Your life matters
Bipolar is often misunderstood. It can impact everyday life in some big ways. If you feel you may have bipolar symptoms, your feelings are valid and you deserve support.
Bipolar
Having either episodes of mania, or hypomania that may also include alternating depression.
What does bipolar disorder feel like?
While there are official criteria for diagnosing bipolar, some have described it as feeling like:
Feelings of extreme elevated mood
One hallmark of bipolar disorders is mania or hypomania. Mania involves periods of racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, risky behaviors, and psychosis-like symptoms (like hallucinations). Hypomania involves many symptoms of mania but does not involve hallucinations and usually does not require hospitalization, while manic episodes often require hospitalization.
Periods of extreme depression
Bipolar 1 does not always involve severe depressive episodes, but it is possible. Bipolar 2 usually involves severe depressive episodes that can happen at the same times each year. These depressive times can last for a few months.
Feeling "uncomfortable" while on a medication regimen
Bipolar medications can have side effects which can make it difficult to stay on a medication regimen. Some have also described the feeling of being on the medications as "uncomfortable" because their emotions operate differently than they are used to, which can impact medication adherance.
Increased suicidality
Bipolar is associated with higher rates of suicide than the average population. It is also common with bipolar disorders to have a family history of suicide attempts.
Common antidepressants don't seem to work well
Bipolar operates differently than other forms of depression so it does not always respond well to typical antidepressants like SSRIs. Antidepressants can cause manic episodes which can be dangerous. Usually, mood stabilizers work better for managing bipolar symptoms.
Help is available
Bipolar disorder is not something to "tough out". It is often caused by factors like chemical imbalances that are best treated with therapy and/or medications.
What causes bipolar?
Bipolar has a large hereditary component but there are some factors that increase the likelihood of it developing or worsening such as:
Things that happened when you were young.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are events that happen during childhood that can have an impact on someone their whole life. Examples include being exposed to violence, neglect, drug or alcohol use, and several more. ACEs are associated with higher rates of bipolar and other types of mental health diagnoses.
Sometimes it's something you're born with.
Genetics can play a large role in bipolar. This does not mean people born with those genetics are destined to get bipolar symptoms, but they can be more likely to develop it sometime in their life, especially if they have other risk factors.
Life can be really hard.
Big life changes can be hard on our minds. Things like death, breakups, financial changes, and many other experiences can worsen or bring about manic or depressive episodes. Even positive changes can cause stress that might bring about episodes.
Your mind and body are connected.
Physical conditions like autoimmune disorders, head injuries, and illnesses can add stress to the system and kickstart bipolar symptoms. Also, having pain or discomfort from an illness or injury chips away at our resilience which can increase our odds of having major mood events.
Things can add up.
There are several mental health conditions that often happen alongside bipolar. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are a few that are commonly seen in those with bipolar. Having mental health comorbidities can increase complications and require more complex treatments.
Can we improve bipolar ourselves?
Genetics play a big role in developing bipolar, but steps can be taken to help protect against or improve bipolar symptoms like:
Staying active
If there ever was a "wonder drug", activity/exercise would be it. Almost every aspect of life is shown to improve with regular activity and exercise. Click for strategies anyone can use to become more active with small manageable steps.
Giving our body what it needs
What we put into our bodies also affects our minds. Getting the right nutrients and supporting our "brain-gut connection" can be for everyone. Click to learn more about how to make small changes that add up.
Strong sleep habits
Sleep impacts mental health and mental health impacts sleep. There are subtle changes that can be made to our nightly routines that encourage more restful sleep.
Understanding emotions
Sometimes it is important to give yourself a break. Understanding where emotions are coming from can help you identify areas to improve, as well as let you go easier on yourself for things that may not be in your control.
Healthy hobbies
Hobbies can help us become better at handling the challenges of life. Hobbies are often overlooked as a mental health tool. They help us unwind, meet like-minded people, and can improve mood.
What treatments help bipolar?
There are medication and non medication based treatments that have been shown to help with bipolar disorders.
Medication
Bipolar is usually best managed with medication, so it is important to become established with a psychiatric professional in order to receive the right medication treatment for you (if needed).
Non-Medication
It is also important to consult with a mental health professional about non-medication treatments. Some may still require referral or a prescription. Examples of non-medication treatments include:
- Therapy
- Vitamin modification
- Sunlight/Red light
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapeutic groups
Which treatment is best?
It is important to find a mental health specialist that blends best practices and your personal preferences, to help create a treatment plan that works best for you.