How Bipolar Disorder Affects The Individual And Their Life
WHAT IS BIPOLAR?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that causes dramatic mood swings, from being extremely depressed on the one hand to being extremely high on the other hand. In between these moods, there is a stable or balanced mood. This post will show you how bipolar affects the individual and their life.
three examples of symptoms which may occur in a manic and depressive episode
Examples of symptoms of a manic episode include:
Increased energy, activity and restlessness, excessively high euphoric mood, extreme irritability, racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, distractibility, difficulty concentrating, little sleep required, denial that anything is wrong.
Examples of symptoms of a depressive episode include:
Lasting sad, anxious or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness, change in appetite, thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.
what bipolar feels like
This varies from person to person, depending on the severity of symptoms. Both mania and hypomania may actually feel good as they feel on top of the world etc. People also report that they feel full of energy and enthusiasm, and this increases their productivity.
Although mania may occur from time to time, depression is the most consistent symptom. The person may feel overwhelming despair, guilt and worthlessness. For others, mania makes them feel extremely irritable, angry and on edge. It also makes them feel out of control, and this causes them to be fearful about what might happen.
In some cases, some people experience psychotic symptoms during their manic or depressive episodes. They feel like they have lost contact with reality and experience delusions and/or hallucinations.
some ways bipolar disorder affects the individual and their life.
The manic episodes are often associated with enhanced productivity and creativity. This can sometimes help the person to hit their deadlines or prepare for an exam, for example. The person may have a flurry of ideas, and this can help them to be highly creative.
Mania affects the person thinking and judgement. During these episodes, people sometimes do things they regret later on. They may spend recklessly and be left with heavy debt. When the manic phase is over, they may be embarrassed or shocked at what they have done.
how bipolar disorder may affect their friends and family
This can lead to difficulty in understanding behaviour. They may have a job understanding their behaviour until it is diagnosed. This can be highly stressful and a worrying time for them.
It can also lead to disagreements due to a lack of insight, such as the confidence and optimism felt by many during mania. Even though their family and friends learn to recognise the mood swings as a bipolar disorder, the person themselves may strenuously deny that anything is wrong.
three possible causes of bipolar disorder
Stress and stressful life events
This can be traced to a time of great stress in their lives. Events such as physical or sexual abuse, relationship breakdown, bereavement, career change etc. These events cause lead to a disturbance in the balance of chemicals within the brain.
Genetic factors
There is a 5 to 10% chance that a child of a person with bipolar will also develop the condition. Although a family history of the illness is a risk factor, most children who have a parent with the condition do not develop the illness themselves.
Environmental factors
The illness can be made worse or triggered by the pressures and problems present in a person’s everyday life. These can be at home, work or within the community.
some demands of daily life that may influence symptoms of bipolar disorder
Occupational problems
This includes stress at work, a lack of opportunity, conflict with co-workers or managers, low status, the threat of redundancy and unemployment.
Domestic and social problems
These include the stress of child-rearing, debt and neighbourhood problems such as crime, poor housing conditions and overcrowding.
Physical problems
These include health problems, mobility problems and difficulty in sleeping.
how these demands of daily life may influence symptoms of bipolar disorder
These demands can cause the pendulum of bipolar disorder to swing either way. For example, depressive episodes may be a response to problems at work or financial pressures.
Similarly, mania may also be a response to stress and pressure. Some also believe that mania is a type of defence mechanism, a way of escaping or dealing with depression.
ways in which an individual with bipolar can help manage their illness when entering a manic and depressive phase
Self-monitoring – If the person can recognise the early warning signs or triggers of an upcoming episode, they can then respond with a coping strategy that works for them. Some keep a mood diary or journal to help them identify what might tilt them towards depression or mania. Once they recognise the signs, they can then take action and call someone for support.
Develop a routine – A daily structure and routine are essential in bipolar disorder. People are encouraged to set times for sleeping, eating, exercising and relaxing. These things help the mind and body on an even keel.
ways in which family and friends can help the individual with bipolar disorder to manage their illness
Learn about the condition – Family and friends need to educate themselves about bipolar disorder and how it affects the person. The more they know about it, the more equipped they will be to deal with the mood swings.
Be understanding – It is important that the person involved is not being judged, ridiculed or criticised. They need compassion and empathy whilst they learn to understand and manage their condition.
Encourage the person to get help– Friends and family may have to urge the person to seek professional help, especially if they deny anything is wrong. If the person is in danger of harming themselves, family and friends should contact emergency services or the persons GP.
four examples of medical interventions used to treat bipolar disorder
Mood stabilisers
These help prevent mood swings. There are two main ones called lithium and various anticonvulsant drugs.
The one used most is lithium ( a naturally-occurring salt). Lithium levels in a person’s blood need to be measured on a regular basis until the correct dosage is found.
Anticonvulsant drugs also stabilise moods. These are usually used to treat fits and convulsions and have been known to treat moods as well. If lithium isn’t working, then anticonvulsant is added.
Antipsychotics
If a person loses touch with reality during a manic or depressive episode, antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed. These help with regular manic episodes as they reduce over-activity, sleeplessness and agitation.
Antidepressants
These are prescribed as mood lifters. Although these can be used to treat the symptoms, they need to be used with caution or avoided because they can trigger a manic episode.
Electro-convulsive therapy
In rare cases, this may be prescribed as a short term treatment. This is where the person is severely depressed or experiencing a prolonged and severe mania, and other treatments haven’t worked.
examples of local sources of support that should be available to an individual experiencing bipolar disorder
Local support groups – several charities run support groups for people with bipolar. The MDF Bipolar Organisation runs programmes on self-management.
The person GP – The person GP is usually the first line of call to assess and prescribe possible treatment.