Bipolar disorder: what it is and how to live with it

Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings that can last for several weeks or months and may manifest as:

• Marked sadness and hopelessness.
• Extreme joy, hyperactivity, and disinhibition.
• A mixed state between the two previous ones.

Depending on the type of symptoms that occur and their duration, we divide bipolar disorders into: cyclothymia, bipolar disorder type I, type II, and bipolar type schizoaffective disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects 4% of the world's population and usually appears in young adults of both sexes, with the exception of bipolar II disorder, which occurs more frequently in women.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Current evidence suggests that the causes of bipolar disorder include genetic, hormonal, neurochemical, and psychosocial factors.

What does it feel like to have bipolar disorder?

Depression

• Feelings of great sadness that do not disappear.
• Restlessness and nervousness.
• Loss of self-confidence.
• Feelings of uselessness.
• Inability to think positively.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Loss of interest in usual activities and social relationships.
• Loss of appetite and weight.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Loss of interest in sex.
• Thoughts of death.

Mania

• Excessive happiness.
• Feeling capable and full of energy.
• Difficulty maintaining a thread in a conversation, jumping from one idea to another quickly.
• Less need for sleep.
• Increased interest in sex.
• Developing unrealistic plans.
• To be hyperactive.
• Making excessive expenditures.
• To be irritable.

Psychotic symptoms

• In very severe cases, psychotic symptoms may appear, in the form of delusions or hallucinations. Delusions are ideas that have no basis in reality, and hallucinations are perceptions such as hearing, smelling, feeling, or seeing things that are not present.
• In depressive phases, you may feel intense feelings of guilt or believe that you are not worthy of anything.
• In manic phases, you may believe that you have an important mission to accomplish or that you possess special powers and abilities.

How might having bipolar disorder affect me?

Changes in thinking and behavior can cause problems in your daily life, leading to:

• Problems in relationships with family and friends.
• Difficulties performing well in studies.
• Difficulties in maintaining work activity.
• Putting yourself at risk (for example, going into debt).
• The longer the disorder goes untreated, the more unfavorable the consequences will be for the health of the person and their environment.

Can the treatment help?

• Bipolar disorder is a health problem with great potential for improvement given current treatments. There are various pharmacological, psychological, and occupational approaches available.
• Medication often plays a crucial role, especially if the episodes are severe. The choice of medication may depend on the type of episode (manic or depressive).
• If you are planning to get pregnant, it is essential to plan the treatment to follow beforehand.
• Some people may need to be temporarily hospitalized if their condition is very serious.
• Family involvement in treatment is essential, as it contributes to clinical stability.
• Treatment must be individualized and supervised by a specialist. Its goal is to achieve a normal and fulfilling life. Without treatment, the prognosis is unfavorable.

Practical advice for people with bipolar disorder: What can I do to take care of myself?

• The first step to getting help is recognizing that there may be a health problem. It is very important to seek medical guidance from the beginning. If the disorder can be identified and treated quickly, the outcome improves.
• Learn about bipolar disorder. Recognize the warning signs that indicate your mood swings aren't normal so you can seek help early and prevent a crisis.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Maintain a balance between your personal life, work life, and leisure time.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoid stressful situations.
• Exercise.
• Respect the natural sleep cycle.
• Take your medication correctly. Do not stop treatment or take it without medical supervision, as this increases the risk of relapse.
• Don't use drugs.
• Trust the people around you and make sure they understand what you're going through. They can detect the beginning of a crisis before you do.
• Consult your doctor in case of any eventuality.

Advice for family members: How can I help a person with bipolar disorder?

• When someone is having a mental health problem, it can be difficult to know what to say. Listen and try to be tolerant and understanding.
• If you notice that the person is in a state of extreme sadness or joy, try to convince them to ask for help.
• Go for a consultation with them (if they agree).
• It's very important to learn about the disorder and the resources available for its treatment. There are support groups for families of people with bipolar disorder where you can get helpful information.
• Make sure you have time to take care of yourself.