Do you sometimes feel like you can conquer the world? Do you feel happy and energetic, and you work non-stop? But then, after a while, everything turns upside down, and you feel so sad, lonely, and exhausted that you can't get anything done? This kind of emotional swing is the nature of the mental illness we are talking about today, bipolar disorder . This is not just a mood swing, it is something much deeper than that.
What is Bipolar Disorder, simply put?
Simply put, the name itself has its meaning. "Bi" means 'two' and "polar" means 'pole' or 'extreme'. Just like the North Pole and the South Pole of the globe, two completely different extremes. So, what happens in this condition is that a person's mood and functioning fluctuate between two opposite extremes.
These two extremes are:
1. Mania or hypomania : This is the 'high' end of the spectrum, with extreme happiness, energy, and activity.
2. Depression: This is the 'low' stage, characterized by intense sadness, loss of energy, and loss of interest.
These two phases can occur alternately. Sometimes there can be periods of normal mood in between. The important thing is, this is not like the mild mood swings that we all experience. This is much more intense , and it can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, work, education, and family relationships.
What are the symptoms of these two extremes?
The symptoms that can be seen at these two extremes are very different from each other. Let's see what these are. Perhaps you have seen similar symptoms in someone you know.
| 1. Symptoms of Mania/Hypomania | 2. Symptoms of Depression |
|---|---|
| Unusual happiness or extreme anger: Being overly happy for no reason or getting angry quickly over small things. | Intense sadness and hopelessness: A feeling of sadness and hopelessness that lasts for days or weeks at a time. |
| Excessive energy and activity: Feeling so energetic that you can't stand still, engaging in multiple tasks at once. | Complete loss of energy: Feeling lifeless, too tired to do even the smallest task. |
| Talking non-stop and racing thoughts: Talking rapidly without allowing anyone to interrupt, feeling like thoughts are coming at you in a fast-paced manner (Racing thoughts). | Slowed speech and difficulty thinking: slow, slurred speech. Difficulty making decisions. |
| Overconfidence: Feeling like you can do anything, feeling superior to others. | Feelings of worthlessness: Feelings of worthlessness, failure, guilt. |
| Decreased need for sleep: Feeling full after two to three hours of sleep, but not feeling tired. | Insomnia or excessive sleeping: Not being able to sleep at night or feeling sleepy throughout the day. |
| Reckless and risky behaviors: Spending money recklessly, investing in risky ventures, driving fast, engaging in reckless sexual relations, etc. | Suicidal thoughts: Feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of dying or committing suicide. |
| Easily distracted: Inability to focus on one thing. | Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy: Complete loss of interest in hobbies, meeting friends, etc. |
How does this really feel?
Imagine, you have a friend named Kamal. He is usually a quiet person. But suddenly he gets a strange energy, sleeps all night and comes up with a new business plan. He talks to everyone and says, "I will change the world," takes out huge loans and buys things recklessly. He thinks he can never make a mistake. This is the behavior that can be seen during a mania .
But after a few weeks, Kamal, who had gone to conquer the world, is nowhere to be found. He stays in his room, doesn't talk, doesn't eat, doesn't drink. He doesn't even want to look at the things he used to enjoy. He feels like a loser, a useless person. This is the nature of depression . Oscillations between these two extremes are what happen in Bipolar Disorder.
What to do if you have these symptoms?
This is the most important part. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you or someone you know, a relative, or a friend has these symptoms, please do not worry about it alone or be ashamed, but see a doctor.
Bipolar Disorder is not a weakness or something that is made up. It is a real medical condition that requires treatment .
A psychiatrist can help you get an accurate diagnosis. It's dangerous to decide that you have a mental illness based on what you read online. The doctor will listen carefully to your symptoms, perform the necessary tests, and tell you exactly whether you have the condition or not.
Especially if you are having suicidal thoughts, do not delay and immediately tell a trusted adult, see a doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU). You are not alone, there are people who can help you.
There are very effective treatments for this, including medications and psychotherapy. With the right treatment, it is possible to control this condition and live a normal, successful life.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness characterized by alternating periods of extreme happiness (mania) and extreme sadness (depression).
- These are much more severe than normal mood swings , and they last for days or weeks.
- Things like reckless spending, excessive talking, and sleep deprivation can be seen during Mania, while things like extreme sadness, boredom, and boredom with life can be seen during Depression.
- If you have symptoms like these, it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is very important to see a doctor immediately and get proper advice and treatment.
- With proper treatment, this condition can be well controlled and you can live a successful and happy life.
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