By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com
Disorders are what they sound like; something is not functioning well. Disorders are not: curses, inherently demonic, mere labels, weakness, self-pity, spiritual flaws, or any of the other stigma-style judgments.
Bipolar disorder is a lack of moderation between moods, generally speaking. One with this disorder can feel very enthused, euphoric, full of creativity and energy. Then, seemingly without warning, one’s mood can shift to depression. There is a lack of motivation, energy, and creative thought. Mania, the euphoric mood, can move into psychosis (the loss of reality) in extreme cases. Bipolar depression, in extreme cases, can become major depression with a sense of hopelessness and despair.
What is missing is the middle ground where most people live. It can occur without any parameters; no one knows when the mood will switch. Some people experience rapid cycling, in which the moods can shift several times a day. Others experience mood shifts a few times per year.
There are different types of bipolar disorder, which greatly interrupt sleep and delve into depression less or more frequently. Only a mental health professional (preferably a psychiatrist) can diagnose Bipolar 1,2, rapid cycling, or hypomania versus mania, or any other variation specific to an individual.
I have been told I have bipolar 1, which fluctuates between high highs and low lows. Looking back at the years before treatment, I can see where these took place. As with any mental illness, an untreated disorder tends to get worse and more frequent over time. I saw this happening before knowing what to call it. I am grateful for treatment now that holds me to the middle better.
It surprised me to learn that mania’s excess energy can be irritability. If I include those days when I feel inexplicably angry, I can see the mood shifting. My solution, besides medications, is to worship God. It is my opinion that anger based in mania does not reason away. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit to soften these moods. Then they seem to need to ride out their time.
God’s restraining power over my life showed up long before treatment. He protected me from myself. I can tell you of times I embarrassed myself, made a fool of myself, and thought I was fine. Generally, though, I’ve been a kind human. Bipolar does not decide your character.
Jesus works in anyone willing. A prayer in my life has been, “Please let me bless people.” I know that without Him I am capable of being mean, resentful, unforgiving, and mouthy. With Him, I can tell the truth gently, hold my tongue when necessary, and speak wisely. Bipolar does not slow down His work in me.
-COMMENTS WELCOME
Today’s Helpful Word
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
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