We all have our ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder these peaks and valleys are more severe. According to the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG), over 4 million people in South Africa suffer from bipolar disorder. Unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they can damage relationships and interfere with the ability to function in daily life. Although living with bipolar disorder is challenging, with treatment, a solid support system and healthy coping skills, this disorder can be managed.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar was once known as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder. Today, bipolar disorder is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought energy, and behaviour.

People with bipolar disorder switch from feeling overly happy and energetic to feeling very sad.

Signs of mania include:

• increased activity
• Less need for sleep
• Overly euphoric
• racing thoughts
• rapid speech
• reckless behaviour such as shopping sprees, drinking and drugs
• poor temper control and judgement
• expansive or irritable mood.

Signs of depression include:

• Daily low mood or sadness
• excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• difficulty concentrating
• overeating or loss of appetite
• thoughts of suicide
• low self-esteem
• pulling away from friends
• trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.

What is the cause of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder tends to run in families and appears to have a genetic link. In fact, an article published in the Neuroscience academic journal refers to bipolar as “the most heritable of medical disorders.” It affects men and women equally and the onset is usually between the ages of 15 and 25. As a biological disorder, it may lie dormant and be activated on its own, or may be triggered by external factors such as psychological stress and social circumstances. In most people with bipolar disorder there is no clear cause for periods of extreme happiness or depression. A life event may trigger a mood episode.  Altered health habits, certain medications, drugs and alcohol, or social and environmental factors, could play a role.   

How is bipolar disorder treated?

While medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. There are certain lifestyle changes which can help to manage this disorder:

• Quit using alcohol and/or recreational drugs and tobacco. Drinking and using drugs, including tobacco, can interfere with medication. The can also worsen bipolar disorder and trigger a mood episode.
• Keep a daily mood chart. Keeping track of your daily thoughts, feelings and behaviours can help you be aware of how well your treatment is working and help you to identify potential triggers of depressive episodes.
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Bipolar disorder can greatly affect sleep patterns. Prioritise going to sleep and getting up at the same time every day.
• Exercise. Exercise has been proven to improve mood and mental health in general. Since weight gain is a common side effect of bipolar disorder medication, exercise may also help with weight management.
• Meditate. Meditation has been proven to be effective in improving the depression that’s part of bipolar disorder.
• Manage stress and maintain healthy relationships. Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms. Maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family who support you is vital.

What is the outlook for people with bipolar disorder?

Despite the challenge of living with the condition, many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. In her podcast “Let’s Talk Bipolar” Bipolar UK ambassador Emma Belle, who was diagnosed with the condition over 10 years ago, talks to people who live with bipolar, health care professionals, academics, and the families and loved ones of people who live with the condition.

If you or a loved one is living with bipolar disorder, there is hope and there is help available. A first step may be to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)   to access an emergency helpline or to join a support group. Accessing resources such as these can go a long way in helping you manage the condition so you can live a healthy, long life where you are connected to others and find fulfilment in what you do.

Source: webmd.com  nytimes.com, activebeat.com, healthline.com, psychcentral.com, sadag.org, mayoclinic.org, bphope.com, westerncape.gov.za, medicine.umich.edu, helpguide.org, clevelandclinic.org