LIVING WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER
I am writing this article due to the fact that many people have a misconception about Bipolar Disorder and construe people who suffer from this illness as being “crazy”. There seems to be such a stigma attached to the illness. Yet many famous people have been affected by Bipolar e.g. Sinead O’Connor (musician), Catherine Zeta Jones (actress), Patricia Cornwell (author), Kurt Cobain (musician), Russell Brand (musician and actor) and Richard Dreyfuss (actor) to name just a few. It is often suggested that creative talent and Bipolar Disorder are linked.
At the age of 30 I was diagnosed with Bipolar II. I refused to believe the diagnosis but after three individual psychiatrists confirmed the diagnosis I had no choice but to believe I was one of the many people who have this illness.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a manic-depressive illness which involves episodes of serious mania (highs) and depression (lows). The person can go from being very “high” to unbearably sad and hopeless with periods of normal moods experienced between cycles which is why doctors classify it as a mood disorder. These cycles can last for days, weeks or months.
The disorder usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and, as there is no cure, continues throughout life. However, the disease has been diagnosed in young children too. Bipolar affects approximately 1% of the population and both men and women are equally affected. Men are inclined to have more manic episodes whilst women experience more depressive episodes.
It is important to note that bipolar is more than just a regular mood swing. The shifts in mood are sudden and dramatic. In the manic phase of the illness you are euphoric with loads of energy. In the “low” phase of the disease you are extremely depressed and sometimes suicidal.
Although there is no cure for the disease it can be managed successfully with correct treatment and patients can lead full and prolific lives.
Causes of bipolar disorder
Although the exact cause of this illness is unknown it is believed to be a combination of psychological, genetic and biochemical aspects. The disease is associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. It tends to run in families as there are a number of genes which may be connected to the disorder. However, your child only has a 1 in 7 chance of inheriting the disorder from you if you have it and your spouse does not.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder (mania)
Manic episode (endless energy, abnormally elevated mood, more sociable, elated, inflated self-esteem and little need for sleep)
Talking very fast
Being very easily distracted
Being reckless without concern for the consequences e.g. gambling, sexual indiscretion, spending an excessive amount of money, irrational business decisions, reckless driving
Having racing thoughts
Having an inflated feeling of self-importance and power
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Extreme irritability and difficulty in concentrating
Impaired judgement
In severe cases there may be hallucinations or delusions
Symptoms of bipolar disorder (depression)
Feeling incredibly sad for no reason
Losing interest in things which you usually enjoy
Sleeping too much or insomnia
Eating to much or loss of appetite
Concentration and memory problems
Feeling insignificant, guilty, hopeless and having tremendously low self-esteem
Loss of energy/always tired
Pessimism
Recurring thoughts of suicide
Preoccupation with death
Anxiety
Agitation
Certain events may initiate an episode of mania or depression i.e.
Marital problems
Death of a loved one
Loss of a job
However, often the episodes occur for no perceptible reason
What are the different types of bipolar?
Bipolar 1
Bipolar 1 involves episodes of severe mood swings
Bipolar II
This is a milder form of Bipolar with milder episodes of mania that alternate with depression
Cyclothymic Disorder
Involves even milder mood swings
Mixed Bipolar Disorder
There is both mania and depression simultaneously
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
This disorder is characterized by 4 or more episodes that occur within a year, sometimes a week or even a single day.
If you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from Bipolar, it is vital that a medical evaluation is done as soon as possible as the earlier treatment is started, the better. If the illness is not diagnosed and treated it can have a devastating impact on the individual and their family.
Treatment
Counseling and medication