Symptoms

Bipolar disorder symptoms are characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of signs and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. There may even be periods when your life doesn't seem affected at all.
Bipolar disorder symptoms reflect a range of moods.Bipolar disorder symptoms reflect a range of moods.

Manic phase of bipolar disorder
Signs and symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder may include:
* Euphoria
* Extreme optimism
* Inflated self-esteem
* Poor judgment
* Rapid speech
* Racing thoughts
* Aggressive behavior
* Agitation
* Increased physical activity
* Risky behavior
* Spending sprees
* Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
* Increased sexual drive
* Decreased need for sleep
* Tendency to be easily distracted
* Inability to concentrate
* Drug abuse

Depressive phase of bipolar disorder
Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder may include:

* Sadness
* Hopelessness
* Suicidal thoughts or behavior
* Anxiety
* Guilt
* Sleep problems
* Appetite problems
* Fatigue
* Loss of interest in daily activities
* Problems concentrating
* Irritability
* Chronic pain without a known cause

Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is divided into two main subtypes:

* Bipolar I disorder. You've had at least one manic episode, with or without previous episodes of depression.
* Bipolar II disorder. You've had at least one episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but much briefer, lasting only a few days, and not as severe. With hypomania, you may have an elevated mood, irritability and some changes in your functioning, but generally you can carry on with your normal daily routine and functioning, and you don't require hospitalization. In bipolar II disorder, the periods of depression are typically much longer than the periods of hypomania.
* Cyclothymia. Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia includes mood swings but the highs and lows are not as severe as those of full-blown bipolar disorder.

Other bipolar disorder symptoms
In addition, some people with bipolar disorder have rapid cycling bipolar disorder. This is the occurrence of four or more mood swings within 12 months. These moods shifts can occur rapidly, sometimes within just hours. In mixed state bipolar disorder, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time.

Severe episodes of either mania or depression may result in psychosis, or a detachment from reality. Symptoms of psychosis may include hearing or seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations) and false but strongly held beliefs (delusions).

Bipolar Disorder

From high to low. From mania to depression. From recklessness to listlessness. These are the extremes associated with bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by mood instability that can be serious and disabling. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness — manic behavior is one extreme of this disorder, and depression is the other.

The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, and those of family and friends, too. Today, a growing volume of research suggests that bipolar disorder occurs across a spectrum of symptoms, and that many people aren't correctly diagnosed. Left untreated, bipolar disorder generally worsens, and the suicide rate is high among those with bipolar disorder. But with effective treatment, you can live an enjoyable and productive life despite bipolar disorder.

Beef and vegetable kebabs

Summer, summer, summer. Here are theor things I like about summer. I can enjoy cooking out, gardening, hiking, walking( well you can do walking in any season) . I can wear summer clothes again. Go to the beach . Most of us love summer , just beause you can do alot of things outside like my favorite one" Cooking out".

Here is some recipe i would like to share for cooking outside. Enjoy lazy summer days with minimal cooking and easy food preparation.

Marinating meat before grilling not only adds flavor but also reduces the chance that cancer-causing substances will form on the meat during grilling. Marinating also helps keep meat from burning and charring.


Ingredients

1/2 cup brown rice
2 cups water
4 ounces top sirloin (choice)
3 tablespoons fat-free Italian dressing
1 green pepper, seeded and cut into 4 pieces
4 cherry tomatoes
1 small onion, cut into 4 wedges
2 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes, or metal skewers

Directions

In a saucepan over high heat, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Add more water if necessary to keep the rice from drying out. Transfer to a small bowl to keep warm.

Cut the meat into 4 equal portions. Put the meat in a small bowl and pour Italian dressing over the top. Put in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to marinate, turning as needed.

Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or a broiler. Away from the heat source, lightly coat the grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray. Position the cooking rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source.

Thread 2 cubes of meat, 2 green pepper slices, 2 cherry tomatoes and 2 onion wedges onto each skewer. Place the kebabs on the grill rack or broiler pan. Grill or broil the kebabs for about 5 to 10 minutes, turning as needed.

Divide the rice onto individual plates. Top with 1 kebab and serve immediately.

Amazing Anti-Aging Foods

Want younger-looking skin? Try incorporating these six foods into your daily diet.

Yes, aging is inevitable, but looking older than you are isn't. Smooth skin can take years off your appearance, and there are several things you can do to keep yours looking young and healthy. Start by avoiding activities like tanning and smoking, which can cause skin to age more quickly.

In addition, certain antioxidants and vitamins can help to combat signs of aging. In fact, one study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people over the age of 70 had less wrinkling if they ate more vegetables, olive oil, and legumes, and fewer dairy and sugar products. For firmer, silkier skin, try to incorporate more of the following six foods into your diet.

Broccoli: Besides being rich in antioxidants, which play a role in keeping skin elastic, broccoli may also be useful in minimizing the damage caused by the sun's UV rays. Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered that broccoli (as well as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts) contain sulforaphane, which help make the skin more resilient. A separate Johns Hopkins study found that applying an extract of broccoli sprouts reduced inflammation and cell damage caused by UV radiation.
Green Tea: An excess of particles known as free radicals can damage the skin by destroying collagen and elastic fibers in the tissue. Antioxidant EGCG, which is found in green tea, can help to reduce the number of free radicals, which, in turn, promotes healthier-looking skin. In fact, green tea extracts work so well in repairing skin that researchers from the University of California and the University of Freiburg, Germany, are using them to help repair more extensive skin damage in patients who have been treated with radiotherapy.
Berries: Strawberries help to keep your skin looking smooth because they contain an antioxidant that attracts and neutralized those despised free radicals. Other berries bursting with antioxidants are those that are deep purple in color, such as cranberries, elderberries, and black raspberries. Experts say that the same component that gives these berries their hue (a compound called anthocyanin) can also keep your skin looking radiant.
Salmon: It's one of those miracle foods that seems to be good for just about everything-and your skin is no exception. According to dermatologists, salmon (and red sea plants) contain a skin-friendly antioxidant called astaxanthin, which is more powerful than vitamin E and vitamin A.
Carrots: The beta-carotene found in carrots, long known for keeping eyes healthy, is also beneficial for your skin. And, if you want an extra antioxidant boost, you should cook the carrots. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that cooked, pureed carrots-especially those that included the carrot peels-contained higher levels of antioxidants than raw carrots.
Soy: Found in tofu and as a substitute for milk in dairy foods, soy has been shown to decrease the signs of aging. One study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, demonstrated that middle-aged women who took 40 mg of soy a day for 12 weeks showed improvement in fine lines around their eyes and skin elasticity. Those who took a placebo did not see the same improvements