Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder that effects a person’s mood. The mood swings are very extreme with a manic (high elation) phase and a very deep depressive phase. There is estimated to effect approximately 1% of the adult population. There is also evidence that shows that neither men nor women have a greater chance of suffering from bipolar disorder than the other. Bipolar is the third most common disorder after major depression and dysthymic disorder (a mild but persistent form of depression). Because of the extreme psychological disturbances caused by bipolar disorder, it can destroy lives. Alcohol and drug problems are often present in sufferers and without proper medication and care, it leads to 20% of sufferers committing suicide.

Many people experience a depressive phase most of the time, while only experiencing very few manic episodes. It is the swing between moods that people find hardest to deal with. Although no one would care to feel deeply depressed.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder and it is a life-long condition that often needs to be controlled with medication. Lithium is used to help control mania phases of people who suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, and continues throughout life. Bipolar disorder is very seldom diagnosed in people who are 40 years old and above.

Types of Phases
Although it is generally accepted that bipolar disorder alternates the sufferers mood between mania and depression, the American Psychiatric Association has identified four different moods that are experienced in varying degrees of intensity and length, or not at all.

Depression – typical depression from a lack of motivation or interest in anything including eating to thoughts and attempts at suicide.

Mania – often begins with an elated or euphoric feeling. can also cause a sufferer to feel angry and irritable.

Hypomania – a milder form of mania where the person feels good and feels they are becoming more productive with their life.

Mixed mood – a mixed episode is characterised by experiencing feelings of mania and depression all in the same day.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder symptoms are disturbances or abnormality of moods with the sufferer alternating between a manic phase and a depressive phase repetitively.

Depressive Phase Symptoms
Very deep negative moods often with thoughts or attempts at suicide.
Eating disorders.
No interest in activities enjoyed in the past.
None or very little interest in sex.
No self esteem.
Sleeping problems high an low.
Feeling guilty.

Manic Phase Symptoms
Excessive high or euphoric feelings along with many grand or over-ambitious ideas or plans.
Excessive amounts of energy.
Unnaturally high self-esteem and self-belief.
Increased sex drive which may lead to promiscuity and aggressive sexual behaviour.
Extreme irritability and easily distracted.
Alcohol and drug abuse, usually cocaine and sleeping medication.
Little need for sleep.
Manic phase lasts at least one week.

Today, one of the most common body accessories that differentiate the “cool” woman from the plain Janes are the cute little tattoos that she proudly wears on her skin.

You can say anything you want but you can never take away the fact that the women who get themselves inked are mostly the outspoken ones, the opinionated, those who possess strong values and beliefs, and those who have more confidence in themselves.

When talking of tattoo ideas for women, we immediately think of floral tattoos, butterfly or dragonfly tattoos, and hearts. And they get kind of, well, boring. But here’s one that is also very common, but despite its being popular with the girls, no two designs are quite alike, unlike cross tattoos and other symbols, –the fairy tattoos.

Fairy tattoos can take on different meanings. It could project an aura of innocence and a cheerful, lighthearted air. It could also stand for beauty with a playful flair. But did you know that fairies in Ireland, where the concept of fairies originated from, are considered evil beings?

Fairies are believed to be territorial beings of the underworld who would punish those who invade their “territory” and bring forth ill luck to individuals they dislike. And they do not look pleasing at all! But the fairies that Walt Disney conjured up for us are the charmingly impish creatures of perfection. And, apparently, that is what modern fairy tattoos are sticking up with.

Fairy tattoos, then, can be worn by people of various personalities: for the sweet and the young-at-heart; or for those who have a naughty, fun-loving personality, and anybody in between. The trick is in the design and the colors used and on how they are worn.

Fairy tattoos could be done in black and white for a more serious look, or in different colors for a playful, more feminine look. Also, the appearance of the fairy tattoo, its facial expression, its size, pose, clothing, and colors used can be customized according to the person’s personalities. Now, tell me how you will find that boring?

They can be worn on the lower back, on one hip, on the lower belly, or below the collar bone. It looks more sensual when worn on these areas. But they also look quite perfect on the shoulder, the wrist, lower legs, or anywhere the wearer chose to wear them. One thing you should remember, though, these fairy tattoos are more interesting when they are located in places where they can easily be seen.

Nowadays, anyone can get a good tattoo. All you need to have is the right attitude, the conviction to do so, and the money to pay for a good tattoo artist. They can be a bit costly, you know. And if you want to get your money’s worth, be ready to pay for it.

Also, just like marriage, getting a tattoo is a lifelong decision. And you’ll have to go through a long and painful process trying to part with it if you find later on that you don’t really want it. Think it over. And when you’re done, do it again, more carefully this time.

Identity theft is now more prevalent than ever. A person can use your personal information, bank details or credit card details without your permission for personal gain. This is a fraudulent use of your information and normally will cause you, the victim, varying degrees of loss and inconvenience and therefore identity theft avoidance methods are more important than ever.

Consider for a moment the trail of information you leave behind you when you pay the pizza delivery guy with a check – you may be asked to write your name and address on the back and that piece of paper, with your personal and bank details on it, goes through various hands before it makes it’s way back to your own bank. Any unscrupulous person in that chain could have access to your finances and potentially clear your account. Being aware of these issues is the first step towards identity theft avoidance.

The most important thing you should do in order to avoid identity theft is to be aware in every situation where you have to divulge your personal information or where others could potentially use it.

Here are three identity theft avoidance tips to help you:

1. Always aim to keep information – personal information, bank details, social security numbers, pin numbers etc – out of the sight of others. Preferably do not write anything down where it can be stolen by others and especially do not keep financial information together in your purse or pocketbook. A good tip is do not write your personal information on the back of a check, instead write down your phone number and then if verification is needed or there is a problem the bank can contact you.

2. Phone calls asking for personal and financial information are another potential trap and as such you should not give out information to anyone that calls you. Instead either ask for their number and call back (after first verifying their credentials independently) or call your bank or whoever the caller represents and verify the information they need.

3. Online identity theft is an ever increasing problem and therefore you need to exercise due diligence when buying goods online. What do you know about the company? Have you bought items from them before? Check whether the yellow padlock shows in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Do they used a recognised payment processor e.g. Paypal, WorldPay etc?

You should never divulge your financial information until you are happy that the website is genuine and that your information is secure. You can always contact the Better Business Bureau to see if they are genuine.

Cloning websites is very popular as a way of relieving you of your cash and personal details, so never click links within suspicious emails. Many companies will tell you explicitly that they will never contact you in this way. If you are at all unsure then reassure yourself by contacting them yourself.

As you can see identity theft avoidance is achievable if you are careful with how you secure and use your personal and financial information. Be careful out there!