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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Susqu chapter.

Bipolar disorder is defined as a mental disorder marked by alternating periods of elation and depression. There are four types of bipolar disorder that affect roughly 5.7 million Americans. Bipolar I Disorder deals with either episodes of mania that last at least seven days or severe mania. Depression does occur in Bipolar I Disorder and generally lasts for two-week periods. Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by depressive and manic episodes, but not to the extent of the manic episodes of Bipolar I Disorder. Cyclothymic Disorder deals with periods of manic and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years, but don’t reach the diagnostic requirements for an episode. Then there are other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders that involve bipolar disorder related symptoms, but don’t match either three categories above. 

 

Although bipolar disorder can be a debilitating illness that results in drug abuse, alcoholism, suicide, and other tragic outcomes, it can also be a rewarding illness.  While we don’t get to choose the cards we are dealt, I believe that trying to find the positives involved with mental illnesses like these can make a substantial difference in a person’s overall state of mind.  Here’s five reasons why having bipolar disorder can make you badass! 

 

  1. We tend to be more creative, especially when we’re going through a manic episode  

  2. We share our illness with a ton of successful women. Demi Lovato, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Patty Duke, and even more are all badass bipolar women.  

  3. We have the ability to help other women with bipolar disorder.  

  4. We’re stronger because of our illness and have the ability to grow from and with it.  

  5. When we go through our manic episodes, we tend to be more productive than our peers.  

 

There are a million reasons that make each of us badass with our bipolar disorder, so keep on being badass and don’t forget to reach out for help when you need it.   

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Emily is a Junior at Susquehanna University where she has a double major in International Studies and Publishing & Editing. She is from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Spring 2019 is Emily's 5th semester as a member of Susquehanna University's Her Campus chapter. She currently serves as Event Coordinator, having previously held the titles of President and Senior Editor.