Bipolar depression, as what the name implies, is the periodic alternation in a person’s behavior. This is characterized by two mood extremes: mania and depression. A person may experience a period of mania- an intense feeling of being “high”, elated, invulnerable, and unlimited energy. This is usually followed by a period of despair, gloominess, and hopelessness that are all characteristics of depression. The intense swinging from highs and lows may occur in as short as a few days apart, or they may occur stretched out over a period of years. The depression periods are usually longer than those of mania.
A lot of creative individuals are rumored to have bi-polar disorder. It is said that the elation and motivation that they felt during manic stages are responsible for producing their most unique and creative outputs. The painter Van Gogh is one famous example. Another one would be Robert Schumann, a 19th century composer, whose musical outputs showed that he was at his most prolific during bouts of mania.
Symptoms differ from person to person. A person’s manic periods may be less extreme than another’s, the same goes for depressive periods too. Even mental health experts have troubles diagnosing it. Some may even experience having manic and depressive episodes occur simultaneously! Bipolar disorder is then further divided into types depending on the number of manic episodes. However, the definitive lines between these types still remain unclear.
To diagnose bipolar disorder, one must have experienced the aforementioned alternation of depression and mania, to be attested by family, friends, and those who are in close contact with the person. The symptoms should be verified by a psychiatrist, or a clinical psychologist before one would have the confidence to correctly diagnose with bipolar disorder and receive treatment.
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can have a profound negative impact on the person afflicted with this disease. It takes the right motivation and positive thinking to know that even though bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it can still be controlled.
Lots of people who are bipolar have lived useful and creative lives. Treatment ranges from psychotherapy, support from loved ones, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation. Medication such as lithium carbonate can help stabilize the moods. Another is sodium valproate which is also an anti-convulsant. It usually takes a combination of therapy, medication and support for bipolar disorder to be effectively controlled. Also an overhaul of one’s lifestyle choices, like more exercise and eating healthily, were found to be quite effective.
The most important thing to do if you or someone you know is experiencing bipolar symptoms is to seek help immediately.