accurate diagnosis will lead to an accurate prognosis, which in turn will lead to appropriate treatment.

However, a person must first be able to recognize that they are in fact experiencing a symptom of bipolar disorder. It is this recognition of a bipolar symptom that will lead them to seek medical attention. Here are some symptoms of bipolar disorder to look for in yourself, or a person you know who may be suffering from bipolar disorder:

Symptoms Of A Manic Episode

• Feeling unusually happy and optimistic: feeling “high”

• The inability to sleep, or the feeling of a decreased need for sleep

• Sudden feelings of anger, aggression, provocation, and intrusion

• A sudden increase in creativity and productivity due to an abnormally high energy level

• Feeling extremely distracted and unable to concentrate of focus

• Experiencing delusions or hallucinations

• Involvement in dangerous or high-risk activities such as drug use or alcohol abuse

• Increased recklessness as a result of impaired judgment

Symptoms Of A Depressive Episode

• Extreme feelings of sadness and pessimism

• Displaying a lack of interest in the surroundings, or in the participation of pleasure activities

• Feeling a sense of worthlessness

• Becoming, without provocation, extremely angry, irritable, and anxious

• Considering the possibility of taking one’s own life

• Struggling just to get out of bed in the morning, and generally displaying decreased levels of energy

• A loss of appetite, or even a refusal to eat anything

These symptoms, or even a singular symptom of bipolar disorder may occur during, or just after experienceing any of the following:

• Suffering as a result of a chronic illness

• Experiencing a major life event, whether it is a positive one, or a negative one

• Dealing with a major personal, or family crisis

• Excessive use of drugs, or alcohol

• Excessive sleep deprivation

Bipolar disorder is extremely serious. It is very important for you to learn to recognize any symptom of bipolar disorder. Discovery of this problem is critical to the receiving of proper treatment, and the living of a normal, productive life. Can one have bipolar disorder and still be productive? Absolutely! Here are some other individuals who have suffered from bipolar disorder that you just might have heard of:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Kurt Cobain

Stephen Fry

Vincent Van Gogh

Ernest Hemingway

Sylvia Plath

Sidney Sheldon

Mark Twain

and many more!

If you think that perhaps you, or someone you know may be suffering from a symptom of bipolar disorder, it is imperative that you immediately visit a doctor who is highly competent in this field. Should you not know a doctor who specializes in this field, just ask your physician to refer you to a specialist.