“He
is extremely happy every time there is a small success at work, he over drinks,
over sleeps, makes expensive online purchases, plans weekend getaways with
friends, socialises every evening and then next week he stays locked up in the
house, unshaven, hungry, not picking his phone and feels suicidal. Bipolar?”
Bipolar disorder can cause severe and unusually
high and low shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels along with unusual
shifts in the ability to carry out every day routine tasks.
The average age-of-onset is about 25, but it can occur
in the teens, or more uncommonly, in childhood. The condition affects men and
women equally.
People with bipolar disorder have episodes of:
Depression – feeling very low and lethargic. During an episode of depression, you may have
overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to thoughts
of suicide.
Mania – feeling very high and overactive. During a manic phase of bipolar disorder, you may:
- ·
feel very happy
- ·
have lots of energy, ambitious plans and
ideas
- ·
spend large amounts of money on things you
cannot afford and would not normally want
- ·
not feel like eating or sleeping
- ·
talk quickly
- ·
be annoyed easily
People with bipolar disorder are also at higher risk
for thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and
other physical illnesses.
These moods range from periods of extremely “up,”
elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,”
or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods
are known as hypomanic episodes.
Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of
bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer), and some people
may not experience a "normal" mood very often.
Some common symptoms of this mental illness
consist of distinct periods known as mood episodes that often comprise
of:
- ·
Unusually intense emotion
- · Changes in sleep patterns
- ·
Changes in activity levels
- ·
Unusual behaviors
Proper diagnosis and treatment
help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and productive lives. Talking
with a doctor or other licensed mental health professional is the first step
for anyone who thinks he or she may have bipolar disorder. If left untreated,
bipolar disorder usually worsens. However, with a good treatment plan including
psychotherapy, medications, a healthy lifestyle, a regular schedule and early
identification of symptoms, many people live well with the condition.
Mental health care professionals use the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose the “type” of
bipolar disorder a person may be experiencing. To determine what type of
bipolar disorder a person has, mental health care professionals assess the
pattern of symptoms and how impaired the person is during their most severe
episodes.
By the time you reach 26th alphabet, a lot of people will be able to figure out their condition. Awareness is a huge concern in field of mental illness. Next is taking action. Kudos to speaking on this topic!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both your posts, the one yesterday on Anxiety and the one today on Bipolar Disorder. One other symptom of Bipolar Disorder is that patients have delusions of grandeur during the episodes and sometimes slip away from reality. Thanks for such an informative post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jai, yes you are right that is the mania stage where everything is exaggerated to appear rosy.
ReplyDeleteThanks @Shetalkscents all we have our voice, yes that's the first step.
ReplyDeleteI have seen No Polar disorder at a close range. Hubby suffers from the illness and it can get very fatiguing for the patient as well as the caregiver. Proper and regular medication and psychotherapy helps keep things under control. And yes, speaking openly about it will help others become aware about the illness.
ReplyDeleteA serious neurological complication with outcome seen in psychological behavioural pattern. I wish there were drugs to treat this condition.
ReplyDeleteI have known so many people who deal with the issue and so many who are unaware that they suffer from it. Thanks for taking this up.
ReplyDeleteHave come across a few (patients as well as friends) suffering from this and it can be really hard during the extreme highs and lows, I know. Have struggled at times.
ReplyDeleteGodyears.net
I empathise Shilpa, looking forward to mutual learning during this process.
ReplyDeleteYes Abhijit mental health needs to be taken seriously
ReplyDeleteYes Sonia you are right, awareness is the key always
ReplyDeleteI've read about bipolar disorder in books and articles but not known any person who suffers from it. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for both the sufferer and their caregivers. Thank you for sharing this information. More of us should be aware to take care and catch the symptoms and seek help.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Roshan It is a difficult illness to manage
ReplyDeleteRachna yes we can only educate ourselves.
ReplyDeleteA very sensitive issue and a lot awareness is needed. Thank you for sharing your posts.Looking forward totit.I too stress on Mental Health Awareness through my write-ups and my personal experiences.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we observe this in some people but I think unless clinically diagnosed it is only thought of as mood swings. Awareness is the first step towards getting diagnosed and then treatment, which makes your chosen theme very important work.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know about this dear and you left me a little more enriched dear. It will help me identify now.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful Priyanka let's collaborate sometime
ReplyDeleteYes Namratha self-diagnosis must not be done, awareness to seek help is a must
ReplyDeleteThanks Roma yes we can't identify only mental health professionals can but we can be more aware and seek help for sure
ReplyDeleteGreat job at spreading awareness about mental health! 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks Isha
DeleteLike anxiety, people faile to recognize Bipolar disorder. Great post.
ReplyDeleteYes awareness is the first step
DeleteShe Talk Cents - the information is great, but please, don't suggest, even in jest (or half jest) that anyone diagnose oneself! Mental illnesses are illnesses, and need a professional to diagnose and prescribe treatment.
ReplyDeleteI can read about the symptoms of diabetes, or epilepsy, but if I have those symptoms I'd better get to a doctor, fast. Same here. I'll repeat, mental illnesses are illnesses, and many have real physical causes.
Lisa nowhere does the post suggest that please read the disclaimer at the end of the post.
DeleteI love your theme and this post in particular. If there's any practical tips or suggestions for friends and family please direct us to resources. Thank you so much! - Dragons & Spaceships
ReplyDeleteWay cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and the rest of the site is also very good.
ReplyDeleteAnxiety, bipolar disorder are the concerns of medical experts now a days don't know the reasons but it must not ignore if anything observed abnormal
ReplyDeleteNice important post about such a topic for which so less is written. Keep spreading the awareness.
ReplyDelete#ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia #MyFriendAlexa
This is a very simple and easy way of introducing Bipolar disorder to the reader. Bipolar disorder is often wrongly diagnosed and carries a high suicide potential so creating awareness is really helpful.
ReplyDelete