What Is Bipolar Disorder? Causes & Impacts

Have you ever felt really happy and energetic one day and then really sad and down the next? Extreme mood swings between mania (feeling extremely hyped up) and depression (feeling extremely low) are kind of how bipolar disorder feels.

Have you ever thought of what bipolar is disorder ? Basically people with bipolar disorder may experience increased energy, feel as though they don't need as much sleep, become very excited, or make snap decisions during manic episodes. They may experience hopelessness exhaustion and suicidal thoughts during depressed episodes. It affects more than 2 million Americans and is a serious condition.

It's important to seek professional mental health assistance if you or a loved one goes through these severe mood swings. Many bipolar individuals can lead full healthy lives when they receive the right care. We'll discuss what bipolar disorder is, its causes, and its impacts in this blog. Keep reading!

What Is Bipolar Disorder And What Are Its Types?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressing lows. These fluctuations may last for days or weeks at a time and they have a significant impact on a person's life in many different ways.

Apart from just feeling very happy or very sad, bipolar disorder also makes it hard for people to have enough energy, think clearly, and do everyday things. This makes it really tough for people with bipolar disorder to stay stable and feel okay.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar I Disorder

In this type, a person experiences manic episodes that last for at least seven days or are so severe that they require immediate hospitalization. During a manic episode, a person may feel extremely happy, energetic, and active. They may also experience depressive episodes that last for at least two weeks.

2. Bipolar II Disorder

In this type, a person experiences hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes, along with depressive episodes. During a hypomanic episode, a person may feel more energetic and active than usual, but not to the same extent as in a manic episode.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder

In this type, a person experiences periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a full hypomanic or depressive episode.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

1. No one knows exactly what is bipolar disorder or what causes bipolar disorder, but several factors might increase the chance of developing it. These factors can be physical, environmental, or social.

2. Childhood trauma such as abuse, neglect, or the death of a close relative can cause bipolar disorder. This is so that your ability to control your emotions is not compromised by such distress.

3. Bipolar symptoms can also be brought on by stressful life events. Stressful circumstances include relationship issues, financial concerns, trauma, losing a loved one, bullying or harassment, feeling alone, or dealing with significant life changes. Stress can either cause symptoms to appear or worsen them.

4. Brain chemistry could be one of the causes of bipolar disorders. Bipolar symptoms can be treated with some drugs that influence neurotransmitters or the messenger chemicals in the brain.

5. Bipolar disorders can also be found in genetics and it may run in your family increasing your risk of developing it yourself. But rather a combination of hereditary and environmental factors are to blame not just one particular gene.

6. Similar symptoms to bipolar disorder can also be brought on by drugs, alcohol and medications. Mood swings can be brought on by certain medications and it can be challenging to distinguish between the effects of these drugs and alcohol and bipolar symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

1. Strong Mood Swings

Manic episodes and depressive episodes are the two main mood swings experienced by people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder to put it simply causes extremes in mood—from extremely low and depressed to extremely happy and energetic at times.

2. Reduced Sleep Need

People may feel as though they don't need to sleep at all during manic episodes. Despite their body's need for sleep, people who are in a high mood may not feel tired and even want to remain awake.

3. Speaking And Thinking Too Fast

During manic episodes speaking and thinking too fast can happen. It can be challenging for others to keep up with someone who is incredibly animated and excited because their words and ideas may flow out of them quickly and this can also be because of stress.

So, have you ever thought about what stress is?

Stress is basically a body's natural response to pressure or demands from the environment is stress. It frequently results in tension that is either physical, emotional or mental and can be brought on by a variety of circumstances or events.

4. Impulsive Behavior

When someone is having a manic episode, they might do things without thinking, they may act without considering the outcomes such as making costly purchases or taking part in risky activities.

5. Feeling of Hopelessness

Severe feelings of melancholy worthlessness or hopelessness are brought on by depressive episodes. Even though theres no obvious cause for these emotions a person may experience extreme depression and think that things will never get better during these low periods.

6. Loss of Interest in Activities

During depressive episodes, people may lose interest in things they used to enjoy. When someone is depressed they may not want to engage in activities they once enjoyed such as hobbies or socializing with friends.

7. Difficulty in Concentrating on Things

Focusing and making decisions can be challenging during manic or depressive episodes. It can be difficult for someone to focus and make decisions when they are experiencing extreme emotions which makes it difficult to complete tasks or comprehend what other people are saying.

8. Irritability

People with bipolar disorder may experience extreme irritability or anger on occasion even over insignificant issues. Conflicts with others may result from this.

9. Suicidal Thoughts

Those with bipolar disorder may have thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own lives when they experience extreme sadness. To stay safe they require immediate assistance from a doctor or other qualified professional because these thoughts are frightening and serious.

So, you may be thinking about how to reduce death thoughts.

It is important to get help right away from a trusted friend family member or mental health professional if someone is having suicidal thoughts. These upsetting thoughts can also be reduced by doing joyful things practicing calming exercises like deep breathing or meditation and getting professional therapy or counseling.

Conclusion

To sum up, severe mood swings including manic and depressive episodes are the mark of bipolar disorder, a complex mental health illness. These episodes may have a substantial effect on day-to-day functioning and general health. Effective management of bipolar disorder requires identifying the symptoms, getting professional assistance, and adhering to the recommended course of treatment.

Furthermore, being aware of the different forms of bipolar disorder, its probable causes, and its typical symptoms can help those who suffer from it as well as those close to them deal with its challenges. We can improve the future for individuals impacted by bipolar disorder by increasing understanding, increasing awareness, and placing a higher priority on mental health care and through depression counseling.

Bipolar disorder treatment is effective. People with bipolar disorder can live fulfilling lives if they receive the proper diagnosis and treatment which may include counseling and medication. It's important to seek professional assistance as soon as you suspect that you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder. In order to control the illness and enhance quality of life early treatment is essential.

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