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What is Bipolar Disorder

It's Ok to Not Be Ok

By J. Delaney-HowePublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 4 min read
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What is Bipolar Disorder
Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile on Unsplash

This piece is about mental health awareness and the struggle many people face every single day. It is not meant as a diagnostic tool or to give any medical advice whatsoever. Every individual has their own story and their own treatment plan, so even if you see part of yourself in this piece, it's vital that you seek the help of a trained professional. It IS okay not to be okay.

This story is part of a collaboration of many creators about mental health.

Here is the previous piece by Colt Henderson about paranoia.

Next up is Tiandra Callaway Moore with her piece on Munchhausen Syndrome.

In short, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is marked by cycles of mania and depressive episodes. But it is so much more complex than that explanation. Bipolar disorder is challenging to diagnose correctly, and according to WebMD, twenty percent or more of patients reporting depression have bipolar disorder. About half of bipolar patients have seen at least three practitioners before a correct diagnosis. It takes an average of ten years for people to enter treatment for bipolar disorder, and most people with bipolar disorder have other psychiatric conditions. As for me, I saw four practitioners, had three hospitalizations, and they treated me for depression for a year. I spent the better part of a year in a manic state, and nothing worked. Until the last practitioner I saw. She diagnosed me with bipolar type 1, and correct meds were prescribed. It took months to get me to a stable place. Aside from bipolar, I also have generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and chronic occipital migraines. All of which can trigger manic episodes.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder, but for this article, let’s look at the two most common forms, Bipolar Type I and Bipolar Type II.

Bipolar Type I- marked by manic episodes, followed by either hypomania or a depressive episode

Bipolar Type II is not less severe than type I, rather a different diagnosis. This type is marked by at least one major depressive episode, followed by hypomania. Usually, patients with this type have not and do not experience full-blown mania.

Major Depressive Episodes

A major depressive episode is when the symptoms of depression are so severe they interfere with daily life. A major depressive episode will have five of the following symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in or feeling no pleasure from activities, feelings of hopelessness, weight loss without diet, weight gain, changes in eating habits, insomnia or sleeping too much, irritability, fatigue or loss of energy, decreased ability to think or concentrate, and thoughts of suicide. These episodes can last weeks into months.

Mania and Hypomania

While mania and hypomania have the same symptoms, they are different, distinct episodes. Full mania is more severe and interferes with every aspect of daily life. Hypomania is much more manageable but can still affect everyday life. People with bipolar type I can have a cycle that may start as hypomania and quickly turn into full-blown mania. The symptoms of both include three or more of the following: Exaggerated feelings of well-being and self-confidence, decreased need for sleep, increased activity, energy or agitation, abnormally upbeat, abnormally talkative, racing thoughts, inability to focus or concentrate, hypersexuality, and poor decision making.

Euphoric Mania vs. Dysphoric Mania

There is another layer to bipolar cycles: euphoric mania and dysphoric mania. Euphoric mania comes with feelings of grandeur, seemingly endless energy, increased self-confidence, and risky feel-good behavior. Most people with euphoric mania state they feel good, physically and mentally. Euphoric hypomania is more manageable, but full-blown euphoric mania can be dangerous. Dysphoric mania is the opposite. Irritability, constantly agitated state, feelings of self-loathing, and a mean demeanor often put them at odds with everyone. Either mania can leave a trail of destruction that patients often struggle with once the mania is over.

When mania and depressive episodes happen four times per year or more, it becomes rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

Now that you know the basics of bipolar disorder, let’s look at some bipolar statistics from therecoveryvillage.com:

Bipolar affects 2.8 % of the population in the United States.

Worldwide, bipolar is the 6th leading cause of disability.

The average age when bipolar is diagnosed is 25.

Bipolar often have physical comorbidities.

Up to 60% have substance abuse or addiction issues.

Up to 35% of those with bipolar also have obesity.

25 to 50% of bipolar patients have attempted or will attempt suicide.

The suicide rate among those with bipolar is 11%.

Of those in treatment for bipolar disorder, 90% say they are pleased with their treatment.

Depending on many factors, the National Library of Medicine reports that bipolar patients’ life expectancy can be 10 to 20 years less than the average life expectancy.

My Journey to a Diagnosis

My journey with bipolar thus far has been a difficult one. Due to a brain condition and surgery, diagnosing me was difficult. I saw four practitioners before I found the one I see now. I had been hospitalized three times before that for mania that caused psychosis. It took two years of trial and error with meds and therapy to get my bipolar under control.

With a proper diagnosis and treatment, it has become manageable. I still have severe manic episodes, but instead of two a week, it is maybe two or three times a year. It has been two years since I have been in hospital, which is a victory for me. Through a diagnosis, meds, therapy, and an incredible support system, I am not just surviving anymore. I am thriving.

To read more about how I personally get through the worst of it, click below.

To read more about bipolar, here are some links I used researching this piece.

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About the Creator

J. Delaney-Howe

Bipolar poet. Father. Grandfather. Husband. Gay man. I write poetry, prose, some fiction and a good bit about family. Thank you for stopping by.

Queer Vocal Voices on Facebook.

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