Recognizing and treating bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.  

Previously known as manic depression, people with bipolar disorder experience intense mood swings that go far beyond the typical highs and lows of life.  

During a mania episode, people feel intense energy. Their thoughts race and they have trouble sleeping. Some people feel like they have superpowers and can do almost anything.  

Then they crash into a deep depression.  

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a psychiatrist who treats people with bipolar disorder and also people living with the mental health challenge who have learned to manage their symptoms. They'll talk about the role of medications, sleep, monitoring their emotions and finding support and purpose in community.

 Guests:

• Dr. Matej Bajzer is a psychiatrist and assistant professor with the University of Minnesota Medical School who treats adults with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. 

• Danny Evans was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than a decade ago at age 26. He shares his recovery story to help others heal in his work as a peer support specialist, most recently with Ramsey County. And he is a presenter in the “In Our Own Voice” program with the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. 

  

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.