What is bipolar?

Bipolar is a mood disorder, a form of manic depression. An equal number of men and women develop bipolar and it is found in all races, ethnic groups and social classes. Often caused by genetics and resulting in periods of mania or depression.

Therefore, a person’s mood can change between two very opposite states being very grandiose and excitable to becoming very depressed. There are fewer normal days, as a person with bipolar may always be at the edge of their seat waiting for the crash.

People with bipolar can often question, what is the point of working so hard to be better when there is no cure? Living in mania can make bipolar sufferers feel so alive, like everything is great, but being so irrational also causes problems especially to loved ones and family. Every high is brought down by the fact the next low is inevitable, making questionable choices and spending too much money.

What are the symptoms of bipolar?

People may mistake depressive symptoms as laziness, but often isolation and staying in bed all day, not caring or having a bad attitude is actually the only way to cope. What actually is happening are symptoms that are often so bad, bipolar sufferers can’t even bring themselves to be around people, experiencing low energy, a feeling of fatigue, concentration problems, and an overwhelming numbness which causes the mind to shut down.

Manic symptoms may include grandiose ideas being overconfident and full of energy, very talkative, finding it difficult to stick to one subject in conversation, having less need for sleep, seemingly full of ideas, taking risks you normally wouldn’t. It’s so frustrating to come down from such a high, to realise how out of control and reckless you could be, completely out of touch from reality which may increase the intensity of the depression.

However, there can be a place in the middle when people suffering with bipolar experience being extremely creative and innovative, resourceful and productive. And longer periods of stability may be sustained through an adherence to medication such as lithium therapy a mood stabiliser.

Coping with mania & surviving the depressive episodes

For people suffering with bipolar, making their own family understand what is going on, can sometimes be harder than explaining to strangers. But, family and friends play such a vital role in minimising some of the risks that come with manic or depressive behaviours.

I often hear people say their bipolar is stable, but they are feeling constantly depressed and anxious unable to differentiate reality from fantasy, like losing all control. In these moments people can often self-medicate, perhaps with drugs or alcohol trying to regain balance or feelings of normality. However, this is always counter-productive and will often leave behind in a deeper trail of devastation.

Getting professional help for someone you love in times of mania or depressive episodes could be vital and having an understanding GP and a good psychiatrist can make all the difference.

Anti-psychotic medication or lithium therapy can help bipolar sufferers stay well and stabilise moods or behaviours, as part of a holistic wellness plan. Some people may experience side effects from anti-psychotic medication, but it is important to avoid suddenly stopping any prescribed medication. Instead, discussing any changes with a medic or GP to make planned changes.

Getting the right help when needed can sometimes be a struggle for families due to the increased demands on services and limited resources. This is by no means a criticism of our mental health services. I think they work extremely hard to support people with mental health issues. However, as thresholds are increasing and services becoming increasingly busier, people may have no other choice but to access services in a crisis. Emergency departments are probably one of the worse places to be if you are in a mental health crisis and ‘safer spaces or crisis cafes’ are provided in many areas as an alternative.

The challenge for family or friends is they may not know where to get support. Hence, it is important to have a crisis plan, before facing a manic or depressive episode. Sometimes, the best support may not even be from professional mental health services, but through more informal networks such as peers, friends or faith based communities.

In this complex interwoven story of bipolar, there is not just one answer, but a holistic multitude of pathways. Listen to our podcasts ‘Better Mental Health’ on World Bipolar Day 30th March to learn more about bipolar.