Understanding and Managing Bipolar Disorder

Experiencing the lows of bipolar disorder (tCaPC)

We all get cranky, and sometimes, we want to run to all our neighbors’ houses, jumping and skipping because we are excited. However, our mood swings can be controlled. It is not the same for individuals with Bipolar disorder. These individuals deal with heightened emotions and chronic depressive states that take the help of a village to get out of. This article is going to help you understand Bipolar disorder and how you can manage it, in case any of your loved ones have it. 

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder previously known as manic depression or manic depressive illness is a significant mental health condition whose top identity is the constant and intense shifts in mood. These shifts include the highly emotional swings (mania or hypomania) and the chronic depressive swings. A fascinating fact about bipolar disorder is how a person can go from 100 to zero in a few minutes. These moods can affect the overall mental state of the person, as they struggle with sleep, behavior, distraction, and judgment. Your ability to think is always affected by your inability to focus. There are three major types of Bipolar disorders, and then some:

Bipolar I disorder: This is the most severe form of BD. It is characterized by manic and hyper episodes lasting for at least seven days. Sometimes, manic symptoms can be so chronic that they require solid hospital care. During the lows, a person with BD hits the lowest of lows. Sometimes the depressive phase lasts for about two weeks.

Bipolar II disorder: Although people with this type of bipolar disorder also have consistent episodes, it is not as severe as BD I. The manic or depressive swings are less than chronic on average.

Cyclothymic disorder: Individuals with this type of BD only experience it for about two years in their lives on average. It could be a consistent pattern of depressive and manic episodes throughout a year in their adolescence, and another year of constant mood swings in their adulthood.

There are other forms of BD, however, they have only been found in a few. To understand bipolar disorder better, let's walk through Holly’s experience.

Chronic Mania And Hypomania 

Holly was a college student just like every other person. She had just gotten admission into UCLA, but she knew something was different about her. Holly's high school experience had been a rollercoaster. Every student in her high school probably had videos of her during her episodes. One time, she jogged around the inner walls shouting and feeling pumped for the upcoming annual sporting event. While it was already strange that lunchtime was the best time to get pumped, the fact that she was not even on any sports team took the cake.

Another time, while she was in class, Holly thought that the bottle of water on her teacher's desk was moving. She could not concentrate. She kept saying something about a horror movie but in her head, no sound was coming out. However, she was actually shouting, warning the teacher that there was something in the water bottle. A few days later, she saw a video of that episode online.

Depressive Swings

Facing isolation during depressive episodes of bipolar disorder (tCaPC)

While her manic episodes were strange, Holly also dealt with depressive mood swings. For many days, she could not get out of bed no matter how hard he tried. It was as if the world was closing around her. Every time she looked at her phone it was a video of her classmates laughing during one of her manic episodes. A lot of students thought something was wrong with her, while the rest assumed she was possessed. She was just done with the shame. How would she enjoy going to school when she had become a laughingstock? Soon enough, Holly struggled with her appetite. She was too depressed to eat and her parents were worried sick.

Managing Bipolar Disorder

The doctor’s prescription

Holly's parents took her to the hospital, and she was diagnosed with BD. Her mum was not shocked because she had cyclothymic disorder when she was younger. Holly was put on medication to help with her mood swings. She had mood stabilizers for her manic episodes. It helped her stay calm, although active. Her prescription contained Lithium which is a good mood stabilizer. She also had antidepressants which were used to manage her depressive episodes. Other forms of medication include anti-psychotic medication, that is if the manic episodes are chronic and persistent, anti-anxiety medications like Benzodiazepines to help improve sleep, and medications that deal with depression and psychosis simultaneously.

Seeking Therapy

Incorporating physical activity to manage bipolar disorder (tCaPC)

Holly also decided to go for therapy to help her understand what she was going through and how to cope with it. She had two different sessions. Her therapist started by giving her the basis of psychoeducation and how BD impacts her mental health. She tried cognitive behavioral therapy to help her block out loads of intrusive thoughts if not all that tend to influence behavior. She also tried Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to help manage her mood swings and improve her social skills.

Even with therapy and medication, Holly decided to go further with her self-care, as she wanted to feel like a fresh start. So, she had some tweaks to her lifestyle. She started going to the gym and eating healthy. She also decided to draft out a routine, with time specifics on when she would eat, sleep, and meditate. Within a few weeks, Holly was happier. She felt a positive shift in her state of mind. All the steps she had taken were working and she was back to school.

Conclusion

While individuals with BD have unique experiences, the steps listed above can help with basic management. If you have manic or depressive episodes and you have not been diagnosed, you should see a doctor. Every treatment plan starts with the doctor’s prescription. Some medications may have side effects with you, so, it is important to consult your doctor on what works best for you. Due to the heavy impact of BD on a person's mental health, it is also advisable to go for therapy. Therapy helps you manage and control your feelings as best as you can. Finally, it's okay to lean on your loved ones for support, you can not do it alone.