Tag Archives: mental illness

Bipolar Disorder: What is it and What to do about it

Posted on by

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatment Options

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. These mood swings include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). This disorder affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

This blog post will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for bipolar disorder to provide a comprehensive understanding of this challenging condition.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by two main phases: manic (or hypomanic) episodes and depressive episodes. Each phase has its distinct symptoms and can vary in intensity and duration.

Manic Episodes

During a manic episode, individuals may experience the following symptoms:

  • Elevated Mood: Feeling unusually happy, optimistic, or irritable.
  • Increased Energy: Having a surge of energy and activity levels, often leading to overcommitment and exhaustion.
  • Reduced Need for Sleep: Feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep or not needing sleep at all.
  • Grandiosity: Having an inflated sense of self-esteem or confidence.
  • Talkativeness: Speaking rapidly and excessively, often jumping from one topic to another.
  • Racing Thoughts: Experiencing a rapid flow of ideas and thoughts.
  • Impulsivity: Engaging in risky behaviors such as excessive spending, reckless driving, or unprotected sex.
  • Distractibility: Having difficulty focusing or maintaining attention.

Hypomanic Episodes

Hypomania is a milder form of mania and includes similar symptoms, but they are less severe and may not significantly impair daily functioning. However, hypomania can still lead to risky behaviors and should be taken seriously.

Depressive Episodes

During a depressive episode, individuals may experience the following symptoms:

  • Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day.
  • Loss of Interest: Losing interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
  • Fatigue: Experiencing a lack of energy or feeling constantly tired.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite.
  • Concentration Issues: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
  • Feelings of Worthlessness: Experiencing excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness.
  • Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Having recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or attempts.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is divided into several types, each defined by the pattern and severity of mood episodes:

Bipolar I Disorder

Characterized by at least one manic episode that lasts for at least seven days or is severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes typically occur as well, lasting for at least two weeks.

Bipolar II Disorder

Involves at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes but still are noticeable.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). Symptoms are less severe than those in Bipolar I or II but still cause significant distress.

Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders

Includes bipolar-like disorders that do not fit the specific criteria for Bipolar I, II, or Cyclothymic Disorder but still involve significant mood swings and disruptions.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

1) Genetic Factors: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

2) Biological Factors: Brain structure and function abnormalities have been observed in individuals with bipolar disorder. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are also implicated.

3) Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, trauma, and significant changes in life can trigger mood episodes in susceptible individuals. Environmental factors may interact with genetic predispositions to increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.

4) Other Risk Factors:
– Age: Bipolar disorder typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood.

– Substance Abuse: Drug or alcohol abuse can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Treatment Options

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

1) Medication

– Mood Stabilizers: Medications such as lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine help stabilize mood swings and prevent episodes of mania and depression.

– Antipsychotics: Atypical antipsychotic medications like quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone can help manage symptoms of mania and depression.

– Antidepressants: These are sometimes used to treat depressive episodes but are typically combined with mood stabilizers to avoid triggering mania.

– Antidepressant-Antipsychotic Combinations: Medications that combine antidepressant and antipsychotic properties, such as Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine), can be effective for some individuals.

2) Psychotherapy

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, improving mood regulation.

– Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Focuses on stabilizing daily rhythms and routines to prevent mood episodes.

– Family-Focused Therapy: Involves family members in treatment to improve communication, support, and understanding of the disorder.

3) Lifestyle Changes

– Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a consistent sleep routine can help stabilize mood.

– Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can improve overall well-being and mood stability.

– Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

– Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress.

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with proper treatment and support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. Here are some tips for managing the condition:

1) Educate Yourself: Learn about bipolar disorder to better understand your symptoms and treatment options.

2) Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mental health professionals.

3) Monitor Your Mood: Keep track of your mood changes and triggers to identify patterns and prevent episodes.

4) Follow Your Treatment Plan: Adhere to prescribed medications and therapy sessions to maintain stability.

5) Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small achievements.

6) Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a complex and challenging mental health condition, but with the right treatment and support, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for those affected by bipolar disorder and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, seek professional help to develop an effective treatment plan and improve quality of life.

Connection with Others Who Have Mental Health Issues

Posted on by

In an attempt to build up the Write into the Light community, I am committing to post a blog every Monday when possible. I want to get back to providing informative and engaging articles on mental health topics.

It has been difficult for me over the last several years because one of my medications has greatly diminished my creative processes. Additionally, I am no longer on another medicine that used to help me focus and concentrate.

Therefore, I have decided to research topics and enlist the help of an AI app to help me create reliable, organized, and detailed content. I want to be completely transparent about this because I want to maintain the trust and faith you have shown me by your support of my writing over the past 13 years.

If you have any questions or requests for specific topics, please let me know in the comments. Thank you so much!

What It Is Like to Have Borderline Personality Disorder

Posted on by
Image by Alana Jordan from Pixabay

“Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others.”

– National Institute of Mental Health

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) include the following.

  • Fear of abandonment
  • Unstable relationships
  • Unclear or shifting self-image
  • Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors
  • Self-harm
  • Extreme emotional swings
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness
  • Explosive anger
  • Feeling suspicious or out of touch with reality

I have some of these symptoms but not all of them all of the time. I do fear my significant other leaving me through death. At this point we have enough history together that I don’t believe he will leave me willingly like I used to.

My self-image is in constant flux. I don’t know if I am a good person or a bad person much of the time. I often question my state of mind – whether I am mentally unstable or not, and whether my assessment of reality is true or not. I constantly seek reassurance from my significant other on these matters because I don’t trust my own judgement.

I used to have unstable relationships and impulsive self-destructive behaviors, including self harm, when I was younger. I still have the compulsion to self-harm when I become intensely overwhelmed by my emotions but I rarely give into it as it passes very quickly.

I have extreme emotional swings often within the same day and sometimes within the same hour! I don’t usually understand why this is happening or where the trigger is coming from. Although mindfulness helps me realize that it almost always has something to do with my thoughts – the story I am telling myself about events happening outside of me and within.

I do have chronic feelings of emptiness, often feeling like I have no purpose in life; constantly fighting feelings of loneliness and boredom.

I have problems with explosive anger when I feel like people have been unfair or unjust with myself or others. I have learned to curtail my anger in most other situations but those in which I become judgemental and intolerant my rage can be destructive to myself and my significant other who has to bear the brunt of my complaining and lamenting.

I am suspicious and question people’s motives ALL. OF. THE. TIME. I take things personally and tend to put myself at the center of the universe which makes everyone’s actions about ME instead of what they truly are which is about themselves and what they are dealing with or bringing to the situation based on their own beliefs, values, and histories. This is something that pains me most days and it is quite the hard habit to break.

I practice mindfulness, including in meditation; I pray to my higher self which helps me gain insight into my feelings and behaviors. I do movement therapy including stretching, yoga poses, and Tai chi. I deal with this mental illness along with several others in addition to chronic pain, so I suppose I am doing fairly well in spite of these things. I am always looking to do better, however, so if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments and tell me if you relate to anything I said in this article. Thank you.

New Issue of Turtle Way Journal is Out

Posted on by

Turtle Way is Write into the Light’s online literary art journal featuring poetry, prose, and art from people with mental illness and those who love them.

Check it out!

How I Feel During a Depressive Episode

Posted on by

When I am depressed the world turns gray. I feel lethargic, weighed down, and numb. I spend a lot of time laying in bed, awake sometimes, but mostly sleeping. I like the curtains drawn. I lose interest in all things that used to bring me joy such as being with family and friends, engaging in my hobbies, and taking care of myself by showering and eating. When I have no appetite I am definitely depressed.

For me, being depressed is a type of torture that is hard to explain. It’s having no joy or interest in life which creates a kind of boredom and hopelessness deep in my heart all the while being stuck in this extremely slow passage of time where a minute feels like a day and I just don’t know how I am going to get through so many of them.

What does it feel like when you’re in a depressive episode ?

How I Feel During a Manic Episode

Posted on by

I have bipolar type 2 disorder, so as opposed to becoming manic I experience something called hypomania. How I feel during a hypomanic episode can vary, but most often I feel driven to accomplish many creative tasks at one time. I will write, paint, do photography, and even rearrange the furniture in the house when I am hypomanic, sometimes all in the same day.

I tend to require less sleep during a hypomanic episode. I also feel agitated, irritable, and impatient during this time. My temper is shorter and I seem to have more conflicts with others than normal.

Some people enjoy their hypomania because they feel energized and creative. I do not enjoy the heavy push to accomplish things and the irritability towards other people and the world in general. For me, hypomania is just as uncomfortable and distressing as depression only in different ways.

How do you feel during a manic episode?

Times When I Feel Most Understood in Terms of My Bipolar Disorder

Posted on by

The times I feel most understood in terms of my bipolar disorder are when I read #bipolarclub posts on Twitter. I don’t think people can really understand what it is like to have bipolar disorder unless they have it themselves. When people talk about their symptoms and their struggles with bipolar disorder, I feel so understood and less alone in my own issues in dealing with it.

I also have a sibling who has bipolar disorder and she and I have had many good chuckles over how similar we are in our reactions to life in light of our bipolar disorder. It’s important to connect with other people who are going through the same symptoms as you are, so that you don’t feel like you’re the only one experiencing them. For me, connecting with others who have bipolar disorder makes me feel like I’m a part of something valid and that I’m not just “crazy.”

When do you feel most understood in terms of your bipolar disorder? Tell me about it in the comments. Also, follow me on Twitter.

New Issue of Turtle Way is Out

Posted on by

Check it out! Art, poetry, photography…all in support of those with mental illness.

https://turtleway.wordpress.com

Bipolar Disorder and Irritability

Posted on by

Everyone gets irritated at times especially if they are hungry or tired. People with bipolar disorder are often more sensitive to fluctuations in their internal and external environment and can become more agitated, anxious, sad, or angry than the situation would warrant for those without bipolar disorder. Examples of these fluctuations include:

Internal triggers

  • Hunger
  • Anger
  • Loneliness
  • Fatigue
  • Being cold or hot
  • Pain

External triggers

  • Noises
  • Lights
  • Other people’s emotions or moods
  • Tactile input such as touch by clothing or other people
  • Smells

Some ideas to help combat these triggers

  • Eat at regular intervals and always carry snacks and water with you when you leave the house.
  • Talk to others, journal or exercise when angry or if you are in a 12-step program work the steps on it.
  • Make contact with people in real life on a regular basis.
  • Go to bed and get up around the same time everyday.
  • Dress in layers and always keep a jacket or coat in the car. You never know when a restaurant or store will be extra cold. Keep a cold wet cloth in a small cooler during hot weather to place on your forehead or the back of your neck.
  • Always carry pain reliever with you when you leave the house.
  • Use ear plugs that cut down on the decibel level of the environmental noise.
  • Wear a hat or sun glasses to shade the light.
  • Practice setting boundaries and blocking out other people’s emotions.
  • Remove yourself from situations where other people’s emotions and behaviors cause you distress.
  • Cut the tags out of clothing.
  • Wear comfortable clothing like loose shirts and elastic waist pants.
  • Remove yourself from noxious orders or keep a cloth with you that has a scent you like on it to bring to your nose when you can’t get away from a smell.

What are some of your triggers and how do you deal with them?

New Issue of Turtle Way Journal is Out

Posted on by

Turtle Way is Write into the Light’s online literary art journal featuring poetry, prose, and art from people with mental illness and those who love them.

Check it out!