Understanding bipolar disorder
We all go through mood swings, especially when life gets tough. However, there are moments when these mood shifts become more intense and stick around, significantly affecting our daily routines. In such instances, it may be a sign that we’re dealing with bipolar disorder.
When we catch these signs and seek help early, it becomes possible to better manage the extreme mood swings and intense emotions we may experience. After all, we’re in this together, and reaching out for support can help us cope better.
Read on to learn more about bipolar disorder and how we can better manage it.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes us to have recurring and
extreme mood episodes.
These can be either:
Depressive
When we’re noticeably
and
persistently sad
Manic/Hypomanic
When we’re noticeably and
persistently happy or irritable
These mood episodes, unlike our typical responses to everyday situations and stresses, can be quite unpredictable, sometimes stretching on for days, weeks, or even longer. They can create significant challenges in our lives, often affecting our personal and professional relationships.
How does it affect us?
Depending on the type of episode we experience, we may find ourselves dealing with different kinds of intense and extreme emotions.
- Euphoric (immense joy)
- Energetic
- Agitated
- A bloated sense of self-esteem
- Sad
- Hopeless
- Disinterested in most activities
Since these states can have a major impact on our quality of sleep, energy, judgment,
and behaviour, professional or social situations may become challenging for us.
In severe cases, it may even lead to serious consequences such as self-harm or suicide,
overspending or other risk-taking behaviours. However, even in the most challenging times,
we can find healthier ways to deal with our struggles with the right support and mindset.
Common misconceptions:
Causes
While we still don’t know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, it is usually a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors that leads to someone developing it.
Biological factors Family History
- Having a family history of bipolar disorder increases one’s likelihood of developing it
- While it may run in families, it’s important to know that even when a family member is living with bipolar disorder, chances are most people in the family will not develop it
Biological factors Chemical imbalances in brain
- Having an excess or lack of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine can lead to bipolar disorder
- It may also occur as a side effect of medication or alcohol, resulting in mood disturbances
Psychological and social factors Certain personality traits
Traits such as neuroticism (i.e. the tendency to experience negative emotions like worry and anxiety more intensely and frequently than average), aggressiveness, and impulsivity are found to be related to bipolar disorder.
Psychological and social factors Traumatic or stressful life events
- Traumatic childhood experiences can increase tendencies of developing bipolar disorder
- Triggers from stressful life events such as a divorce, the death of a loved one, or even pressures at work can also contribute to one developing bipolar disorder
Psychological and social factors Social isolation
- Feeling lonely or experiencing social isolation can increase the likelihood of developing mood disorders like bipolar disorder
- Experiencing persistent symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder can also heighten one’s experience of loneliness
Signs and symptoms
Manic episodes
During a manic episode one may feel a mixture of:
- Distinct, abnormal, and persistent periods of elevated or irritable mood
- An unusual increase in goal-directed activities or energy
(e.g. working on a project all night) - An inflated self-esteem
- A reduced need for sleep
- Excessive conversation on a variety of topics
- Racing thoughts
- Low attention span
- Risky or reckless behaviours with negative consequences
These symptoms can last for 1 week or longer, and become severe enough to affect daily activities, and in some cases, even require hospitalisation.
Depressive episodes
During a depressive episode, one may struggle with a mixture of:
- Persistent sadness
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Restlessness or agitation
- An increase or decrease in appetite or weight
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Fatigue
- Difficulties concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Recurring thoughts of death
These symptoms can last 2 weeks or longer, and become severe enough to affect daily activities.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals may conduct several different assessments to check if one has bipolar disorder.
The individual may also be asked to record their daily mood, sleep, or other behaviours that may help reach a diagnosis in the form of a mood diary.
Treatment
Although the effects of bipolar disorder can be overwhelming, there is hope in
knowing that it can be effectively treated with medication, counselling, and brain
stimulation therapies. During the course of the treatment, a team of dedicated
healthcare professionals can be counted on to provide support.
This may include a:
Medical doctor specialising in mental health conditions (i.e. a psychiatrist)
Psychologist
Social worker
Occupational therapist
Case manager
Pharmacist
Nurse
Healthcare professionals may prescribe certain medications to help treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. One may incorrectly assume that they do not need to take their medication when experiencing mania, especially in hopes of prolonging their elevated moods. However, it is important that individuals follow their full medication plan prescribed by their healthcare professionals. This helps one to properly treat and manage their condition.
Medications
- 1 or more medications may be used to help balance extreme emotions
- These may include mood stabilisers, antipsychotic medications, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications
Duration
- Medications may be prescribed for 6 months or longer, depending on the pattern and severity of one’s disorder
- While it may take 1-2 weeks or longer for changes to occur, improvements may be noticed earlier such as in one’s quality of sleep
- Even after feeling better, long-term medication therapy may be required to prevent more episodes from recurring
- Based on one’s needs, the healthcare professionals will help adjust medications accordingly
Side effects
- Just as with other medications, it is normal to experience some mild side effects
- These may include nausea, stomach discomfort, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation
- Normally, the effects will go away on its own over time, and there is no need to worry
Other points to note
- Avoid drinking alcohol close to medication times as this may cause excessive drowsiness
- The healthcare professionals will advise on any diet adjustments (though there is usually no need for it)
- Prescribed medications can be taken without worry as they are not known to be addictive
It is okay to be nervous or overwhelmed by the medications or its side effects. If one has any concerns, they can reach out to healthcare professionals for support. If they would like to stop their medications, they can discuss and make the decision together with the healthcare professional so that the healthcare professionals can advise them on the best course of action.
In addition to medications, healthcare professionals may recommend counselling, psychological therapy, or family therapy. This can help improve an individual’s ability to function during their mood episode as well reduce the probability of the mood episode happening again.
During therapy sessions one may learn how to:
- Identify triggers for episodes
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Take medications as prescribed
- Solve interpersonal problems
- Maintain regular daily rhythms
- Enhance communication skills
- Manage negative emotions effectively
Therapy sessions may be conducted individually (one-on-one) or in groups.
In individual therapy, one can acquire valuable skills to manage their skills more effectively. For instance, they can learn helpful techniques like setting reminders on their phones to stay on track with their medication schedule.
In parallel, family therapy equips one’s loved ones with the tools to provide support and assist them in managing their symptoms. For instance, loved ones can play a crucial role in ensuring they take their medications as prescribed by checking in with them regularly.
Through both these types of therapies, an individual can not only learn how to better manage their symptoms but can also build a good support network of family and friends who understand their needs.
If one’s bipolar disorder does not respond well to medications, or they are unable to tolerate their prescribed medications due to side effects, healthcare professionals may recommend a course of brain stimulation therapy. This may come in the form of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
In ECT, the brain is treated with small controlled electrical currents over a brief period, a safe and effective treatment for both manic and depressive episodes.
On the other hand, in TMS, the neural circuits in the brain are stimulated using magnetic fields to help regulate one’s mood during depressive episodes.
Managing bipolar disorder
Although bipolar disorder may affect the way someone thinks or acts, it does not have to define them. To complement their treatment and manage their symptoms, one can try these strategies:
