What You Need To Know About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes. Such moods can range from being overly happy, to depression to hopelessness.
A person with bipolar disorder can experience manic highs, depressive lows, or a variation of both depending on their diagnosis. There are two types of bipolar disorders: bipolar I is the manic aspect of extreme highs of euphoria psychos that can last for weeks, and some people rarely experience depression; bipolar II involves hypomania (euphoria) and major depression.
March is Bipolar Awareness Month in March and, coincidentally, March is my birth month – a constant reminder of my will to push forward since my bipolar diagnosis in October of 2014. Living with bipolar I hasn’t been a cakewalk and every day is a struggle, but giving up is an alternative I can’t consider.
Educating myself on bipolar disorder has been my saving grace, but acceptance saved my life.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder Starts With Its Origin
According to Psychiatry.org, Bipolar disorder commonly runs in families: 80 to 90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with bipolar disorder or depression. Environmental factors such as stress, sleep disruption, and drugs and alcohol may trigger mood episodes in vulnerable people. Though the specific causes of bipolar disorder are unclear, there are both biological factors, including a family history of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance misuse, and environmental factors that increase the risk for bipolar disorder. The average age of onset is in the mid-20s.
Bipolar is a common disorder but isn’t a common condition to live with. Many people who live with bipolar disorder find it hard to find and keep jobs and balance relationships. They often find things extremely overwhelming and irritating, and it can be a hard task to get through the day doing ordinary things.
Bipolar Disorder Is A Life Sentence But Not A Death Sentence
There is no cure or magic wand to eliminate bipolar disorder. While the proper treatment can help manage the disorder, it cannot go away. This is where acceptance comes in; you have to accept that bipolar disorder will and is a part of you and isn’t going anywhere. However, it isn’t a death sentence, and you can still lead an amazing life – if you choose to.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. According to McLean Hospital, the key is to treat the symptoms so episodes can be managed. By sticking to a well-rounded treatment plan, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively.
Treatment Is A Helping Hand
Simply put, treatment is a plan you put together with your psychiatrist that includes psychotherapy and medication. You build a safe rapport and find a concoction that best accommodates and makes you feel like you.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help manage mood swings and other symptoms. It is important to understand the benefits and risks of medications. People may need to try different medications before determining which works best for them. They should never stop taking a medication without their doctor’s guidance.
Therapy helps people accept their disorder, recognize the warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, develop coping skills for handling stress, and stick with a medication schedule. Therapy also improves communication and relationships among families.
You Are Not Alone
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may feel isolated, embarrassed, hopeless, and even mad. You’re probably asking, “Why is this happening to me?” You are not alone.
Support is available wherever you are, and most resources are free. Take advantage of such outlets and reach out to your peers. You don’t have to go on the journey alone.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889. This free, 24-hour service offers treatment referral and information.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to reach a crisis center
- Crisis Text Line: Text MHA to 741741
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to talk with a trained counselor.
