Bipolar Disorder - A Guide

I have taken the first letters of the words bipolar disorder and applied the metaphorical meaning of a well-known rollercoaster in the seaside town of Blackpool – the Big Dipper. Using language that encourages visual prompts helps set the scene for this article to proceed from.

Bipolar Disorder is commonly known as a mental health disorder that affects an individual’s mood. The cyclical emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression) can alter sleep, energy levels, decision-making and behaviours.

In the case of mental health conditions, research continues to bolster knowledge, but the medical profession cannot pinpoint the origins of the disorder without doubt. What is known is that it is a combination of genetics, biology, and environment. The individual’s neurotransmitters, such as dopamine (reward), serotonin (happiness and wellbeing) and norepinephrine (increases arousal/attention) are imbalanced and require medication and lifestyle adaptation within an ongoing treatment plan.

There are different types of bipolar disorder, such as bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode, bipolar II disorder involves recurrent depressive and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown mania and cyclothymic disorder involves chronic fluctuations between hypomanic and depressive symptoms without meeting the criteria for a major mood episode.

Due to the effects of bipolar disorders, individuals are strongly advised to seek professional help. This disorder does require support, ongoing management, and resilience. Living with this disorder is challenging due to the cyclical nature of symptoms, the impact on relationships, the disruption of day-to-day living and comorbidity with other conditions such as anxiety disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These factors often create the need for more complex treatment plans but also exacerbate symptoms for the individual.  This disorder is innate in all areas of being, challenging one's sense of identity due to risky behaviours and poor judgement in manic periods, which may be out of character. Managing the depressive elements of the disorder can also be challenging and made worse by feelings of shame and guilt from things you have done in a manic phase. This cyclical rollercoaster is often unpredictable and absent of any stability in the individual's life. Fluctuations that occur while living with this disorder can erode self-esteem, cause confusion, and diminish your sense of who you are. Through increased awareness, acceptance, and advocacy, we can create a more inclusive society, making those with mood affecting disorders such as bipolar disorder feel more understood and accepted in society. 

The following worksheet support will cover two areas: supporting oneself and supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder. After outlining strategies for individuals to manage their bipolar disorder, it's equally important to address how friends and family members can provide valuable support in their journey towards wellness.

Support for myself: 

1. Increase your knowledge of bipolar: Understanding your condition can help you better manage symptoms and make informed decisions about your treatment. 

2. Prioritise Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt mood in those who do not have bipolar disorder. In someone who does have bipolar disorder, lack of sleep exacerbates symptoms. It is important to practise good sleep hygiene and establish a regular sleep schedule.

3. Mood Tracking: Monitoring your mood symptoms and any alterations in your behaviour helps to identify patterns, triggers, and early warning signs of manic or depressive episodes, allowing you to take proactive steps to manage your symptoms.

4. Stay Connected: Maintain supportive relationships with friends, family members, and healthcare providers. Social support can provide emotional support, encouragement, and practical assistance during difficult times.

5. Limit Substance Use: Substance use can trigger manic or depressive episodes and increase the risk of relapse. It is widely suggested to avoid drugs and alcohol, as they can interfere with medication effectiveness and exacerbate bipolar symptoms. 

6. Stress Management: Stress is sometimes a trigger for mood episodes. It's critical to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress. This may include practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

7. Treatment Plan consistency: Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop and follow a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and self-management strategies.

Support for a loved one.

1. Increase your knowledge of bipolar: Understanding the condition can help you to help your loved one better manage symptoms and make informed decisions about treatment. 

2. Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can be emotionally draining, so it's essential to prioritise your own self-care. Make time for activities that recharge you and seek support from other friends, family members, or support groups if needed.

3. Set Boundaries: While it's important to offer support, it's also essential to set boundaries to protect your own well-being. Communicate your needs and limits clearly and respectfully.

4. Give Emotional Support: Let your loved one know that you're there for them, no matter what they're going through. Listen without judgement. 

5. Encourage Self-care Activities: Encourage your loved one to practise self-care, including eating a healthy balanced diet, quality sleep, exercise, and avoiding substances such as drugs and alcohol.

6. Encourage Treatment: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and support them in following their treatment plan. This may include taking medication, attending therapy, and making lifestyle changes.

7. Support Their Recovery Goals: Encourage your loved one to set realistic goals for their recovery and support them in working towards these goals. Celebrate their progress and achievements along the way.

8. Practical Support: Daily tasks such as managing medication, appointments, and routines can be challenging for someone with bipolar disorder. Assisting them with reminders - to stay on track with their treatment plan.