My name is Quinn. I'm a twenty-four year old newbie writer living in small town Ohio and I have Bipolar I Disorder. I was diagnosed after a two-week long manic episode, which ended up in my hospitalization at the age of seventeen, and ever since I received the diagnoses I have been learning new things about it that have both fascinated and interested me. The main thing I have learned is that this disorder isn't as simple as any dictionary definition, but even learning the basics can open your eyes to learning about this disorder that millions have been diagnosed with.

Below I have compiled a list of five things I have learned in the seven years since my diagnosis, they have certainly enlightened me and I hope they can do the same for you as you read along.

1. The Differences and Similarities Between Bipolar I and II

When I was first diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder during my hospitalization at the age of seventeen, I didn't even know there was more than one type of diagnosis possible when it came to being bipolar. My initial diagnosis was Bipolar II but after a few years of evaluations through therapy and psychiatry appointments, it was changed to a more fitting (for me) Bipolar I and the difference is more simple than I ever thought it could be.

The key difference between the two diagnoses is the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes. Both cause increased energy and emotions that can affect your day-to-day life but there is a difference between the two. Manic episodes are part of Bipolar I Disorder and can be defined as periods of great excitement or euphoria, inflated grandiosity, decrease in need for sleep, increase in risky behaviors, irritability, and distractibility that last at least 7 days or results in a hospitalization. This is something I've struggled with throughout my life and I didn't even realize it until recently. Not all manic episodes require hospitalizations, though the episode that I struggled through at seventeen did and my psychiatrist says this is a reason I was diagnosed with Bipolar I rather than II. Hypomanic episodes are milder versions of mania and last for a shorter period of time. Specifically, hypomanic episodes last at least 4 consecutive days and are typically associated more with Bipolar II Disorder. Bipolar I can also include hypomanic episodes, but the difference between the two is that Bipolar I must include at least one current or past manic episode to meet criteria.

A common thread between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder is that they both include the presence of a current or past depressive episode. Depressive episodes are defined as a minimum of a 2-week period that includes symptoms of lack of motivation, hopelessness, fatigue, changes in eating/sleeping, and/or a loss in interests or activities you once enjoyed. In my studies, I have found out that Bipolar II is actually often misdiagnosed as depression. I am an advocate for knowing as much as you can about your diagnosis. If you believe you have been misdiagnosed and you have a question, reach out to your psychiatrist or therapist. You might find out something new.

2. Stereotype vs. Reality

We have all heard the phrase "Oh, they're so bipolar" be said at least once in our lives and to people who have really been diagnosed with something like that, it is more than a little insulting. Using language like this reinforces misunderstandings about mental health and each of us has a part in reducing the stigma that comes with mental illness.

In my experience, when people think of being bipolar they think of hot and cold, high or low, mad or happy. While of course people with bipolar disorder suffer from mood swings, there is far more to it. It's not as simple as a flick of a switch, mood shifts happen over time. Sometimes people will even experience a mixed state of emotions which includes features of both depressive and manic/hypomanic states and it is a time of great vulnerability for some people. Always remember that everyone experiences different emotions and feelings--having a mental illness doesn't take away from that.

3. My Symptoms

During my time of learning about this disorder, I have learned about the many symptoms that might come with it. People with bipolar disorder can experience symptoms such as mood swings, sadness, elevated moods, guilt, hopelessness, and difficulty falling asleep. In my experience, the number one thing that comes with this disorder that affects me the most is the anxiety and depression. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. To me, sometimes I can even be anxious when I have nothing to be worried about or sad when everything seems to be going okay. I know I am not alone in it and it tends to sneak up on me, but it can certainly be managed with a good support system and coping mechanisms.

4. Needing Help is Not a Bad Thing, Don't Be Afraid to Ask

Something I have learned that may be one of the most important in my opinion is the fact that reaching out to others and asking for help is not a bad thing. Needing help is something that everyone in the world goes through at least once and there are people out there who care enough to help. If you ever feel sad, reach out to a friend or loved one and talk to them. Calling a help line when you're feeling hopeless can be the thing that gives you a spark of hope again. Taking medication for your symptoms does not mean you're weak. And lastly, using coping mechanisms is completely normal. Everyone needs help sometimes. Don't be afraid to reach out.

5. People With Bipolar Disorder Can Live Happy Lives (Representation Matters)

When I was initially diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, I was devastated. I was afraid I would always feel sad, hopeless, and unsure about the future. But I learned that even with bipolar disorder, people can live happy, fulfilling lives. There are many people with this disorder who have become incredibly successful in so many ways and I realized I could be one of them. No matter what the diagnosis says, I know I can follow my dreams and accomplish anything I want to do in life. There are many examples of bipolar success stories but my favorite example is Carrie Fisher who was a beacon of light in representing people with this disorder, nominated for many film awards and had great success in her career. In the end, I think representation matters. It reminds you that you're never alone in what you're going through.

In conclusion of this list, I'd like to remind everyone that everything in this list comes from personal experience and the words of my psychiatrists and therapists. Everyone goes through something different with this disorder whether you have it or know someone who does. Each experience is unique just like the person who has it and this is just an account of one single person. I know I will always keep learning new things and I urge everyone who is affected by this disorder to do the same, no matter what obstacles you may go through. It might just change how you see things.