**Trigger warning: this post discusses mania, depression, suicide and other topics that may upset those who have lived experience. Please read with caution.**
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health illness. It affects millions of people (2.6% of the American population), but yet, you may not see the signs for a long time. I have friends that live with this illness and while they do struggle, they also have great days, weeks and even months between episodes.
It hurts my heart when they are not doing so well, but all I can do is support them if they want it. The disorder and its many presentations differ among people, even among episodes. One episode can be a mixed episode, the next can be full-on depression. There is no way of knowing, even if there is a known pattern of episodes.
There are facts that can expand your knowledge of and help someone you know that has bipolar disorder.
More Than Mood Swings
Almost everyone has mood swings- some days we are happy, some we are sad. In the case of bipolar disorder, these changes affect a person’s ability to function in daily life- work, relationships, school, etc. These changes include mania (“highs”) and depression (“lows”). Suicide attempts are common in those with bipolar disorder, especially during a depressive episode. The risk is even higher when there is a history of previous attempts.
Bipolar disorder can be treated with therapy and medication. Some have issues staying compliant with their medications because of side effects and/or once they feel better, they don’t see the need for medications.
It is vitally important that once medications are started to stay on them unless otherwise directed by the prescribing physician. Many people with this disorder can live full, productive lives. Most people see their first episode between their late teen years and mid-20’s.
What does mania look like?
- Feelings of euphoria and elation, in some people- this can come out as irritability or anger
- Impulsive, high-risk behaviors- this varies among people, but this can include spending sprees, sexual promiscuity, daredevil-like behaviors, and drug and/or alcohol abuse.
- increased energy, rapid speech
- decreased sleep and appetite
- disorganized thoughts and difficulty concentrating
What does depression look like?
- Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
- Inability to sleep/sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in regularly liked activities
- Feelings of worthlessness/guilt
- Changes in appetite, weight, or appearance
Causes, Types and Risk Factors
There isn’t a single cause for bipolar disorder, but there are multiple contributing factors.
Genetics- This disorder tends to run in families. Please read Mental Health and Genetics: The Main Connections for more information on how genetics play a role in certain mental health illnesses. Scientists are working on finding abnormalities in specific genes in this case.
Biological- Researchers believe that some neurotransmitters don’t work correctly in the brains of those with bipolar disorder.
Environmental- Outside factors, like a major life change, may trigger a biological reaction or genetic predisposition. It’s hard to know for sure, but it is seen as a possibility.
The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder:
- Bipolar I: An individual has both manic and depressive episodes of different lengths.
- Bipolar II: Less severe manic episodes than Bipolar I, but the depressive episodes are the same.
- Rapid-cycling: experiencing four or more episodes of mania, depression or both within one year
- Mixed episodes: Mania and depression occur at the same time. This means someone can feel hopeless but yet energetic enough to do risky things.
- A family history of bipolar disorder or other psychological disorders
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse
- Major life changes
- Medication interactions- for example, some antidepressants can induce mania.
Knowing When to Get Help
When someone you care about seems a bit “off” for a period of more than a few days, it may be time to get them to go to a mental health facility, therapist or other assistance. The concern can be sudden or gradual after seeing someone not taking care of themselves, acting out of character, spending large amounts of money, or showing other signs of mental distress.
It may be hard to talk to them about it, but it may be what they need most. Knowing that someone cares for them may be the push they need to get help. Bipolar disorder does not get better on its own.
Their treatment may include medication, CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) or other options as needed. They may even have a co-occurring condition that may also need to be treated. The most common conditions are ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
If you or someone you care about is in a bipolar episode and experiencing thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide, please get to an ER immediately, or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. You can also text HOME to 741741. Both are free.
Support and Love
Those with bipolar disorder need two major things from those they love and care about: support and love. It’s not easy to battle your own mind every day. It can get exhausting. I’ve watched my friends battle through issues with medications, hallucinations, depressive and manic episodes. This is not fun, but they did not choose their chemical makeup. They just try to get through life like the rest of us.
If you love someone with bipolar disorder, please read Mental Illness and Relationships
It can be a bumpy road, as I learned, but it’s entirely worth it.
Pics courtesy of unsplash
Information courtesy of Mayo Clinic