The Revolving Door Of Emotions
As a lot of people were aware, last month was Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month. Since I was not a blogger or support group member then, I am going to use my time today to speak about an illness that has a rather gloomy outlook. Despite the stigma around this disorder, it is actually quite common amongst adults. So today, I am going to tell you what it is, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, and what you can do about it.
I have met a lot of people with bipolar. Most of them all pretty much have the same challenges. Relationships are stressed, internalized thoughts spinning out of control, moments of extreme depression, and shortly thereafter volatile rage or even unexplainable happiness. So what causes bipolar disorder and what exactly is it?
Scientists cannot pinpoint one root cause to the disorder. It is more of a myriad of genetics, experiences, and brain chemistry. Bipolar is often referred to as manic depression. This term more accurately describes how the illness works. Manic is in reference to mania which is the moments of emotional hyperactivity one experiences with this disorder. It’s the extreme joy, anger, or aggression we experience with our mood swings. Oftentimes during a manic episode, we have what are called psychotic side effects. Sometimes they see or hear things that are not there, which often leads to misdiagnoses of schizophrenia. There are also people that experience mania without psychotic qualities. That type is referred to as hypomania. And I have met someone whose mania was so bad and debilitating he was diagnosed with hypermania. And depression is self-explanatory. After these emotional highs we bottom out. And the depression at the end of a mood swing can be very dangerous. Oftentimes suicide, self-harm, and drug use are often byproducts of this disorder. Also, it is key to note how frequent and severe your swings are determines which type of bipolar you have.
There are four different types of bipolar disorder, and I am going to define them for you. Hopefully after you read this you can maybe get a bearing on which one you are or which one you may need to get screened for.
Bipolar Disorder Type One: You must experience at least one or more episodes of mania. Most people with type one swing from mania to depression. However, depression is not a prerequisite to being diagnosed with this form of bipolar. It is more based on your manic episodes. If you have had a fit of mania that has lasted seven days or more, or have been hospitalized for it, you will more than likely be given this diagnosis. It also to be said that this form of the disorder is very close to, and sometimes misdiagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Type Two: This version is more of the depressive form. People with type two swing from depression into hypomania. Keep in mind that hypomania is a high functioning form of mania that has no psychotic symptoms. Most people who are diagnosed with type two never really experience a full episode of mania.
Cyclothemic Disorder/Cyclothemia: This is a unique version of bipolar where the owner experiences a chronic instability in mood ranging from hypomania to mild depression over the course of about two years. It is also to be said that people with this disorder can also go about two months without symptoms before falling into a relapse.
“Other specified” or “Unspecified” Bipolar Disorder: This is a rare form of bipolar where the owner doesn’t exactly meet the criteria to be labeled with any of the previously mentioned forms of this disease. However, these people experience abnormally high periods of mood disorder that they are still classified as bipolar.
There’s no beating around the bush, the only way to get past this beast is through proper treatment and medication. Most commonly the types of medications used to treat bipolar are anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers. If your case is not so severe, then a simple anti-depressant can be used to manage your symptoms. If you are on the more psychotic end of manic episodes, you may be prescribed a second generation anti-psychotic. Sometimes it’s a cocktail of all of them. Amongst therapeutic treatment, not only is CBT training advised, but so is psychotherapy and support group meetings. The truth is with proper treatment, medicine, a healthy lifestyle and routine, you can regain control over your mind and lead a very normal life. I know quite a few folks who have this disorder who have healthy relationships, good jobs, and even children. It is just up to you to get the help you need.
As always, if you feel you fall into any one of these brackets, please ask your doctor to screen you for bipolar disorder. It may be the best thing you’ll ever do. And if you are living with this illness, I hope this sheds some light on what you can do for yourself.
Until next time,
Marc
