Some days you may feel as if you have so much happiness and energy in your body that you can conquer the whole world. At that time, you are sleepless and tired. But on another day, for no particular reason, do you feel bored with the whole world, and you feel very sad, lonely, and helpless? It is not normal for your heart to jump back and forth between two extremes of happiness and sadness like this. Today we are talking about a mental condition called
bipolar disorder , which many people do not know about, but is seen in our society.
What exactly is Bipolar Disorder?
Simply put, bipolar is a mental illness in which a person's mood, energy level, and activity levels fluctuate abnormally between two extremes. It used to be called 'manic
depression '. In this, our mood goes to one extreme, which is a period of extreme happiness and energy (mania). Then it goes to the other extreme, which is a period of extreme sadness and sadness (depression).
This is not like the normal feelings of happiness and sadness we experience. These mood swings are very intense. They can affect your daily activities, work, family life , and social relationships .
It is important to remember that bipolar disorder
is not a completely curable disease . It is a lifelong condition. But don't worry. With proper medical care, medication, and therapy, this condition
can be very well controlled and you can live a normal life.
What causes this situation?
A single, specific cause of bipolar disorder has not yet been found, but there are several factors that are thought to contribute to it.
- Genetics : If a close family member , such as a parent or sibling, has bipolar disorder , you are at a slightly higher risk of developing the condition. It is believed to be the result of a combination of genes, rather than a single gene.
- Childhood Trauma: Some studies show that there may be a link between traumatic events such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse experienced during childhood and bipolar disorder.
- Severe Stress: These symptoms can occur due to a sudden major shock, such as the loss of a loved one, or ongoing stress, such as financial problems.
- Brain function: The brain function and chemistry of someone with bipolar disorder may be different from that of a normal person, particularly in the case of an imbalance of neurotransmitters that control mood.
What are the main types of bipolar?
This condition affects everyone differently, so doctors divide it into several main types. Your doctor will determine exactly which type you have.
| Type | Main features |
|---|
| Bipolar I | This can include episodes of intense mania that last for at least a week. Emergency medical treatment may be needed at this time. Sometimes, a state of detachment from reality, such as seeing and hearing things that are not there (psychosis), may occur. There may also be episodes of depression. |
| Bipolar II | There are periods of less intensity than mania, called hypomania . These last for up to 4 days. This may not be a major disruption to daily life. However, in this type, there are periods of major depression . These depressive episodes can sometimes be more severe and prolonged than in bipolar I. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder | Here, symptoms of hypomania and depression persist for at least 2 years in an adult and 1 year in a child. However, these symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as bipolar I or II. |
At what age is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
This condition usually begins to appear between the ages of 15 and 24. It is very rare for young children or people over the age of 65 to be newly diagnosed with this disease.
What are the symptoms of bipolar?
There are several mood episodes in bipolar disorder. Let's look at these symptoms separately.
Hypomania and Mixed Episodes | Symptoms of Mania | Symptoms of Depression |
|---|
- Feeling of great happiness and excitement.
- Being very active , increasing energy.
- The need for sleep is greatly reduced.
- Thoughts rushing through the mind at a rapid pace.
- Getting angry quickly, getting into fights.
- Talking faster and louder than normal.
- Thinking that they are someone very special and powerful.
- Spending money recklessly, engaging in risky behavior (drug use, unsafe sex).
| - A persistent feeling of deep sadness, emptiness, and regret.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Decreased body energy, feeling tired all the time.
- Decreased or excessive appetite .
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
- Thinking that one is worthless and helpless.
- Thoughts of ending your life.
|
| Hypomania is a less intense episode than mania. It is still characterized by increased happiness and energy, but it is not as severe as mania. In a mixed episode, both mania and depression symptoms can occur at the same time. For example, you may feel very sad and anxious while feeling very energetic. |
When should you seek emergency help?
If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, it's important to follow a treatment plan. But sometimes, emergency help may be needed.
Especially, if you have thoughts of ending your life , never ignore it. It is a serious symptom of bipolar disorder.
- If you start to experience severe symptoms of depression, see your doctor immediately .
- If you or someone you love is having thoughts of harming themselves, please don't suffer alone. There are people waiting to listen and help you. Please call these numbers:
- 1926 - National Mental Health Helpline - operates 24 hours a day.
- 1333 - CCCline - Trained counselors to talk to you and ease your burden.
Your life is precious. Don't hesitate to ask for help. - If you think you or someone else is in immediate danger , go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
How to accurately diagnose this disease?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be a bit of a challenge, as its symptoms can be similar to other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. There is no blood test or brain scan to diagnose it. Your doctor will first examine you and ask about your symptoms and family medical history. Then, you will often be referred to
a psychiatrist . The psychiatrist will talk to you at length and may ask you to keep a diary of your mood swings. Based on this information, the diagnosis is made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
What are the treatment options?
There are very effective treatments for bipolar disorder, which can be divided into two main categories.
Medication
Medication is the main part of bipolar treatment. Your doctor will prescribe the right medication for you.
- Mood stabilizers: Examples of these are medications like lithium. These control mood swings.
- Antidepressants: These are given to treat depressive episodes. However, these are not given alone, but in combination with a mood stabilizer.
- Antipsychotics: These are given to control manic episodes, especially if there are signs of psychosis.
Counseling and Talk Therapy
Along with medication, counseling is also essential.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ): This helps you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and manage them.
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy: This helps you maintain a consistent rhythm in your daily routines (sleep, eating, exercise).
- Family Therapy: This is very important for your family to understand this condition and support you.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar is not a mental illness, it is a real medical condition . So it is not something to be ashamed of or hide.
- This condition can be very well controlled with proper treatment . So if you or someone you know has these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
- Never stop taking the medication prescribed by your doctor without medical advice , even if you feel better.
- The support and understanding of family and friends is very important on this journey.
- It is important to avoid drugs and alcohol completely, as they can worsen symptoms.
Bipolar, Bipolar Disorder, mental health, depression, mania, mood swings, mental health, depression, mania
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