Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh was diagnosed with bipolar disorder postmortem? He committed suicide in 1890 and it is believed that he was experiencing hallucinations during the incident.
Why do we celebrate World Bipolar Day?
This day is celebrated on Vincent van Gogh's birthday every year. According to the International Bipolar Foundation, The vision of World Bipolar Day is to spread world awareness to bipolar conditions and to eliminate social stigma.
What is Bipolar Disorder??
“Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness in which common emotions become intensely and often unpredictably magnified. Individuals with bipolar disorder can quickly swing from extremes of happiness, energy and clarity to sadness, fatigue and confusion”-?APA
Types of Bipolar Disorders?
- Bipolar I is diagnosed when an individual has one or more depressive episodes and manic episodes, sometimes accompanied by psychotic features such as hallucinations or delusions.
- Bipolar II has depressive episodes as its major feature and minimum one hypomanic episode. Hypomania is a less severe type of mania.?
- Cyclothymic disorder is defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms with numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for a minimum of two years (1 year in children and adolescents) without meeting the severity requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
- Bipolar disorder otherwise not specified doesn’t follow a specific pattern and is defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories listed above.
Some Characteristic Symptoms.
A manic episode is characterised by persistent expansive or elated mood, inflated self esteem, irritability, anger, fits of rage and hostile behaviour, restlessness, rapid speech, poor concentration and judgment, increased energy, less need for sleep, unusually high sex drive and racy thoughts.?
A hypomania episode is a less severe form of mania that has the same symptoms with decreased intensity.
A depressive episode on the other side looks like persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt, fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, trouble concentrating and making decisions, irritability, insomnia or hypersomnia, change in appetite, weight loss/gain and recurrent suicidal ideations.?
Let’s Address Some MythsAabout Bipolar Disorder.
- Bipolar is a rare condition: In India, bipolar disorder affects 21 in every 1000 individuals annually with onset between 20 to 30 years.
- Frequent mood swings, you must be bipolar: The highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder are very different from daily mood swings. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme changes in energy, activity, and sleep that are not typical for them. they switch between episodes of depression and mania that alter their functionality. Conversely, mood swings are just fluctuating emotions.
- Mania is fun. It makes you productive: While an individual experiencing mania might feel good initially because of an energy rush, it can over time lead to destructive behaviours which are detrimental to their well-being.?Destructive behaviours includes spending more than one can afford on trivial things, snapping over small things to the extent of self harm, sexual indiscretions and alike.
- People with bipolar disorder are always either manic or depressed: People with bipolar can also experience long and sustained periods of euthymic (balanced) mood. They can also experience something referred to as “mixed episode” which has features of both mania and depression.?
- ?There is only one type of bipolar disorder: This is not true. Based on the frequency and intensity of the symptoms bipolar disorder can be of 4 types Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic and Bipolar disorder otherwise not specified.?
- Diet and Exercise can cure Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder isn’t curable. alongside pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, a balanced diet, sleep schedule?and regular exercise can increase the duration of euthymic mood and aids in managing the symptoms.
- Bipolars cannot function efficiently to maintain a stable job?: Bipolar people can live “normal” and fulfilling lives despite the challenges faced due to their diagnosis. With the assistance of the right treatment, a successful professional life is possible. In fact, having employment can often give people a good sense of stability, structure and confidence in going about their daily lives.
How and when to seek help?
Bipolar can disrupt one's life in ways that might be overwhelming to even comprehend. If you know anyone who is undergoing challenges as they might exhibit the above mentioned symptoms, act now and refer them to a mental health professional. Effective help is just around the corner, all you need to do is seek it.
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, symptoms are often managed through treatment for a productive and stable life. This world bipolar day, let’s shatter these myths and build an environment where people with bipolar can feel connected.?
Maria Veeresh and Priyal Awasthi?
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