Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme changes in mood, energy, and activity. These changes affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks.
Bipolar disorder usually develops in older teens or young adults, and the average age of onset is 25 years of age. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 3 percent of adults in the United States have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder can be of several types. There are three main types of bipolar disorder. Although they share similar symptoms, these symptoms differ in severity and treatment.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The main symptoms of bipolar disorder are emotional phases called "mood episodes". These episodes can range from extreme happiness or joy (mania) to deep sadness or hopelessness (depression). Sometimes people with bipolar disorder experience both happiness and sadness at the same time (mixed state). These "mood episodes" are often intense. During a manic phase, a person can be cheerful, outgoing, talkative, and energetic. During a manic episode, a person may feel very energetic, talk a lot about different things, have trouble sleeping or relaxing, may jump from one thought to another or from one job to another, may feel overly confident or overly powerful or wealthy, may make risky decisions things like abusing alcohol or drugs, spending or investing money recklessly, having reckless sex.
During a depressive episode, a person may feel depressed or anxious, may lose interest in activities or relationships, may
During a depressive episode, a person may feel depressed or anxious, may lose interest in activities or relationships, may have difficulty concentrating, may wake up late (very early) or sleep too much, and may have thoughts of death or suicide.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are not always easy to distinguish from other serious conditions. Mania can be difficult to distinguish from schizophrenia. People who use amphetamines or corticosteroids, or people with an overactive thyroid gland, have symptoms similar to those of people in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Some people have bipolar disorder for months, if not years, before they are diagnosed.
An untreated manic phase can last as long as 3 months. After the mania subsides, the person may have a period of normal mood and behavior that lasts for weeks or even years. Finally, the depressive phase of the disease begins. About 10% to 20% of people with bipolar disorder develop what's called "rapid cycling," with more than four manic and depressive episodes per year. The likelihood of future attacks increases with each new episode.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. An effective treatment plan usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, also called talk therapy.
Medication treatment. Certain medications can help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some people may need to try several different medications before they find the one that works best for them. Most often, doctors prescribe mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Medicines for sleep or anxiety are sometimes added to mood stabilizers as part of a treatment plan. Because people with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when they are experiencing mania or hypomania, it is important not to confuse bipolar disorder with depression.
People taking medication should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication. Tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter, or supplements you are already taking. Any concerns about side effects should be reported immediately. Then you may need to adjust the dose or try another drug. Medications for bipolar disorder should be taken consistently as directed, even when the person feels well. Do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause symptoms of bipolar disorder to worsen.
Psychotherapy. Sometimes called talk therapy, it can be an effective part of the treatment plan for people with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is a treatment method that aims to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
The challenges of bipolar disorder
When people with bipolar disorder experience mood swings, they typically experience significant changes in energy and activity levels, changes in sleep, and other changes in daily behavior. Psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions may also occur during severe mood episodes. This can be frightening for both the person with bipolar disorder and those around them.
Bipolar disorder is usually a lifelong condition. Many people with bipolar disorder may have periods without any symptoms. However, symptoms can recur at any time, making sufferers anxious because they don't know when their next mood episode will occur.
Living with bipolar disorder is not easy. However, support from loved ones can make a positive difference in a person's life, especially during mood episodes. Here are 10 steps you can take to help someone with bipolar disorder:
1. Educate yourself
The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you can help. For example, understanding the symptoms of manic and depressive episodes can help you respond appropriately to severe mood swings.
2. Listen
You don't always have to provide answers or advice to be helpful. In fact, simply being a good listener is one of the best things you can do for someone with bipolar disorder, especially when they want to talk to you about the challenges they're facing.
Actively paying attention to what they are saying, staying calm during conversations, avoiding arguments, and avoiding any topics that seem to annoy or bother them will make you a good listener.
3. Become a best friend
People with bipolar disorder can sometimes feel like the whole world is against them. Reassuring the person that you are on their side can help them feel more stable. You don't have to agree with the person's behavior and actions, but letting them know you'll always have their back can go a long way.
People with bipolar disorder often feel worthless or hopeless, and affirming their strengths and positive qualities can help them recover from episodes of depression.
4. Be proactive in treating them
Treatment for people with bipolar disorder usually consists of numerous therapy sessions and doctor visits. Although you don't necessarily have to attend these appointments, you can help the person with bipolar disorder by going with them and waiting until the appointment is over.
These encounters can sometimes seem difficult or scary for people with bipolar disorder. Having someone around to offer support and talk to them can help reduce any stress or anxiety they may be feeling.
5. Make a plan
Bipolar disorder can be unpredictable. It is important to have an emergency plan in case you need to use it during difficult mood episodes. This plan should include what to do if the person has suicidal thoughts during a depressive episode or if the person needs help during a manic episode.
Sometimes people with bipolar disorder can become impulsive during manic phases. In normal circumstances, they may ask you to have cash or credit cards with you as this will minimize any potential financial damage.
If you agree to do this, be prepared for difficult situations if your loved one "demands" that you give them credit cards or cash during the manic phase. Think about whether you can handle this before agreeing to support your loved one in this way.
6. Hold, don't press
Your support can be very helpful to someone with bipolar disorder. However, you need to know when to step back and let a medical or mental health professional intervene. Although people with bipolar disorder can make conscious decisions, you need to understand when their moods and behavior are out of control.
Also, don't take it personally if someone fails while you're trying to help. Remember that you are both doing the best you can.
7. Be understanding
It can be difficult for people with mental disorders to understand what they are experiencing. Those with bipolar disorder may not know why their mood swings. Understanding what the person is going through, but your support, can make a big difference in how they feel.
8. Don't neglect yourself
When caring for someone with bipolar disorder, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. But before you help someone, you need to make sure you have the time and emotional capacity to do so.
If you decide to help someone, make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. By keeping yourself healthy, you can better keep the person you are helping healthy.
9. Be patient and stay optimistic
Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, so symptoms will recur and go away throughout a person's life. The disorder is unpredictable, with periods without symptoms alternating with episodes of extreme mood. For the sake of the person with bipolar disorder, try to remain patient and optimistic. This can help them lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
10. Know when too much is too much
No one knows how to deal with bipolar disorder better than the professionals trained to treat it. If you are helping someone with bipolar disorder and feel that things are getting too difficult, contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. Call for help if you are threatening to harm yourself or others.
#bipolardisorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder
https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/caregiver-support
