Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder means swinging between two very different states. In the high state, you have far more energy than usual, you barely need sleep, your thoughts race, and you sometimes feel unstoppable. In the low state, you feel the way you would in depression: you cannot get out of bed, you have no motivation, and everything feels heavy. Everyone has ups and downs, but these swings are bigger, they last longer, and they get in the way of work, relationships, and everyday life.

The highs are not the same for everyone. For some people, the high becomes intense enough to throw their life off track, and they may need hospital care. This is called mania. For others, the high is real and the people around them notice it, but it does not become that extreme. This is called hypomania. Which of the two someone experiences is what separates the two main types of bipolar disorder, known as bipolar I and bipolar II. Working out which one applies is best done with a professional rather than on your own.

Many people live with bipolar disorder for years before anyone gives it a name. They often assume it is their personality, stress, or simply having more ups and downs than other people. Noticing that there is a pattern at all is usually the first real step.

• Feeling unusually high energy, on top of the world, or barely needing sleep.
• Making impulsive choices, spending too much, taking risks, or starting more than you can keep up with.
• Lows where getting out of bed, eating, or showing up to work feels impossible.
• Thoughts racing, talking fast, or your mind not slowing down.
• Irritability or anger that feels bigger than what's actually going on.
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy and feeling hopeless or worthless with it.
• Big swings in energy, from getting everything done to completely shutting down
• Trouble keeping up with relationships because your mood or energy keeps shifting on you.

Bipolar disorder often runs in families. Having a parent or sibling with it makes it more likely for you to forget it. Sometimes it comes down to how the brain regulates mood. Some people just don't stabilize the same way. Big hormonal shifts such as pregnancy, or thyroid issues, can set off or worsen an episode. Major stress, trauma, or a big life change can cause bipolar disorder as well. Finally, alcohol or drugs can either look like bipolar symptoms, trigger an episode, or make one worse.

Bipolar disorder does not usually settle down on its own. Without treatment, the lows can become severe enough to bring on thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If that is where you or someone you love is right now, please reach out immediately. Call iCall at 9152987821, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Going without treatment can also cause other problems. Impulsive behavior can damage relationships, careers, and finances. It becomes more likely that you will also deal with anxiety, substance use, or an eating disorder. Your physical health can suffer, with a higher risk of heart problems and diabetes and sleep that never settles. During a severe manic episode, it can lead to hospitalization or dangerous situations. Getting support can help break this cycle before it reaches that point.