On certain days, we all feel more cheerful, full of energy, filled with optimism, but on other days, we lack energy, feel sad, and have no motivation. This is a completely normal phenomenon. However, individuals facing bipolar disorder experience these "ups and downs" a lot more intensely. Bipolar disorder causes significant changes in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior, ranging from manic highs on one end to depressive lows on the other.
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is a brain disorder that causes unpredictable and intense mood swings in an individual. From an extremely joyful state (mania), people with bipolar disorder oscillate to a sad and depressed state (depression). The disorder affects about 1% of the population, with no gender differences in prevalence. It typically emerges between the ages of 20 and 40. In men, manic phases are more common, while women experience depressive phases more frequently.
The cycles of bipolar disorder are more than just fleeting good or bad moods that last for days, weeks, or months. Unlike ordinary mood swings, these cycles are so intense that they can disrupt usual functioning at work or school, harm interpersonal relationships, and interfere with the overall ability to function in daily life.
During a manic episode, an individual may quit their job, spend vast sums of money on their credit cards, and make unwise impulsive decisions. During a depressive episode, the individual feels extremely fatigued, doesn't get out of bed, and experiences a sense of hopelessness due to a previous job resignation or accumulated financial debts.
For the manic episode:
For the depressed episode:
The risk of suicide is higher in people with bipolar disorder who experience frequent depressive episodes, mixed episodes, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide, or those who are at the early onset of the disorder.
Effective medications are available to manage and alleviate symptoms. Successful treatment also includes psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and strong social support. The involvement and active support of family members are crucial. Family members or friends are usually the first to notice signs of deterioration and can encourage the patient to visit a doctor, preventing further exacerbation of the disorder.
You might also be interested in:
Depression
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is a brain disorder that causes unpredictable and intense mood swings in an individual. From an extremely joyful state (mania), people with bipolar disorder oscillate to a sad and depressed state (depression). The disorder affects about 1% of the population, with no gender differences in prevalence. It typically emerges between the ages of 20 and 40. In men, manic phases are more common, while women experience depressive phases more frequently.
The cycles of bipolar disorder are more than just fleeting good or bad moods that last for days, weeks, or months. Unlike ordinary mood swings, these cycles are so intense that they can disrupt usual functioning at work or school, harm interpersonal relationships, and interfere with the overall ability to function in daily life.
During a manic episode, an individual may quit their job, spend vast sums of money on their credit cards, and make unwise impulsive decisions. During a depressive episode, the individual feels extremely fatigued, doesn't get out of bed, and experiences a sense of hopelessness due to a previous job resignation or accumulated financial debts.
What causes bipolar disorder?
The causes of bipolar disorder are not yet fully understood, but they often appear to have a genetic component. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder typically occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood. Symptoms can be quite subtle and confusing; many people with bipolar disorder go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed, resulting in unnecessary suffering. As bipolar disorder worsens without treatment, it is crucial to be aware of its symptoms.Symptoms of bipolar disorder
For the manic episode:
- elevated, positive, but also restless and irritable mood,
- high self-confidence and self-esteem,
- feelings of grandiosity (megalomaniacal ideas),
- reduced need for sleep,
- rapid speech,
- a mind filled with thoughts and ideas,
- impulsivity (spending money, alcohol abuse, promiscuous behavior...)
For the depressed episode:
- sadness, lack of energy,
- loss of appetite and weight,
- insomnia,
- feelings of fatigue,
- slowness,
- restlessness and nervousness,
- difficulty concentrating,
- suicidal thoughts.
Symptoms of a mixed episode
In a mixed episode of bipolar disorder, one experiences a combination of symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode encompass the coexistence of depression with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, excitement, and rapid thoughts. This combination of heightened energy and low mood presents a particularly elevated risk of suicide.Different Faces of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder I (Mania or Mixed Episode)
This is the classic manic-depressive form of the disorder, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Typically, though not always, Bipolar Disorder I also involves at least one episode of depression.Bipolar Disorder II (Hypomania and Depression)
Bipolar II disorder does not involve full manic episodes. Instead, the disorder includes episodes of hypomania and severe depression.Cyclothymia (Hypomania and Mild Depression)
Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder, consisting of cyclic mood changes. The symptoms are less pronounced and severe.Bipolar Disorder and Suicide
The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is often very severe, and can be a major risk factor for suicide. In fact, individuals suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to attempt suicide than those with regular depression. Furthermore, their suicide attempts are usually more lethal.The risk of suicide is higher in people with bipolar disorder who experience frequent depressive episodes, mixed episodes, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide, or those who are at the early onset of the disorder.
Self-Help for people with Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder is not easy, but it doesn't have to dictate an individual's entire life. Successful coping involves making smart decisions. Lifestyle and daily habits can significantly influence mood and even reduce the need for medications.Education
Educate yourself as much as possible about the disorder. The more you know, the better you can help yourself or others.Physical Activity
Exercise has a significant positive impact on mood and can reduce the number of bipolar episodes. Aerobic activity contributes to positive brain and nervous system function.Stress
Managing stress, maintaining a healthy life balance, and incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises in your everyday life are advisable.Support from Loved Ones
It's important to be around people whom you can trust and who encourage you. Joining a support group or confiding in a trusted friend can be beneficial. Most friends will feel a positive responsibility that you've confided in them, which can strengthen the relationship.Healthy Habits
Adequate sleep and healthy eating habits contribute to mood stabilization.Monitoring Mood
Regularly monitoring symptoms and paying attention to signs that mood is slipping out of control can help stop the problem before it even begins.Bipolar Disorder and Its Myths
Myth: People with bipolar disorder cannot lead a normal life.
Many individuals with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying interpersonal relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging, but with treatment and solid social support, symptoms can be effectively managed.Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing between mania and depression.
In some individuals with bipolar disorder, extreme episodes of mania and depression alternate, but depressive episodes are more common. Mania can also be so mild that it goes unnoticed.Myth: Bipolar disorder only affects mood.
Bipolar disorder also affects energy levels, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sexual drive, and self-esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder is linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure.Myth: Apart from taking medication, there is nothing that can be done to control bipolar disorder.
While medications are a cornerstone of treating bipolar disorders, psychotherapy and various self-help strategies also play a crucial role. Symptoms can be alleviated through regular exercise, quality sleep, healthy eating, consistent mood monitoring, stress reduction, and support from others.Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
If you notice symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself or someone else, do not wait; seek help. Ignoring the issue won't make it disappear; in fact, it is likely to worsen. Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to difficulties in all areas of life, from career to relationships to health. Bipolar disorder is treatable, so early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment can help prevent these complications.Effective medications are available to manage and alleviate symptoms. Successful treatment also includes psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and strong social support. The involvement and active support of family members are crucial. Family members or friends are usually the first to notice signs of deterioration and can encourage the patient to visit a doctor, preventing further exacerbation of the disorder.
You might also be interested in:
Depression
Anxiety
Couples Therapy