Life is a bumpy road having its downs and ups. Everybody has to pass through it willingly or unwillingly. But if a person has Bipolar disorder then the road becomes bumpier and the person riding on a mad camel. The issue is a mental condition of feeling sad, depressed, or hopeless. Losing hope and pleasure in life are also among the significant symptoms. The disorder represents to mood shifts, mood swings, and a dual personality.

It causes a feeling of euphoria, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings have effects on sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to clearly think. Most people also experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. It is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.

 Joseph Campbell

What is bipolar disorder?

It is a brain problem caused by fast mood changes and changes in energy levels, that can be studied under the following types.

Bipolar disorder I :

Usually last for about a week, denoted by mild to severe depression.

Bipolar disorder II :

Not so severe by having mood spells and hypomanic conditions.

Cyclothymic disorder :

It is common for about a year in kids and about two years in adults. Mood shifts and depression episodes are in intervals.

Unspecified Bipolar disorder :

Not falling into specified types, can only be suggested after careful diagnoses.

Signs and symptoms

The Bipolar signs are greatly different in different people, hence the list can go much longer. However, the most common symptoms are mentioned below.

Common signs:

1. Happiness boost.
2. Faster talking.
3. Feeling agitated.
4. Overconfidence.
5. Reduced sleep.
6. Irritability.
7. Fast thinking.
8. Behaving impulsively.
9. Engaging in high-risk behaviors

Signs of a depressive state: 

1. Hopeless feelings
2. Irritability
3. Feeling oneself useless
4. Sticking to loneliness
5. Memory loss issues
6. Suicidal Attitude
7. Becoming highly sensitive
8. Abrupt reactions
9. Restlessness

How is Bipolar disorder treated?

To be honest, there is no cure for Bipolar disorder right now. Symptoms can, however, be controlled through the following treatment options:

Medication

There are no standard medicines. But some medicines can work for some people and others for others. It is totally to the level of diagnosis. Patients should keep on providing feedback to the doctor about side effects etc., enabling him to make timely decisions about changing medicines if needed.

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy is now an established way of treatment for psychological disorders like this one. A qualified psychologist is competent enough to decide what therapy can provide the best results. Mixing with friends, family, and colleagues is also a way out.

Other Treatments

In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, or shock therapy is suggested. It can clear possible mild clotting in the brain.

Some herbal treatments can play a miracle in pacifying the brain functions but this could only be taken from a qualified and experienced Hakeem or herbal medicine expert. Bipolar treatment is a long-time affair, requiring multiple approaches like medication, psychotherapy, social activity, etc.

Taking the following steps can help the patient better understand the problem itself and gather the courage to get off it through his own willpower.

• Getting more educated
• Leading an active life
• Keeping a check on stress
• Mixing with people

And as they say ‘if there is a will, there is a way”. Surely the problem can be reduced and gradually overcome if the determination to get back to normalcy is there.

Photo by Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash