Bipolar disorder, also sometimes known as manic depression, is a common mental health disorder that comes with both mood and psychotic symptoms. It has three episodes, mania, hypomania, and a major depressive episode.
The symptoms you have depend on the episode you experience. For example, if it’s a manic episode, you’ll get to experience more of the manic and psychotic symptoms. On the other hand, in case of a major depressive episode of bipolar disorder, you’ll experience mood-related symptoms similar to depression.
Now let’s have a look at this disorder in detail. From its symptoms and causes to its treatment options, let’s check out everything.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
As briefly mentioned above, the symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person and episode to episode. However, there are a few symptoms that commonly appear in most people with this disorder. The following are a few of them:
- Unusual talkativeness and utopia
- An exaggerated sense of self
- Sleep and appetite disturbances
- Unpredictable mood and frequent irritability
- Digestive issues and muscle tension
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Suicidal thoughts or visions of death
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Many people think bipolar disorder is a result of untreated depression when in reality, the exact cause of the bipolar disorder is still unknown. Nobody really knows what causes bipolar disorder; however, several things can make you more prone to catching the disorder. They include:
- Having a first-grade relative with a mental health disorder
- Gender issues such as bipolar disorder are more common among men
- Familial conflicts and financial issues
- Having a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Prolonged exposure to stress like the death of a loved one or divorce
- A history of previous mental health disorders like depression or generalized anxiety disorder
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
The treatment of bipolar disorder again depends on the episode one is experiencing. Yet, many things remain common. As an outline, I can name three things that can help with the treatment of the bipolar disorder, lifestyle rehabilitation, allopathic medicines, and psychotherapy. Sometimes, people also go for alternative medicine. Let’s look at all of them in detail below:
- Regular exercise can successfully improve mood-related symptoms in bipolar disorder;
- A healthy diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals can speed the process of your recovery;
- Herbs and plants, including valerian root, ashwagandha, and cannabis shatter can help stabilize your mood and relieve fatigue naturally;
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are prescribed to alter the chemicals in your brain and relieve severe mood symptoms;
- Mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs are prescribed in case you have delusions or hallucinations, which are psychotic symptoms;
- Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps challenge your negative thoughts, naturally helping you unwind and stay positive;
- And alternative medicine like chiropractic adjustments and aromatherapy can help eliminate stress and increase your energy levels.
Different people choose different treatment options. You can choose one that best suits you; however, be sure to stay consistent in it. I wish you all the best, my friends!
