Bipolar
Bipolar impacts various aspects of individuals’ lives, from personal relationships to professional pursuits. Although mood fluctuations are a universal part of being human, bipolar can make your mood change dramatically, from feeling very depressed to being overactive.
You might have symptoms of depression or you might be experiencing mania, the latter of which includes feeling energetic or restless, irritability, talking quickly, making impulsive decisions, being sexually promiscuous or being argumentative or aggressive. These more than just ordinary mood swings; it can cause extreme, often distressing, changes in mood.
Recognising the signs of bipolar can be challenging due to stigma surrounding mental health. If left unattended, bipolar can lead to severe consequences, disrupting daily functioning and straining relationships. An estimated 2% of Scotland’s population experiences bipolar. This underscores the importance of understanding and addressing this condition.
Common myths about bipolar
bipolar is just extreme moodiness
Bipolar involves distinct episodes of mania and depression that significantly impact an individual’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It is a complex mental health condition with specific diagnostic criteria and requires professional attention and support.
bipolar doesn’t impact other areas of life
Bipolar can affect relationships, work and physical health Without treatment, it can lead to overspending, lack of sleep and a loss of control.
people with bipolar can control their mood swings
Bipolar is a condition influenced by genetic, biological and environmental factors. While coping strategies help manage symptoms, mood swings can’t be controlled through sheer willpower and expecting otherwise can contribute to feelings of guilt and frustration.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bipolar will vary depending on whether you experience a manic or depressive episode. You might also experience hypomania, which is a milder version of mania that lasts for a shorter period of time.
Symptoms of a maniac episode:
- Feeling very up and elated or irritable and touchy
- Having racing thoughts
- Being more active than usual
- Decreased need for sleep
- Excessive appetite for pleasurable activities (like food or sex)
- Feeling able to do many things at once without feeling tired
- Feeling unusually powerful, important or talented
- Difficulty in maintaining social, work and romantic relationships.
Symptoms of a depressive episode:
- Feeling down, sad or anxious
- Having trouble with sleep – this could be falling asleep, waking up too early or sleeping too much
- Trouble making decisions or concentrating
- Lack interest in almost all activities
- Talk very slowly or unable to say anything
- Feel hopeless or worthless
- Self-harming or having suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty in maintaining social, work and romantic relationships.
What are the different types of bipolar?
Bipolar presents in different forms, each with distinct characteristics. The types are:
Bipolar I: This can include manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require seek immediate support. Depressive episodes may also occur, but not always.
Bipolar II: People may experience depressive episodes at least once and hypomania – a milder form of mania. The depressive state might be more pronounced in bipolar II.
Cyclothymia: This could be chronic fluctuations between hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes for a period of at least two years in adults and one year in children and youth.
Rapid cycling disorder: This is diagnosed when a person experiences four or more mood episodes (either depressive, manic or hypomanic) within a year. There might be stable periods in between. These episodes can last from days to months.
Causes
The causes of bipolar are complex and there is not one single thing that is responsible. Here are some factors known to increase the risk.
Genetic Factors
Individuals with a family history of bipolar are more likely to experience it.
Neurochemical Imbalances
Fluctuations in brain chemicals contribute to mood swings and the development of bipolar.
Trauma in childhood
Traumatic experiences in childhood, like neglect or abuse, can lead to emotional distress and cause bipolar to develop later in life.
Stressful live events
Bipolar might be triggered, or the symptoms exaggerated, by stressful life events, like poverty and money worries, losing someone you love, being bullied or abused or experiencing a lot of uncertainty.
Substance use
This can worsen or trigger bipolar symptoms, creating a complex interplay between mental health and substance use.
How do I manage my bipolar?
Bipolar is usually treated with a combination of medication and talking therapy. It is important to seek help and talk to your GP if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Below are some self-management techniques, which are things that you can do to help yourself manage symptoms:
- Seek treatment and follow it as directed by your doctor.
- Keep a routine for things like sleeping, eating and exercising.
- Try to exercise. Any form of movement that you find enjoyable from yoga to running might be beneficial.
- Don’t use alcohol and drugs.
- Seek social and peer support.
- Keep a mood journal to track your mood swings.
- Be patient because improvement takes time.
How do I support someone with bipolar?
Supporting someone with bipolar requires empathy, patience and open communication. Your presence, understanding and encouragement play a vital role in their journey towards managing bipolar. Here are some things you can do:
- Listen without judgement while offering reassurance and understanding.
- Encourage them to share their feelings and talk about their experiences even if it is difficult for them.
- Educate yourself about bipolar to gain insight into their struggles.
- Assist in identifying coping mechanisms and promoting self-care practices.
- Create a supportive environment and be mindful of potential triggers.
- If appropriate, accompany them to therapy sessions or medical appointments.
- If their symptoms are severe, encourage them to seek professional help and refer to the NHS website for more information.
support
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
other support
Bipolar Scotland is a Scottish charity focusing on supporting those experiencing bipolar and their friends and family
Bipolar Edinburgh offers multiple services, including peer support and carers support.
