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What is it like to have bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects peoples moods. Here we take a closer look at possible causes, symptoms and what it is like to have bipolar disorder.
Possible causes
It is unclear what exactly causes bipolar disorder, but researchers often cite some of the points mentioned below as possible causes. A combination of several increases the chances of a bipolar disorder diagnosis.
Dynamics of the brain
Psychiatric medications, such as Lithium and other mood stabilisers, are sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder. These medications work on neurotransmitters chemicals in the brain that carry messages between neurons or from neurons to muscles.
The effectiveness of these medications suggests there is a possible link between bipolar disorder and a neurotransmitter imbalance.
Genetics
If someone is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there is a likely chance that someone in their family also has bipolar symptoms. It is suggested, therefore, that bipolar disorder can be passed on from family member to family member. However, it is important to note the causes of mental illness are complex and there is no bipolar gene.
Stressful periods in ones life
Often, stressful events can trigger bipolar disorder in people with pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Stressful events can include the breakdown of a relationship, financial concerns or a traumatic loss. The longer these stressful triggers occur without proper care and management, the higher the chance of bipolar symptoms developing.
What do bipolar disorder symptoms look like?
Those with bipolar disorder experience alternating periods of depression and mania. These episodes and especially the mania ones often result in hospital visits and chronic illness, which lead to cognitive problems, distorted moods and lives marked by breakdowns in relationships, problems with employment and sometimes drug abuse.
Mania
Manias are an essential part of the bipolar diagnosis and are usually present in sufferers for a period of days or weeks. The length of time one experiences mania is one of the core features of the diagnosis.
Mania manifests in an intense amount of energy and heightened mood, often to the point of delusion. Sufferers may not be able to sleep for days but wont feel tired. They may take more risks than usual, financially, physically or sexually. This can make sufferers go on shopping sprees, get into fights or cheat on long-term relationships.
In more severe cases, mania may give way to delusions and hallucinations, requiring hospitalisation.
Depression
For someone with bipolar, depression comes in many shapes and sizes. Some of the common symptoms of depression in bipolar sufferers, however, include suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in hobbies, lack of appetite and inability to concentrate.
In severe cases, depression may lead to suicidal ideas or even attempts to hurt oneself. These are considered acute mental health crises and require immediate medical attention.
Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar I
Typically, those with bipolar I have experienced at least one episode of mania. This episode has to be longer than a week. Depressive episodes may have also happened, but that isnt always the case.
Bipolar II
To meet the diagnosis criteria, sufferers must have had a minimum of one severe depressive episode and hypomania symptoms. Hypomania is a milder equivalent of mania. It lasts a few days and can increase sexual drive, uplift spirits or make a sufferer agitated.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia sufferers tend to endure hypomanic and depressive mood states over two years or more.
What it like living with bipolar disorder?
Emma was diagnosed with bipolar II when she was 14. She is scared of having children as she may pass on the condition to them. She has noticed bipolar is being discussed more so its easier for her to find support from fellow sufferers. She blames Hollywood for glamorising the disorder. It is not a super power or gift . It can lead to the most destructive times .
Joni Edelman wrote a three-part series on her bipolar disorder journey, from diagnosis to everyday life. Her account provides a snapshot into how the disorder affects her, but also how it is incorrectly perceived by others.
She asks: Who would turn away boundless energy, confidence and creativity? Not many. The manic episodes make treatment difficult because they can inadvertently mask the totality and seriousness of the disorder.
For more accounts from people with bipolar, click here.
How does bipolar disorder affect relationships?
Because of the fluctuations between moods, bipolar disorder can have a profound impact on relationships.
Although Mary Driscoll doesnt have bipolar, her husband Paul does. She recalls their daughters sports day. Paul was experiencing a depressive episode and wasnt getting out of bed. She had to physically get him dressed and out of the house.
This case demonstrates how hard it can be to deal with bipolar episodes. If you dont help loved ones with bipolar, you are looked at unfavourably. If you do, you can feel unappreciated.
Danielle, 29, no longer wanted to burden her loved ones. She sought solace in her journal and used her dog as a quiet supporter.
Sabrina, 34, racked up thousands of dollars in debt due to [her] uncontrollable urge to spend . She alienated a lot of her friends and family as a result of her depressive episodes. Her moods have improved through medication and she now has a good relationship with her mother and co-workers.
Kanye West is one of the most high-profile bipolar sufferers. Kim Kardashian, Kanyes spouse, says: Ill do everything to be supportive and help to calm the situation (when he has a bipolar episode).
How to help loved ones with bipolar
Educate yourself
Plenty of sites explore the condition in more detail. Some good ones include Mind and the NHS website.
Listen
Listen to someone with bipolar when they need someone to talk to. Try to put yourself in their shoes and realise they arent in control of their moods during an episode.
Therapy sessions
A lot of people with bipolar attend therapy sessions. They may want to attend these alone but offer to go with them sometimes to show you care.
This article barely scratches the surface in regards to bipolar but I hope it gives you some insight into the condition.
