Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Have you ever experienced a certain time in your life, when at one moment, you were fully energetic, vibrant, and ready to take challenges, but in the very next moment, you became the opposite of it? Have you seen people who say something one second, but then do something else the very next second?

Confused? This condition is indeed very confusing for both the affected person and the people who get to see them in such a vulnerable state.

This condition, where a person suddenly feels energetic and then goes back to feeling depressed after some time, is referred to as a “bipolar disorder.”

Bipolar disorder is much common than we think it is, and we might not even realize that we are suffering from it at times.

Let us explore this mental disorder in detail, and learn some amazing facts about it.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition in which the affected person experiences sudden high and low bouts of changes in mood, energy, and sleep patterns.

This disorder was previously famous by the name of “Maniac Depression” but has been renamed “Bipolar Disorder” now.

In this disease, a person experiences ‘periods’ of happiness and sadness simultaneously. During one period, a person would feel extremely energized, happy, and motivated to get through the day and enjoy life in general. But in the very next ‘period’ or phase, he would experience a sudden disappointment, anger, or frustration over himself or the circumstances or other people around him.

In BPD, the patient’s personality becomes quite similar to that of an electricity pole – remember how two poles are opposite of each other? That is how opposite a person’s personality becomes.

Why Does This Disorder Take Place?

As surprisingly as it may come, bipolar disorder does not have a specified cause behind its occurrence.

Some studies say it just runs in the family; others say it is because of the combined genetic and environmental factors playing their respective roles behind its occurrence.

Whatever the cause is, it is always better to visit a psychiatrist as soon as you notice visible changes in your attitude and behavior before it gets too late.

What Are Some Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Being characterized as a type of ‘mania,’ bipolar disorder symptoms may vary from person to person. It is not necessary that if one person experiences extreme intensity symptoms, the other person will experience them at the same level.

However, some critical and diagnostic level symptoms experienced in a patient with bipolar disorder are enlisted below:  

High Period/Phase Symptoms

  • Extreme levels of happiness, cheerfulness, and excitement,
  • The sudden transition from a happy state to a sad state,
  • Rapid, incomprehensible speech,
  • An increasing amount of restlessness,
  • Considering oneself to be of extreme grandeur,
  • Making high-level, unachievable plans,
  • Increased energy levels,
  • Increased sex drive,
  • Decreased sleep.

Low Period/Phase Symptoms

  • Extreme levels of sadness, depression, or hopelessness,
  • Not considering oneself worthy of anything good in life,
  • Forgetfulness,
  • Not enjoying anything in life at all,
  • Increasing suicidal ideations or tendencies,
  • Trouble in focusing or making decisions in life,
  • Eating too much or too less,
  • Drug and substance abuse,
  • Sleeping a lot.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Sometimes, our thought process might lead us to think that we are suffering from bipolar disorder. On other occasions, excessive stress or tensions in our life might also lead us to think this way.

But, the best way to get accurately diagnosed and know if you are suffering from this condition is through an appointment with a doctor. This not only applies to you but anyone in your family. You should be very serious once you observe the symptoms of this disorder. 

A psychiatrist will cleverly evaluate if this is a bipolar disorder. There is no blood test or any other test that helps diagnose this condition. Only a psychiatrist, through his careful evaluation, is able to do that will full confidence.

Bipolar Disorder

A psychiatrist can help diagnose a bipolar disorder. | Source: Freepik.com

How to Manage Life While Suffering from Bipolar Disorder? 

If you or any of your family members got diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it does not mean that life is over. People can easily manage to live with this condition if they take proper care and follow protocol.

We have listed down a few ways that can help you lead a happy and content life with bipolar disorder for your convenience. Just remember to have the will-power and desire to overcome any adversary in life.

1. Take Your Medicines on Time:

This is very important. People do not comply with their doctor’s instructions and tend to ignore their medical prescriptions. This is very hazardous in the long term. By taking your medicines regularly, you ensure that your bipolar episodes would decrease significantly, and your symptoms would be alleviated gradually.

2. Sleep Properly:

Sleep deprivation and insomnia are both features of the BPD; therefore, to ensure that you do not trigger your mania-filled episode, you should be very careful about your sleep timings and duration. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Set up a schedule, and work hard on sticking to it.

3. Eat Healthily:

A healthy diet should always be your top priority. You should be eating your meals properly, without any distractions (Tv/mobile). Make a habit of finishing your meals calmly and slowly, and avoid any digestive problems. You need to consume a balanced and nutrient-filled diet to say fit and healthy.

4. Don’t Take stress:

There is only one life – why waste your time in stressing over useless things? Try to stay happy, calm, and collected at all times. Talk to everyone around you. And make sure you are surrounded by a positive company at all times and try to be optimistic.

By following these tips, you will be able to get a grip on your life and learn to lead your life with normalcy even when suffering from Bipolar disorder.

Bonus video: Bipolar disorder (depression & mania) – causes, symptoms, treatment & pathology

FAQs


What is a person with bipolar like?

People with bipolar disorder frequently display extreme, intense, and disturbing emotional states known as mood episodes. Extreme happiness or excitement (mania) and melancholy (depression) are typical symptoms of mood episodes. People with bipolar disorder can also have normal moods occasionally.

What are the signs of bipolar?

Some symptoms that suggest a teenager might have bipolar disorder are:

  • Uncharacteristic periods of anger and aggression.
  • Grandiosity and overconfidence.
  • Easy tearfulness, frequent sadness.
  • Needing little sleep to feel rested.
  • Uncharacteristic impulsive behavior.
  • Moodiness.
  • Confusion and inattention.

Is Bipolar 1 or 2 worse?

None of this means bipolar II is a “milder” form of bipolar I. The manic episodes in bipolar I can be more dangerous than the hypomanic ones in bipolar II, but depressive episodes can be longer in people with bipolar II, the Mayo Clinic. One is not better or worse than the other—they’re just different.

Can bipolar go away?

Although the symptoms come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifetime treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, and family discord, but proper treatment leads to better outcomes.

Can bipolar people tell they are bipolar?

Not everyone who has bipolar disorder knows they have it. There are lots of reasons why someone with bipolar disorder might not realize it—or why they might deny having it even if they do.

What triggers a bipolar person?

Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.

Is bipolar a disability?

Bipolar disorder is included in the Social Security Listings of Impairments, which means that if your illness has been diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner and is severe enough to keep you from working, you are eligible to receive disability benefits.

Are people born bipolar?

Scientists believe that bipolar disorder is the result of a complicated relationship between genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that a person is born with a “vulnerability” to bipolar illness, which means that they are more prone to developing the disorder.

How do I know if I’ve got bipolar?

If you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than episodes of mania, or vice versa. Between episodes of depression and mania, you may sometimes have periods where you have a “normal” mood.


References:

  1. Jain A, Mitra P. Bipolar Affective Disorder. [Updated 2020 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558998/
  2. Hilty DM, Leamon MH, Lim RF, Kelly RH, Hales RE. A review of bipolar disorder in adults. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006;3(9):43-55.
  3. Culpepper L. The diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: decision-making in primary care. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3):PCC.13r01609. doi:10.4088/PCC.13r01609
  4. Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Bipolar Disorder. Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196974

Did you like article? Say thanks by clicking below:


About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *