Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings or mood episodes. These mood swings/ episodes typically include periods of intense emotional highs, known as manic or hypomanic episodes, and periods of severe depression.
There are 2 main phases of bipolar disorders:
During manic episodes, people with bipolar often go through symptoms such as:
- Elevated mood and extreme happiness.
- High energy levels.
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech.
- Impulsivity, risky behaviour, or poor decision-making.
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem.
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are like major depressive disorder and involve symptoms like:
- Persistent sadness and hopelessness.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Fatigue and low energy levels.
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
- Appetite changes, this often leads to weight gain or loss.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
- Self-harm.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can have a huge impact on a person’s life, especially left untreated. It can affect day to day tasks, relationships, work or even school performance.
There are different types of bipolar disorder, including:
- bipolar I disorder this is characterised by manic episodes.
- bipolar II disorder: this is characterised with hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.
- cyclothymic disorder: a milder form of bipolar disorder with mood swings that are less severe.
Risk factors for bipolar:
Genetics: if a family member, or a long line of family members have had bipolar, it may increase your chances of being diagnosed with bipolar.
Substance Abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug misuse, can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or worsen its symptoms. Substance use can also trigger manic or depressive episodes.
Brain Structure and Function: The structure of your brain may contribute to dipolar disorder. Brain studies have shown the difference of the brains between someone with bipolar and someone without.
Psychological Factors: Personality traits may contribute to the development of bipolar. For example, if you’ve had a history of being impulsive and/ or extreme mood may heighten vulnerability for this condition.
Support options
Therapy can be extremely effective when trying to treat bipolar disorder Cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical-behaviour therapy, and interpersonal therapy are some of the most effective therapy approaches that will teach people how to deal with their bipolar in a healthy way. it will help them improve their relationships and help maintain mood swings.
How to manage bipolar along with treatment
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Come up with a routine: find a daily routine that you can stick to make sure this has appropriate sleep and wake times.
- Regular exercise: try fitting regular exercise into your daily routine, as this will help reduce stress and balance your mood.
- Diet: A balanced diet has been known to have positive effects on your mood. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, can also be beneficial.
- Sleep: Aiming for around 7-10 hours of consistent sleep as deprivation from sleep is known to trigger manic episodes.
- Reduce stress: Stress reduction techniques, like meditation, breathing exercises.
- Support System: Build a strong support network of friends and family who understand your condition and can provide emotional support when needed.
- Educate yourself: try and learn about what bipolar really is. Understand the early warning signs, this will encourage you to take the next steps.
- Avoid substance abuse: try and avoid drug use and drinking alcohol, because could possibly trigger mood episodes.
Remember that managing bipolar disorder is an ongoing process, and what works best for one person may not be the same for another. if you know someone, or you are struggling with bipolar disorder, please don’t be shy to reach out for help.your wellbeing and self-esteem will change significantly.