Do you sometimes feel so happy and energetic that you could conquer the whole world? But at the same time, do you feel so sad and depressed that you can't even get out of bed, and that you hate life? If your mind is oscillating between these two conflicting emotions , what we are talking about today will be very important to you.
What exactly is Bipolar Disorder?
Simply put, Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme changes in a person's mood. It has two main extremes.
1. Mania: This is the "high point of life." A time of extreme happiness, energy, and confidence. Some people can work for hours at a time, don't need sleep, talk a lot, and make rash decisions.
2. Depression : This is the "low point" of life. A time of extreme sadness, disappointment with life, lack of energy, and a lack of interest in anything.
Laura is a young woman who suffered from this condition. Doctors diagnosed her with bipolar disorder when she was 19. She says, "When I was in a depressive phase, there were days when I felt like I didn't want to live. Some days I would sleep 18-20 hours. For months, I couldn't do anything. I would stay in bed for 3-4 days without taking a shower, and I didn't even have the energy to cook."
Experts say that people with this condition spend most of their time in this sad, depressed state. But the good news is that Bipolar Disorder is a condition that can be cured with proper treatment and management .
Okay, now what do we do with this?
First and foremost: see a doctor.
This is the most important step you can take. Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be similar to other conditions, such as regular depression, it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis. To do this, see your family doctor or a mental health professional.
"These depressive conditions may look the same, but they don't respond to treatment in the same way," says Eric Youngstrom, a psychology professor in the United States. This means that medications used for regular depression may not work for bipolar disorder. Therefore, you need to talk to your doctor about which medications are right for you and what therapy is needed.
Things you can do yourself, along with treatment
In addition to the treatments your doctor gives you, there are some simple changes you can make to your lifestyle that will go a long way in boosting your mental well-being. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Lifestyle change | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Get Moving | When we exercise, our bodies produce endorphins, which are known as happy hormones. More importantly, exercise helps reduce inflammation in the body and brain. This inflammation has now been linked to bipolar disorder. Even just walking for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. |
| Get Regular Sleep | The internal clock of people with bipolar disorder is very sensitive. It can be disrupted by even the smallest things. Therefore, make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Stop using your phone, tablet, or TV at least an hour and a half before bed. |
| Consider a Supplement | Omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that has been shown in research to help reduce symptoms of bipolar depression, may help control symptoms and prolong the time you feel better, though. However, be sure to ask your doctor before taking any supplements. |
| Stay away from these things. | Stay away from alcohol and drugs completely. Both of these can worsen the condition and interfere with treatment. |
Have hope, you can recover!
That Laura we talked about is now living very well at the age of 35. The reason for that is that she took the medications exactly as prescribed by the doctor, and also followed the lifestyle changes we talked about.
He says another thing that has helped him is attending a support group every week with people like him. "Exercise is a big help. Just getting outside and walking and getting some sun makes me feel better," he says.
Another good thing he does is write down in a book the things that make him feel good and work. "It may seem silly, but when we're depressed, we can't think of anything that helps us. Looking at these things written down at that time is a big help."
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar Disorder is a health condition that causes extreme mood swings, but it can be completely managed with proper treatment .
- If you have symptoms like these, don't just guess, but definitely see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
- It is essential to follow the medications and treatments prescribed by the doctor.
- Along with that, lifestyle changes like daily exercise, getting enough sleep , and avoiding alcohol will go a long way in boosting your well-being.
- You are not alone. There are many family, friends, and support groups who can help you on this journey. Never be afraid to ask for help.
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