World Bipolar Day
By: Terra Orgeron
This Thursday is World Bipolar day, let’s help break the stigma of Bipolar Disorder!
Content warning: bipolar disorder, depression, mania, electroconvulsive therapy
World Bipolar Day, an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), is held every year on March 30 to bring awareness and help eliminate the stigma surrounding Bipolar Disorder.
Definition
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is an illness that is marked by alternating periods of extreme high moods (mania) and extreme low moods (depression). The length of these mood swings can vary from hours, to days, to weeks, and even months. The mania phase is usually marked by extreme energy and the depression phase by deep despair, with the depression phase generally being more prevalent and the trigger that causes those with bipolar to seek help. Because of this, bipolar may be easily misdiagnosed as unipolar depression.
Symptoms
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:
Symptoms of Mania:
- Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
- Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
- Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
- Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance
- Racing speech, racing thoughts, the flight of ideas
- Impulsiveness, poor judgment, easily distracted
- Reckless behavior
- In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Symptoms of Depression:
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
It’s important to make a distinction about bipolar diagnostics in children. Since they do not exhibit the typical mania that characterizes bipolar in adults and their mood shifts are not clearly defined to meet the qualifications of the DSM, the diagnosis of bipolar in children is highly controversial. Check out the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation (JBRF) for more information.
Treatment
It is very important to seek treatment for bipolar disorder, as symptoms typically worsen the longer they are not managed. With the proper treatment, those with bipolar can lead a healthy life.
Therapy
Finding the right therapy will be an important step on the path to treatment.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help with the depression phase. It concentrates on recognizing negative thought patterns and teaching coping strategies.
- Family-focused therapy is vital to include family in a treatment plan. Family members are key in providing support, especially during challenging times.
- Psychotherapy should be aimed at managing stress and focusing on self-care. These are two very important skills to strengthen resiliency.
Medication
In addition to therapy, medication is often used to treat bipolar.
- Lithium is used to stabilize the mood swings of bipolar
- Anticonvulsants, medications for seizures, are successful in stabilizing mood
- Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are often paired with mood stabilizers to treat manic episodes
- Antidepressants should be taken with great care, since they may trigger manic episodes in those with bipolar
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
According to NAMI, “In rare instances, ECT can be considered as an intervention for severe mania or depression. ECT involves transmitting short electrical impulses into the brain. Although ECT is a highly effective treatment for severe depression, mania or mixed episodes, it is reserved for specific situations and for symptoms that have not responded to other treatments.”
It is important to keep track of moods using a tool, such as the DBSA Mood Tracker or DBSA app, which will help aid in diagnosis and treatment of Bipolar Disorder. You can also join ifme, our online mental health app, to share your stories with your loved ones. Sharing your moments with trusted allies allows you to receive support and encouragement that can greatly enhance your success.
Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental health condition and, as with all mental illnesses, there can be a lot of stigmas attached. The term bipolar is often used in inappropriate contexts, such as describing a moody co-worker or even an object that breaks down regularly, as being bipolar. Special care should be taken to avoid this and to speak out when you encounter this type of labeling.
With awareness, we can all help break the stigma. Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness and with dedicated treatment, those with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and live well. We encourage you to look up at some success stories from those who are living with this disorder, via bphope.
And don’t forget to share this article, especially on March 30th, to bring light and awareness about Bipolar Disorder and Word Bipolar Day!
