How Bipolar Disorder Affects Everyday Life

When trying to understand a mental diagnosis like bipolar disorder, many people begin by reviewing lists of symptoms. While these lists can provide an accessible entry point to understand common behavior patterns and warning signs, they also tend to paint a one-dimensional picture of the people living with these conditions.

When reviewing symptoms, it’s vital to remember that behind every bipolar diagnosis is an individual striving to achieve a state of well-being, just like everyone else. At PCH, we find it helpful to view bipolar behavior as more than a diagnosis and as a real mood pattern that affects everyday life in these eight areas.

1. Mood Regulation

Bipolar disorder is a mood issue, and the most significant impact bipolar disorder has on everyday life is in relation to an individual’s emotional regulation abilities. Individuals diagnosed with the most common form of bipolar disorder swing between two intense emotional states called manic episodes and depressive episodes.

Manic episodes are characterized by feelings of euphoria, high energy, talkativeness, and poor decision-making abilities. Depressive episodes, on the other hand, bring on an overwhelming sense of sadness or hopelessness, disinterest in life activities, a lack of energy, and the inability to concentrate.

Since it’s almost impossible to predict the frequency and intensity of episodes, living with bipolar means that an individual could go to bed in a manic state and wake up to the onset of a depressive episode with little to no control over their mood, even when they’re aware of what’s happening.

2. Relationships

Bipolar disorder almost always affects the people in an individual’s life as much as the person who’s been diagnosed. For people living with someone diagnosed as bipolar, it can be impossible to predict their mood patterns and know where their relationship stands. From friendships to romantic relationships, individuals with bipolar can struggle to form and sustain long-term relationships as their moods fluctuate unpredictably. We often hear from people living with someone diagnosed as bipolar that it often feels like it’s “too much.” That’s why it’s essential to be open about communicating mood patterns and reaching out for support as needed.

3. Work

When living with bipolar disorder, individuals often find themselves either extremely productive and focused at work or completely disinterested. This tendency can make it challenging to maintain a full-time job or focus on a career path where one must always be at their best. For a period of weeks or months, an individual may feel like they're on top of the world at work and the following week struggle to get out of bed.

4. Hobbies

Similar to work, individuals with bipolar disorder may take up a sudden interest in particular hobbies or activities during a manic episode and then just as quickly lose all interest during the onset of a depressive episode. Hobbies can provide a healthy outlet for someone to channel their manic energy. However, during a depressive episode, they can become a source of resentment and a reminder of the zest one has for life during a manic episode, further feeding into negative thought patterns.

5. Sleep

Sleep patterns are one of the most noticeable physical symptoms of bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar can generally get by on less sleep or may even feel like they don’t need to sleep at all. During a depressive episode, they may struggle with insomnia or hypersomnia, often feeling groggy or in a haze due to a lack of sleep or oversleeping.

6. Eating

Fluctuations in mood patterns often influence changes in eating habits. During a manic episode, individuals may feel like they can get by with less food than usual, while a depressive episode may cause them to obsess over food. The relationship isn’t yet fully understood, but studies have shown a connection between bipolar disorder and eating disorders. In fact, “One in three people with bipolar disorder also meet criteria for binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, or variants of these disorders.”

7. Drug and Alcohol Use

Bipolar disorder is a mood issue, while drugs and alcohol are mood-altering substances. When individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder use drugs or alcohol, these substances often influence their mood more than other people. At the same time, drugs and alcohol have been known to trigger manic or depressive episodes in certain individuals. If someone takes medication as part of their bipolar treatment plan, adding drugs and alcohol to the mix can cause adverse side effects.

Ultimately, it’s best for individuals with bipolar disorder to avoid these substances as much as possible. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle with abstinence as they try to regulate or cope with their mood patterns by using drugs or alcohol.

8. Physical Activity

During a manic episode, physical activity like exercise or yoga can provide an ideal outlet for excess energy. It can also offer an excellent motivational tool for individuals during a depressive episode, as it helps to release endorphins that aid in mood regulation.

We Care About What Happened to You—Not What’s Wrong With You

Do you suspect that bipolar tendencies may be affecting your quality of life or the life of someone you care about in any of the above areas? PCH is here to help. Reach out to our team today for a complimentary consultation, and we’ll help you understand your options for achieving well-being in all areas of your life.

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