Imagine living with someone who acts strangely every day and behaves impulsively, ignoring the effects of their unpredictable actions. There are times when they are ecstatically pleased and possess lofty ideals that defy reason. Their mood can easily switch to being filled with intense despair, and they may even entertain thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Living with such a person can be very frightening and confusing. These symptoms show that the person is living with bipolar disorder.
Related media: What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Whence Cometh Bipolar?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious mental illness that causes unusual and severe mood changes A person suffering from this disorder may experience mania and depression which can persist for a few days or weeks.
This bout of episodes always looms over their mind as the person may feel a deep sense of shame and guilt about their inappropriate or risky illness-related behavior. This person will be unable to carry out their daily tasks normally, which may lead to strained personal and professional ties.
A person who is going through a manic period will be unable to control their impulsive and risky behaviors, such as overspending, driving recklessly, or engaging in intense sexual behavior. Due to the constant, irrational thoughts racing through their minds, they will find it difficult to focus.
In most parts of the day, there will be periods when they will feel frustrated and agitated. They might even lose their sense of reality during a severe episode, which might end in psychosis.
An episode of depression in bipolar patients may cause them to lose interest in past interests and make them feel drained and lethargic all the time. Sleeping too much or experiencing difficulty falling asleep will be an issue for them. This person will also entertain thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
The Looming Despair
One can wonder how to treat this condition. A lifetime of treatment must be provided for bipolar disorder, which is a chronic condition. An individual can live a healthy and fulfilling life with the support of an accurate diagnosis and therapy. A bipolar patient can be very challenging to care for, especially if they refuse to acknowledge they have a problem.
Always try to remain calm and relaxed when communicating with them and try to observe and assess what stressors could cause their risky behavior. This can help them manage their daily tasks and control their symptoms.
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Written by: Adwoa Afriyie Jantuah, Mon, Jan 23, 2023.