There are many mental health disorders that we can’t even name, and in this article, let’s talk about Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression).
(Image is provided by Pixabay, and is copy-right free)
Bipolar disorder is very common in the United States. It causes an unusual shift in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Continue to read to find out more information about Bipolar disorder!
Bipolar disorder is characterized as distinct periods of “mood episodes”. People having a manic episode may feel very “up” or “high”, with a loss of appetite and decreased need for sleep. During this episode, people may talk very fast about various things, and feel like their thoughts are racing. Additionally, being more confident and thinking oneself as unusually talented, powerful, or important, is common as well. However, while the symptoms of an episode can last for days or weeks, the sudden shift to a depressive episode may make one look totally different. During a depressive episode, one feels sad, empty, or hopeless, has trouble falling asleep, with an increased appetite and weight. Completely opposed to the manic episode, people experiencing the depressive episode talk slowly and feel like they have nothing to say. At the same time, they have little interest in almost all activities, and have trouble concentrating or making decisions.
While the manic episode and the depressive episode are distinctive, sometimes people experience the symptoms of both episodes at the same time. This is known as an episode with mixed features. Because of this additional episode, people may feel sad, worried, or depressed one time, while feeling extremely energized as well.
Although the symptoms of the episodes seem completely different, sometimes one with bipolar disorder has less extreme symptoms. In fact, Bipolar II (a kind of bipolar disorder) causes a less severe form of mania known as hypomania. While the person with Bipolar II may not feel like anything is wrong to them, family and friends may recognize the changes in his or her mood or activity levels. A more severe mania or depression may be developed if hypomania is not treated properly.
Proper diagnosis and treatment can lead to positive outcomes though bipolar disorder seems like a difficult situation. Talking to a doctor, health care provider, or clinical social worker is the first and most helpful step. At the same time, support from family and friends is important as well.
While bipolar disorder has similar symptoms to many other mental health disorders such as major depression, it can also occur with some other mental disorders or conditions such as anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, or eating disorders. Anxiety, misuse of drugs or alcohol, binge eating or bulimia are all the symptoms that may occur, and they all require help, support, and understanding from friends, family, or even strangers.
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are always ways to help make it easier for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. Although it is a lifelong illness, ongoing treatment can help control symptoms, and health and active life will be the ultimate positive outcome.
Written by: Benetta Wang
Sources:
“NIMH » Bipolar Disorder.” NIMH, 30 Dec. 2020, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml.
Holland, Kimberly. “Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder.” Healthline, 18 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder#:%7E:text=Bipolar%20disorder%20is%20a%20mental,bipolar%20disease%20or%20manic%20depression.
Comments