What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition affecting the mental health of millions around the world. This
disorder mainly causes extreme changes in mood, characterized by manic, or hypomanic
episodes and depressive episodes.
Symptoms:
There are multiple types and symptoms of bipolar disorder, each described by the frequency
and strength of the episodes. As for symptoms, a person can deal with them for weeks at a
time, or go years without showing any. The most common episode types are manic, hypomanic,
and major depressive episodes.
Manic and hypomanic episodes are differentiated based on how long each period lasts. 4 days
of symptoms in a row is categorized as a hypomanic episode, and the person experiences less
severe effects. These episodes don’t usually disrupt a person’s daily life too much. However,
manic episodes can cause major disruption to a patient’s daily life. A week or longer of
experiencing symptoms is categorized as a manic episode, the more extreme version of
hypomanic, with patients often needing to stay in the hospital during these periods. Both of
these involve symptoms such as increased activity, both physically and mentally, and being very
high-spirited and active.
Major depressive episodes are essentially the opposite of manic and hypomanic episodes, as
the name suggests. These periods are longer, categorized as at least 2 weeks with symptoms.
These symptoms are very similar to a patient suffering from depression; intense sadness,
feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and thoughts of death. These episodes are not usually
sudden, and periods of manic, hypomanic, or major depressive symptoms usually don’t come
right after another. Instead, they usually fade away until another happens.
Experiences:
Gisele Phalo, a woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2015, explains how “being bipolar is
like being a seesaw. [...] Just as a seesaw is constantly trying to balance the ups and downs of
its riders, I have to maintain a balance between my two extreme emotions.” Understanding the
personal experiences of people living with bipolar disorder is integral to understanding how to
support and care for them.
As explained by Steve, a man living with this disorder, bipolar can be described similarly to a
physical injury, but is worse in his opinion, as it’s in your mind and stays with you at all times.
Many others are like Steve, having to deal with this physically invisible condition every day.
Although this seems impossible to deal with every day, there are many treatment options
available for people living with bipolar disorder.
Treatment:
Dealing with these episodes, especially the severe ones, is difficult for most people diagnosed
with bipolar disorder. This is why reaching out and treatment is integral for helping symptoms
improve. Medications can be taken to help during these periods, especially mood stabilizers,
anti-psychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety meds for the short term. Psychotherapy,
including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and interpersonal and social rhythm
therapy are also used to talk about what you’re going through, learn about treating the disorder,
and regulate daily habits.
Types:
Bipolar I is one type of this disorder, characterized and diagnosed when the person has had at
least one manic episode, that may be followed by hypomanic or depressive episodes. Bipolar II
is another type of bipolar disorder, involving at least one major depressive episode and
hypomanic episode, but does not include manic episodes. Cyclothymic disorder is the third main
type of this disorder, categorized by dealing with many hypomania and depression symptoms
for at least 2 years. There are other unspecified types when a person does not fit into any of the
mentioned categories but still experiences severe mood shifts.
Women and men have also been proven to show different types of symptoms while
experiencing bipolar disorder. Women, for example, have been shown to experience more
depressive episodes on average, but have less severe symptoms. Men, on the other hand,
experience fewer of these periods but have more severe symptoms, usually more aggressive.
Diagnoses:
Typically these diagnoses happen in the teenage years, but can also occur in the early 20s. It’s
usually difficult to identify if a child or teen is dealing with bipolar disorder or is just experiencing
mood swings. The easiest way to tell if a child has bipolar is by checking if certain mood swings
get severe and are different from the regular ones. As for the actual diagnosis, doctors start with
physical exams and rule out other illnesses from there. After this, doctors can recommend
mental health care. From there, mental health professionals can determine the type of bipolar
disorder and its severity, providing treatment and care if necessary.
Support:
Most people are unaware of what bipolar disorder is, or if they are aware of some behaviors,
they view people with bipolar disorder as unnatural or unstable. This stereotype is very untrue,
as these periods of manic or depressive behaviors don’t define who someone is. It’s important
to understand what bipolar disorder is and how to care for someone with it. If you think you may
have bipolar disorder, talk to a trusted adult or professional regarding your feelings. It’s
important to remember you can get treatment for bipolar, which can make your lifea lot better. It
won’t get better on its own but remember you’re not alone in this.
Resources:
Visit these resources to learn more about bipolar disorder and how to get help:
Sources:
● https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2020/Bipolar-Disorder-My-Experience-My-O
wn-Words
● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-2
0355955
● https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-dis
order/about-bipolar-disorder/
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