You might be familiar with the term 'bipolar disorder' because of all the talk about it on the internet, but few people understand what it means. Simply put, it is a mental illness characterised by erratic emotional states and mood swings such as mania or hypomania to depression. People with bipolar disorder continue to face stigma and misunderstanding, which makes their lives even more difficult. For the same reason, understanding this condition is the first step towards managing it effectively in the long term. So, let's waste no time and get to it.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a medical condition which is denoted by mood swings that are far from typical fluctuations; these intense shifts in mood can affect an individual's daily life, oscillating between significant highs and severe lows.
Bipolar disorder can be categorised as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder. With Bipolar I, someone might go through really intense manic episodes that last at least a week or are so severe they need to be admitted to a hospital. Bipolar II is a bit different - it comprises periods of depression with lighter manic episodes called hypomania, usually ranging from 4 days to 2 weeks. Then there is Cyclothymic Disorder, where people experience both hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but they are not as intense as in Bipolar I or II.
It is tricky to pin down exactly what causes bipolar disorder, but it seems to be a mix of things like genetics, a person's surroundings and even changes in how your brain is built and works. Since it is so complex, everyone experiences it a bit differently. Some people might feel super charged up, really happy, or easily annoyed during their manic episodes. At the same time, you may experience extreme sadness, exhaustion, and a lack of interest in activities that you often enjoy during the downtime.
Handling bipolar depression can be really tough. It hits with symptoms like constant sadness, sleeping too little or too much, and feeling drained all the time, which can impact your daily life. This can also mess with your job, education, and your relationships.
Getting the lowdown on bipolar disorder is key to handling it well. Usually, treating it means a mix of medicines, therapy, and changes in daily habits to keep your mood in check and function better. Additionally, having health insurance can help you get the best treatment by supporting you to handle your medical expenses while managing this condition.
If you or someone close is dealing with really intense mood swings, it might be a good idea to consult with a certified medical practitioner for bipolar disorder. Early detection and treatment can really turn things around and make life a lot better. So, if mood swings are messing with your day-to-day life, contact a mental health expert, try to figure out what is going on, and set up a treatment plan at the earliest.