What's in a Word

I've always had a robust vocabulary, and have found great pride in being able to access, in a split second, the right word for any particular occasion.  But, oftentimes a psychotic break, or a new med combo, puts a damper on everything and hinders my ability to "find my words".  When this happens, though, there is still the wonderful realm of bipolar-specific vocabulary.

There are words and phrases that simply roll off of the tongues of those with bipolar, and do so without requiring much thought or effort.  We know these words, they are a regular part of our day-to-day communications.  And, with this, it's like being a member of a secret society or club, whether or not one wants to.

Here's a short list of some of those special words/phrases:

• SSRI
• Shock Waves
• Hypomania
• Mania
• Mixed Episode
• Rapid Cycling
• Situational Depression
• Depressive/Manic Predominant
• Baseline
• P-Doc
• T-Doc
• Cognitive Remediation (well, Cognitive "Anything", reallly)
• DSM
• Psychosocial Function
• Euphoria
• Lassitude
• Equilibrium
• Mood Log
• Internal Critic
• Shame
• Guilt
• Burden

And, finally, a phrase undeniably familiar to anyone with Bipolar Disorder:

• "How is your mood today?" vs. "How's your day going today?"

Do you have any bipolar-specific words, phrases, descriptors?  I invite you to share with a comment, so we can get the most from our secret-club member benefits!