Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition in which a person's mood swings rapidly change and go from one extreme to another. In this condition, the persons may have less control over their emotions like anger.
A bipolar person may have episodes of depression at one time and mania at another time. In bouts of depression, the person may feel sluggish and tired, while during manic episodes, the same person may feel overactive and high on emotions. These episodes may be temporary or stretch over a long period, like weeks. Keep reading to learn more.
Find out about the definition and causes of bipolar disorder, its symptoms, treatment options and how to deal with it!Click To TweetCauses of bipolar disorder
- Lifechanging events like trauma
- Extreme stress
- Genetic conditions
All these causes may act as triggers that may lead to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar symptoms
Initially, the warning sign may be depression, in which a person feels worthless. The feeling of worthlessness may go to an extreme and result in thoughts about suicide.
This is the sole reason a person diagnosed with clinical depression must seek the help of a psychiatrist. People diagnosed with bipolar often have severe forms of depression first, followed by manic episodes, after which they are diagnosed as bipolar.
Manic episodes
The manic episodes may last for a week or longer. The person feels hyper-energetic, happy, euphoric, irritable, and agitated in this condition. All these extreme emotions may take a toll on a person's mental state.
People with manic episodes showcase a tendency to annoy easily at petty issues. This is also an alarming situation. In adverse cases, people often experience psychosis in which they can hear or see things that are not there.
Hypomania
Hypomania is somewhat similar to mania but has a few key differences. The most prominent one is that it is manageable. The person may manage work and personal life easier as opposed to mania. It does not include any psychotic episodes.
Bipolar disorder treatment
People showing different episodes of bipolar will have to undergo different types of treatment. Before starting a proper treatment, your doctor may ask you a few questions about your condition. He may ask you to document and keep track of your mood swings and emotion in a diary to observe the pattern.
After the diagnosis, your doctor may go for the following treatments:
- Mood-stabilizers. Your doctor may prescribe you medicines to calm your nerves.
- The doctor may prescribe medicines to treat depression and manic episodes.
- Taling therapy is another excellent option to explore if you do not want to jump to medicines.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Your doctor may ask you to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits like sleeping more, eating healthy food, and indulging in activities that give you a sense of achievement.
- Exercise is the best option to make your life more manageable.
Final Thoughts
If you are suffering from bipolar disorder, it is important to know that many treatments are available for this mental illness. Although some people with the condition require lifelong treatment or medication, others find relief by simply reducing their stress levels and practicing good self-care habits.
Bipolar disorder can be treated successfully if you take the time to learn about your symptoms and educate yourself on how best to handle them.
This is such a serious health condition; it is definitely very worrying. I have known a few people with this disorder and it is hard on those around them as well.
I agree – bipolar disorder is hard on everyone involved!