Bipolar disorder is a mental condition marked by extreme mood swings lasting several days or longer. Although we all endure experiences that lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, Bipolar Disorder stems from a chemical abnormality in the brain as opposed to external influences on one's mental health. Individuals with Bipolar Disorder are often on the extreme ends of the emotional spectrum, being extremely elated or severely depressed.  There are several conditions that are related to the Bipolar Disorder including Manic Depression, Hypomania and Bipolar Mania.  The Bipolar Disorder alone has different types that are based on the severity of the mood shifts, how often they occur, and the period of time in which it happens.  Extreme emotions can physically affect your over all well-being.  Bipolar Disorders in general may present escalating situations, risky behavior, irrational decisions and can even lead to suicidal attempts.  Because the emotions are so strong, people with Bipolar Disorders often have trouble sustaining relationships, jobs and can often run in to other complications in life.  Bipolar Disorders can also be associated with anxiety disorders and even substance abuse.

Bipolar Disorder is marked by dramatic and unexpected mood swings that tend to last for several days and even longer. There are also times when someone with bipolar may be balanced and neither on the high, nor low end of the spectrum. Because the tendency for those with bipolar disorder to be asymptomatic, the condition is sometimes difficult to diagnose.

There are common signs and symptoms that people with Bipolar Disorders may display.  Since Bipolar Disorder is considered to be a mental illness, most of the signs are seen in the person’s emotions, socializing habits or involve. 

• Extreme shifts in emotions
• Easily agitated
• Excessive excitement
• Irrational in general or in decision making
• Increased energy
• Excessive sweating at certain periods of time
• Days without sleep.
• Short Temper
• Inability to remain calm or keep still
• Violent behavior
• Fast talker, jumping from one thing to the next
• Flight of ideas
• Exaggerated behavior and thoughts
• Displaying difficulty in making decisions or maintaining plans
• Increased sex drive
• Substance Abuse (particularly alcohol)
• Excessive spending habits
• Inability to complete tasks
• Trouble at work
• Issues with relationships
• Poor Appetite or Eating habits
• Impulsive
• Increased activity level
• Depression characteristics

Like most mental illnesses, the exact cause for Bipolar Disorder has yet to be identified.  The neurotransmitters that are responsible for a variety of functions in the brain are often affected when a mental illness is present.  What affects the neurotransmitters is unknown, however, the malfunction in the neurons has been linked to certain triggers that one may encounter.  Research zeroes in on Bipolar Disorders being connected to a genetic factor.  The other probable causes have been linked to stressors that trigger malfunction in the neurotransmitters, certain lifestyles choices and environmental factors.

• Genetic (it’s very common for a person with a Bipolar Disorder to have a family member that also has a similar mental illness or a Bipolar Disorder)
• Biological Difference (physical brain changes or structures)
• Sleep deprivation
• Excessive amounts of stress (work, school, finances, relationships)
• Traumatic experience (accidents, abuse, death, separation etc.)
• Substance Abuse (extreme consumption of alcohol, cocaine, 
• Neurotransmitter dysfunction (brain chemical imbalance)
• Certain medications
• Excessive consumption of caffeine
• Other Mental Illness Disorders (Anxiety Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD)
• Hormonal imbalance (possible trigger)

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• Because there’s no cure for Bipolar Disorders, it’s important to nourish and recondition how the body functions in order to control emotions.  Certain nutrients and minerals has been linked to helping with the conditions of the Bipolar Disorders.  Omega-3 fatty acids can help with the symptoms of depression, while Magnesium can help lesson the highs and lows of mood swings.  Keeping a balanced diet that is beneficial to the body and brain function is best. 
• Avoid consuming caffeine, sugar, alcohol, drugs, unnatural substances and processed foods.  These kinds of foods and substances tend to trigger mood swings and often enable your ability to handle the situation at hand. 
• Therapy is an ideal thing to do to help get to the core of a mental illness.  It can help the person find the stimulant of the mood swings, further helping them understand when the Bipolar Disorder tendencies started to occur.  Talking about issues and concerns always helps free yourself of the things you’re constantly thinking about. 

• Setting limitations in life can also help aid with the conditions of Bipolar Disorders.  Paying attention to the signs and patterns of your behavior can help pinpoint when mood shifts are triggered.  Getting help with financial limitations helps control excessive spending habits that one may have being Bipolar.  Unhealthy relationships can also be stressors, avoiding the people that contribute to emotional ups and downs is best.

• Exercising can help relieve the body of stress and balance out your feeling.  Exercising releases dopamine, a chemical in the body that is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain distinguish happy and sad feelings.  When you’re exercising, your focus is not on the stressful things life, it’s simply about the way you feel.  Tai Chi, and Yoga are great examples of exercises that helps to reduce the constant feeling of anxiety.
• Scheduling relaxation time is key.  Most people are so busy with their everyday life activities that they forget to schedule time to try and unwind.  It’s a great way to recondition your body from constant emotional changes.  Relaxation time can consist of anything from vacationing, looking at calming visuals, listening to tranquil sounds, alone time or even taking a walk can help you relax and forget about your anxiety.
• Performing breathing exercises can help you get your emotions in check.  Breathing helps calm your nerves, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.  It also helps balance the mind and the body.
• The metaphysics approach to anxiety can also be a great natural remedy.  Calming scents like lavender and valerian, or the use of energized crystals and sea salt can help bring your level of anxiousness down. 
• Make sleeping a priority.  Not getting enough rest can trigger negative brain activity.  A healthy sleeping pattern can help alleviate most mental illness like the Bipolar Disorder.  Sleeping helps level your body out, providing you with the energy you need for everyday life encounters. 
• Meditation is a useful approach to help with the conditions of Bipolar Disorder.  Sitting in silence in a certain position, eliminating negative thoughts and incorporating breathing exercises helps to bring tranquility and relaxation.  Meditation helps reduce your stressors that may trigger the symptoms of the Bipolar Disorder.  Similar to sleeping, meditation gives your brain the break it needs. 

• Flaxseeds
• Blueberries
• Spinach
• Chia Seeds
• Bananas
• Sunflower Seeds
• Apples           
• Broccoli
• Raspberries
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Walnuts
• Kale
• Acai Berries (powder or dried)
• Almonds
• Maca Root
• Strawberries
• Asparagus
• Oranges
• Leafy Green Vegetables (Kale, spinach, Swiss Chard)