Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as Manic Depression is a mood disorder, and is the name given to the experience of extreme moods or exaggerated mood swings. Bipolar disorder is characterised by extremely ‘high’ moods where one becomes overly euphoric or elated and the experience of extremely ‘low’ moods where one becomes overly sad and finds it difficult to experience any pleasure. The high moods are called manic episodes (also known as mania or hypomania – we explain these below) and the low moods are called depressive episodes. These episodes can range from mild to severe and affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. However, it is important to remember that some people may experience different patterns associated with bipolar disorder. For example, some people may experience only one episode of mania but more frequent episodes of depression.
It’s really important to highlight that when we are talking about mood swings, we don’t mean going from happy and smiley to a little bit flat and frowny (or vice versa); we are referring to extreme shifts in mood that don’t necessarily make a whole lot of sense in the context of what’s going on around us, and these moods can be really disruptive and interfere your ability to ‘do life’.
Signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Someone with bipolar disorder will experience mood changes ranging between manic and depressive episodes.
It’s also common to feel or experience:
During a manic episode, people can also become out of control, feel very nervous and fearful (anxious), and become angry. They can become reckless without realising it, engage in dangerous behaviour and take huge risks (e.g., increased sexual activity, gambling, and drug and alcohol use). Mania can also cause psychotic thoughts and actions in more extreme cases.
When experiencing a depressed episode, it’s common to feel or experience:
What are the different types of Bipolar Disorder?
There are several different types of bipolar disorder, and the type you’re diagnosed with often depends on your individual experience of mood changes, including how quickly your mood changes.
‘It Ain’t Weak to Seek’… help: Where to get help?
Correctly identifying mental ill-health can help you begin to explore the various treatment options available to you so that you can better manage your well-being. As such, having an accurate diagnosis is the beginning of becoming well. Bipolar disorder can only be diagnosed by your GP/ trained medical practitioner, psychiatrist or qualified mental health professionals. Medication is usually a part of a successful treatment plan for Bipolar Disorder, in conjunction with other treatments such as talk-therapy and self-help/ self-care strategies. Often a diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes time, as your moods will need to be monitored over a period of weeks or months. The good news is that bipolar disorder can be managed with the right treatment and support. If you can relate to some of the signs and symptoms described above, don’t immediately assume you have bipolar disorder, but please make sure you seek help, remembering that ‘It Ain’t Weak to Speak’.
Please speak to an appropriate professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding the information provided here.
Dr Stewart Hase: AHPRA Registered Psychologist
Doctor of Philosophy, MA Psychology (Hons), Dip Psychology, BA Psychology & Education, Associate Diploma Nursing Education
Imagine a water tap in your house that when you turn it on, the water just dribbles, pours out really fast, is very hot, is lukewarm or icy cold. You never know what it is going to be and you cannot control it in any way. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that involves problems with emotional regulation in the brain. So, sufferers can be depressed for a while, then perhaps healthy for a bit, sometimes they can be cranky or agitated, and, occasionally, manic. Manic behaviour involves being very overconfident, having lots of energy, taking extreme risks, not being able to sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts and a sense that one can do anything. These symptoms can be relatively mild or severe. The symptoms of depression include feeling tired all the time, being unhappy, a lack of interest in life, not being able to think clearly, difficulty in concentrating and making decisions, memory problems, loss of appetite, being unable to sleep properly, feeling miserable and unmotivated, and just not being able to function properly.
Most of us experience cycles of being ‘up’ and ‘down’. However, in bipolar disorder, these mood states are extreme and the person cannot control them. As a result, this disease can be very debilitating. There are different types and severity of bipolar disorder. Depression is the most common symptom found in sufferers with very occasional episodes of manic or an ‘emotional high’. Some people are badly depressed for a bit and then manic for a while in cycles throughout their life. The disease often starts between the ages of 18 to 40 and appears to be inherited-it runs in families. The disorder usually appears gradually over time or can be precipitated by a stressful life event. Symptoms can be quite mild in some people and it can be hard to diagnose.
While there is no cure, the disorder can be managed very well with medication and with psychological therapy. Sufferers can lead quite normal and successful lives. Russell Brand, Maria Carey, Sting, Sir Winston Churchill and Kanye West are just a few famous and successful people with bipolar disorder.
What to do if you think you’re experiencing bipolar disorder
If you think you’re experiencing bipolar disorder, visit your doctor/ GP or mental health professional. There are treatments available and your doctor/ GP or mental health professional can work with you to figure out a plan that suits you.
Again, check out some of LIVIN’s Tips and Tricks here to help you manage yourself better if you aren’t ready to see a doctor/ GP or mental health professional.
Remember that everyone responds differently to treatments and strategies, so figuring out what works for you might take some time. It’s important to keep at it until you find the right fit.
1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness each year. Many suffer in silence due to the stigma and lack of education around mental health. LIVIN is helping change this. Each flag represents where we have delivered our LIVINWell In School program. Help us fill the map and spread the word that “It ain’t weak to speak”.
