Some people are in high spirits at one time and, after a few days, sink into depression. Both feelings are very intense.
It is essential for those who suffer from these extreme mood swings to know whether it is due to bipolar disorder.
‘Bipolar disorder’ is a type of severe mental health condition that affects your mood. It is also known as ‘manic depression.’
You may have bipolar disorder if you suddenly feel pleased, hyperactive, or agitated, have a restless mind, and then suddenly have a lot of energy and feel very depressed.
These extreme mood swings can last for days or even months. These individual mood periods are called ‘mood episodes.’
Episodes of over-excited or overactive mind are called ‘mania,’ and episodes of depression and lethargy are called ‘depression.’
People with bipolar disorder can be normal some times.
The sufferer’s feelings are so intense that they adversely affect his daily routine, social interactions, relationships with loved ones, work, studies, or any work. It also increases the risk of suicide.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on the episode. Many people may have an early depressive episode followed by a mania episode. This episode may change at any time. Many may have two episodes at the same time. However, having these symptoms does not mean that you have bipolar disorder. Only a mental health professional can say that.
Depression
You may have episodes of clinical depression or depression before a mania episode. In this episode, you may feel worthless, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Common symptoms of this episode are:
- Feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness or irritability
- Lack of energy
- Trouble paying attention and remembering
- Does not want to do normal daily activities like brushing teeth, combing hair, making bed
- Feeling very empty, feeling worthless, doubting one’s abilities
- Fills with guilt and depression
- Suicidal thoughts wander
Experts say people with bipolar disorder are 15 to 20 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population, and more than half of them have attempted suicide at least once.
Mania
During the mania stage, you are very excited or pleased, have a lot of confidence and energy, and make big plans.
But the intensity of this good feeling is so high that the person often buys beyond his means and spends heavily, which he might not even think about regularly.
At this time, they talk fast, prefer to avoid eating or sleeping and get bored quickly.
Many also experience symptoms of psychosis, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there. Symptoms of mania are:
- Very upbeat, confident, and restless
- Increased energy, ambitious and creative plans
- Spending a lot of money unnecessarily
- Does not like to eat or sleep
- Talking too fast
- Being easily irritated and agitated
- Feeling important
- Being easily distracted
- Hallucinations, having irrational thoughts
If someone has two episodes at work, they can be depressed on the one hand and very active on the other.
Depressive episodes usually last longer than manic episodes. For example, if mania lasts for three to six months, depression may last for six to 12 months.
What causes bipolar disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown. However, experts say that if you are under a lot of physical and mental stress, such as stress at work, relationship strain or breakdown, as well as many problems in personal or social life such as poverty, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as life-changing changes such as close family. The risk of developing bipolar disorder increases due to the death of a member or loved one.
Besides, if someone has bipolar disorder in genetics, there is a risk of passing it on to the next generation.
Irregular lifestyles such as lack of control over eating and drinking, insufficient sleep, alcohol, and smoking habits increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.
Brain chemicals that regulate brain function are noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine—neurotransmitters. If there is an imbalance in the levels of one or more chemicals or neurotransmitters, a person may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
For example, high levels of noradrenaline lead to manic episodes, and low levels lead to depressive episodes.
Also, having other mental illnesses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD increases the risk of developing bipolar disorder.
According to research, one in every 100 people has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at some point in their life.
Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, but it is more likely to appear between the ages of 15 and 25. However, after 40, the risk of getting affected is relatively less.
Men and women are equally at risk of developing bipolar disorder.
How to recover?
A psychiatrist can identify bipolar disorder by asking various questions, such as how intense your psychotic episodes are, whether you have suicidal thoughts, and whether anyone in the family has such problems. After that, you can also take various health tests. After assessing your overall condition, they will decide whether you need treatment. But if the doctor says that you have bipolar disorder, then you should take regular treatment as per his advice. In this way, a person can gradually return to everyday life. Doctors prescribe mood-relieving medications to prevent mania and depressive episodes, which need to be taken daily over the long term. As well as cognitive behavioral therapy and therapy to improve relationships can help to manage this disorder. These therapies may last from six months to 12 months. In addition, regular exercise, doing activities you enjoy, eating a balanced diet, controlling weight, and getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. For this reason, doctors give a routine.
It is also important to reduce work overload.
Many people turn to alcohol, smoking, and drugs to ease the pain of these episodes. This worsens the situation.
In short, it is treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Hospital treatment is usually not required unless the symptoms are severe, i.e., there is no danger of harming oneself or others.
Bipolar disorder can worsen pregnancy. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers may be at risk of taking bipolar medication. In this case, consult a doctor immediately.
Do not make decisions to stop or continue medication without consulting your doctor.
Another thing to note: If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, talk to family and friends and get their help. Because you need their care, too.