Human mind is a powerful tool shaped over millennia of evolution. However, it is also a delicate and finely balanced tool. The extreme stresses of modern lifestyles can often get to people. While most manage somewhat fine, some people find these stresses challenging to manage. These people may have a family history of mental disorders or environmental or personal factors that affect them. Due to this predisposition, some people may develop signs of mental disorders.
One such condition is called bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder can experience extreme mood swings in a short span. They have trouble controlling their moods and emotions during these episodes. It can take a toll on a person's life, and they can find it challenging to form meaningful relationships. According to the WHO, as of 2019, more than 40 million people live with bipolar disorder worldwide. It is a serious mental health issue and requires qualified professional intervention.
This article talks about various issues relating to bipolar disorder. It goes into some detail about the condition and its symptoms. It aims to educate people about the condition and how they can help loved ones with bipolar disorder.
Psychologists categorize bipolar disorder as a mood disorder. It is a life-long condition, and there is no known cure. However, some techniques can help manage the severity of the condition. People with this condition typically exhibit either of two extremes during an episode. They may show depressive signs and become lethargic and mentally and physically tired. Alternatively, they may exhibit mania and become very irritable and energetic.
Note that people with this disorder typically exhibit these extremes only during episodes. Beyond these episodes, they are usually stable people with regular moods and habits. This disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’', but that term has since been replaced. Diagnosing a person with bipolar disorder can be tricky for several reasons. To diagnose a patient, their doctors often conduct a battery of tests. Tests may involve physical examination, psychological evaluations, and a chat with family members.
Various countries and medical boards have unique criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder. The APA publishes the DSM-5, a detailed study of standards for this purpose in the United States of America. Doctors study the test results and symptoms per the APA’s recommendations. Making a bipolar diagnosis in children and teenagers can be even more challenging. Their brains are still developing, making it difficult to analyze the symptoms appropriately.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
As with other mental conditions, research on bipolar disorder is still in its infancy. There is a lot that scientists are still studying the details about the disorder. However, there are currently four types of bipolar disorder commonly observed:
1. Type I: These people suffer from episodes of both depression and mania. Their symptoms may be pretty intense and severe. Their manic episodes may even land them in a hospital due to physical injuries. They may experience mixed states of emotion - mania and depression together.
2. Type II: People with this type of bipolar disorder experience something called hypomania. Their manic or euphoric episodes are not as severe or intense as in Type I. But this form of bipolar is characterized by more extreme depressive episodes.
3. Cyclothymia: This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by milder mood swings. Though it may sound better than Types I or II, that may only sometimes be the case. Though mild, these mood swings are far more frequent in patients. In some extreme cases, these unstable moods may last for two years.
4. Others: Such people show various symptoms of bipolar disorder. But they cannot be classified into one of the above types. Such cases may be diagnosed as a specified or unspecified form of bipolar disorder.
An Open Dialogue on Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can be an exhausting experience, physically and mentally. People with bipolar may not even have a proper diagnosis for their condition. In such cases, it becomes essential for their loved ones to be supportive. The first step in handling any mental disorder is to have a frank and open talk about it. Bipolar disorder can exhibit itself through some extreme symptoms. Intense mood swings can be alarming and frightening for patients.
When a loved one, be it a friend or a family member, allows them to talk, it can be pretty helpful. Let the patient know that their actions are not being judged. People with bipolar disorder often cannot truly control their actions. It makes them feel guilty about the way they behave. The focus of the dialogue should be on making them feel at ease.
There are many websites and discussion forums on the Internet that can help. These resources can help broach the topic of bipolar disorder with their loved ones. There is, of course, the option of talking to a qualified mental health professional and discussing the diagnosis helpfully and sensitively.
Understanding The Symptoms
Many people feel stressed living with someone with bipolar disorder. The symptoms can be extreme and affect the family’s mental health. Family members should educate themselves on the signs and symptoms a patient may showcase. A person with bipolar disorder may not be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. It is especially true during an extreme manic episode where they may be very irritable.
However, the vital thing to realize here is that bipolar disorder is a mental disorder. It may be challenging, but loved ones must remember the diagnosis and try to be for them. Often, patients are not entirely in control of their actions or words. Therefore, their loved ones must develop a forgiving nature. This statement does not, however, excuse abuse or any ill-treatment. All such instances must be discussed calmly and clearly once the episode has passed. The only way to help a bipolar person is to be a patient and stable person on whom they can rely.
As stated earlier, there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. The condition can be managed depending on the extent and severity of the symptoms. But even in the best cases, the symptoms do not completely vanish. Thus, it requires a patient mindset to live with and help someone with bipolar disorder. It also helps to set practical and realistic expectations of the treatment regimen.
Handling Bipolar Episodes in the Family
Bipolar people aware of the diagnosis often rely on others for support. If their symptoms are intense, they may want to reach out and ask for help. As mentioned earlier, in extreme cases, symptomatic episodes may land in hospitals. So, it may help to reach out and offer support practically. A loved one can reach out to a bipolar person when they are stable and formulate a plan. There are many things one can do to help manage a bipolar episode:
1. Some people find redirecting their extra energies during a manic episode helpful. They find it beneficial to take on a creative project that grabs their attention. If a loved one notices the symptoms of a manic episode, such creative projects can help.
2. In many cases, bipolar episodes are triggered by stress. If a loved one sees a bipolar person taking too much pressure, they can alert them to it. They may even offer to take some of the load off and ease their stress.
3. Some bipolar people make terrible financial decisions during their manic episodes. A loved one can help them by preventing or cautioning against such rash decisions. In some relationships, they may temporarily help manage the person’s finances.
4. During depressive episodes, bipolar people may find it challenging to maintain a routine. A loved one can step up and help them stick to their routine.
Importance of Self-Care
Taking care of a person with mental health issues can be very taxing. It often leads to the carer developing mental health problems of their own. The stress of handling another person’s issues and one’s own can quickly build up. In the case of people with bipolar disorder, it can be particularly challenging. Their mood swings can be extreme, and it can be very exhausting dealing with them. Therefore, most experts also recommend keeping an eye on one’s mental health when caring for individuals with mental health problems.
People who wish to help others with bipolar should know their limitations. It helps to have one’s personal goals and ambitions in focus too. Otherwise, the carer may get overwhelmed by the needs and requirements of their loved one. Set realistic expectations of oneself and the treatment course. Do not expect the symptoms ever vanish entirely. It also helps to talk about one’s feelings and stresses openly. Seek help from other friends and family members when required.
Caring for a person with bipolar disorder can be a lonesome and tiring experience. It is essential to maintain a focus on mental health. Otherwise, one risks heading for burnout and a severe mental health issue of their own.
Seeking Professional Treatment for Bipolar
Disorder
People with bipolar disorder may not always know that they need help. As an external observer, a loved one can provide an objective point of view. However, convincing a patient can be tricky since there are no physical symptoms. The main complication lies in the unique nature of the bipolar disorder. When a person is in a euphoric episode, they may refuse to accept they need help. In a depressive state, they may feel something is wrong but have no energy to do anything about it.
As with many other things, it all comes down to patience. One must calmly and patiently explain the situation to the person and try to convince them. The only way to manage bipolar disorder is through professional medical help. Loved ones can try to persuade bipolar patients by talking about the symptoms they see. It is important not to make the person feel guilty. In some cases, the signs may be clear, and they may already feel horrible about them.
Managing and Living with Bipolar Disorder
The treatment and management of bipolar disorder is a lifelong exercise. A bipolar person needs a reliable friend or family member to support them in the treatment. It is always best to consult a qualified mental health expert on such matters and can recommend a combination of mental health exercises and medicines. As the treatment course progresses, the symptoms may reduce in intensity and frequency. However, they rarely completely disappear.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental condition that affects people’s moods. It can be mentally and physically draining on the person suffering from it. However, it can take its toll on their loved ones as well. There are many things that a person who wishes to help in such cases should keep in mind. With the right support, a person with bipolar disorder can lead a full and healthy life.
Must read : Family Life and Mental Health
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