'Bipolar Day' falls on the 25th March and brings about awareness. Bipolar is different to Depression. About 1 in every 100 adults have Bipolar Disorder at some point in their lives, with the condition developing between the ages of 15-19 years old.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, previously called manic depression, is a mood disorder typically marked by fluctuations in mood, shifting from extreme highs to deep lows. During the manic phase, individuals may experience a surge of energy, requiring little sleep. Their thoughts may race, and they might speak more quickly than usual. They can also struggle to stay on one topic, jumping rapidly from idea to idea, making conversations challenging and leading to increased distractibility.
How Bipolar Manifests
For those with Bipolar Disorder, they may experience grandiose ideas or delusions about their powers and/or abilities and a loss of judgment. Those in grandiose can become increasingly goal directed and as a result may get themselves into difficulties by taking risks, they would normally avoid, such as spending money they don’t have or leave a full-time job.
The Opposite of 'highs'
For those who experience the opposite of highs, can have low or depressive moods feeling depressed and that can leave them feeling lethargic, full of self-blame, self-doubt, despairing and may also have difficulty concentrating. This can make it difficult to cope with everyday life.
They may withdraw from social contacts, their friends and the world.
Other symptoms may include:
Conclusion
Bipolar is controlled and managed by medications, usually administered on the severity of the condition. It is a life-long condition, therefore it is important to continue to be assessed, seek medical assistance if the meds aren’t working, or your symptoms have changed.
Although Bipolar isn’t curable, and it runs in families, with the right support both from family or a spouse and through your doctor, the condition can be managed successfully. (Source: mentalhealth.org.uk)
I am pleased that you have posted this. Understanding Bipolar is so important to help supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition, their families and carers.
The more we hear and read about Bipolar the more we will recognise that support from a network of family members and friends can play an important role in helping their loved ones manage with the stress and strains of living with Bipolar.
Thanks. Yes, Bipolar is another condition that affects many people but gets little coverage and needs more.
Formerly known as 'manic depression,' Bipolar runs in families and if not managed well can cause devastating consequences.
It is important that it is micromanaged, to make sure that meds are working appropriately.