The main types of bipolar disorder include type 1, which involves severe manic episodes that can lead to psychosis, and type 2, where depressive phases with hypomanic episodes are predominant. One of the main challenges in Mexico is the difficulty in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, due to a lack of information and the normalization of behaviors that may be warning signs, such as decreased need for sleep, excessive increase in energy, rapid speech, or compulsive shopping. Furthermore, Maureen Terán pointed out that stigmas persist that minimize the illness by considering it a simple 'mood swing,' which delays the search for professional help and affects the quality of life for those who suffer from it. In the workplace, she warned, symptoms such as hyperactivity or apparent high productivity can be confused with outstanding performance, when in reality they could be signs of a manic episode, increasing the risk of a mental health crisis. International bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that one in four people will experience some mental disorder throughout their lives, which underscores the urgency of strengthening public mental health policies. In this context, Maureen Terán called on health authorities to expand psychiatric care infrastructure, ensure a supply of medications, and launch information campaigns to allow for the timely identification of bipolar disorder. She also highlighted the importance of generating more empathetic social and work environments where people can receive support without being discriminated against, as with proper treatment it is possible to lead a stable and functional life. Bipolar disorder, a mental illness that affects millions of people in Mexico, faces significant challenges in terms of timely diagnosis, medical care, and elimination of the social stigma, specialists warned on World Bipolar Disorder Day, which is commemorated on March 30. In an interview with Publimetro, Maureen Terán, a Mexican speaker with bipolar disorder, indicated that in the country around three million people live with this condition, characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression that affect behavior, perception of reality, and daily life. What is bipolar disorder? The specialist explained that bipolar disorder can originate from chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters, genetic factors, or environmental conditions.
