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Introduction:

Do you ever feel that you experienced a whirlwind rush of energy and elation which all of a sudden dropped into a state of hopelessness? What if these extreme mood swings aren't just isolated episodes, but instead a recurring course that pervasively impinges upon one's everyday life? Bipolar disorder, commonly known as "manic depression," manifests through cycles of heightened and depressive moods. which can even detach relationships, professional careers, and even personal safety. A very complex disorder that can push the boundaries of the typical emotional experience but hard to understand in the light of managing this disorder.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as "manic depression," is a mental condition where people experience extreme shifts in moods. Unlike common mood swings, these shifts are extreme and last for days, weeks, or even months, with people changing between the high-energy mania states and the low, despairing depression states. This disorder, according to Dr. Patrick McKeon, "is not just a mood swing; it's a radical shift in the way that the brain functions with regard to emotion, thought, and action."

Bipolar people experience highs and lows unlike others in these respects:

1. Manic Episodes: 

Consider being hyper wired, as if you could do everything and everything simultaneously. This is the definition of a manic episode, a period of "a state characterized by extreme energy, flight of ideas, and almost irresistible pressure to keep going all day long.". do more. However, this energy may blur judgment; a seemingly safe question may become a question for life, and sometimes even harmful practice.

2. Depressive Episodes: 

If a depressive episode hits, it's like the world slows down. It brings both deep sadness, hopelessness, even the possibility of one's physical exhaustion. Getting out of bed or even interacting with loved ones seems like feats impossible to be overcome.

This bipolar mixture of highs and lows can be confusing, not just for the sufferers but also to those around them. Beyond the mood shifts, the disorder significantly influences the relationships, ambitions, or even the self-worth of a person.

The Psychology of Bipolar Disorder:

Psychologists could view bipolar disorder as the issue of managing one's emotions—the capacity of the brain to stabilize a particular mood. Most human beings have an intuitive and organic reaction to emotional events, such as resilience: finding a stable state even when one is under stress or excited. But with bipolar disorders, the individual’s brain has faulty "emotional brakes," swinging wildly from one extreme to another.

This breakdown in regulation can have very serious consequences. For instance, those in a manic state may feel they can do so much more than they actually are able to, describing themselves as "infinite." Depressive episodes make them feel incapable and worthless, too, isolated from the rest of the world. Such conflicting views can blur a person's sense of identity and make it hard to believe a more trustworthy feeling.

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder is not one size fits all. Psychologists recognize different types, each coming with its own unique pattern of mania and depression:

  • Bipolar I Disorder: At least one full-blown manic episode characterized most of the time; it ends up being so strong that many people usually end up in the hospital. It is usually accompanied by depressive episodes, making it one tough cycle of extreme mood changes.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: This disorder is marked by hypomania, less severe mania, and a higher number of episodes of depression. Patients suffering from bipolar II typically have long periods of depression, with the high periods being less intense, which may make this disorder harder to diagnose.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: It is considered a lighter version of bipolar disorder. Patients diagnosed with cyclothymia experience more frequent mood swings, but they do not reach the level of full major manic or depressive episodes.

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Relationships and Everyday Life:

Extreme shifts in mood of bipolar disorder often put a great strain on relationships. In a manic phase, impulsive acts—like blowing money, quitting a job, or even ending a relationship on a whim—can strain family ties and friendships. During depressive episodes, feelings of isolation and social isolation can create difficulties in keeping connected with loved ones.

For many, bipolar disorder also impairs occupational/academic functioning and personal goals. During manic phases, some experience an escalated drive and productivity to levels that decline during depressive episodes. This cycle can make it hard to maintain momentum and lead to feelings of frustration and self-doubt.

As Ellen Forney, an artist who lives with bipolar disorder, described, "The highs can feel thrilling, but the crashes that follow and take away everything I've built."

The Psychological Path to Understanding and Managing Bipolar Disorder:

The treatment of bipolar disorder is aimed at restoring a person's balance and discussing tactics for the more constructive use of emotions. In many cases, therapy can really be of great support since it can provide an individual with techniques for managing extreme mood changes. For instance:

  • CBT: Such a therapy assists people to acquire healthier ways of thinking and get rid of detrimental thought patterns, which include those that may only occur during depressive episodes. For example, a person who feels hopeless during a depressive state can be taught to change the negative beliefs and acquire strategies on how to counter feelings of worthlessness.
  • Family Therapy: Families play such an important role in helping a loved one with bipolar disorder. Educating family members about the disorder helps to eliminate the fear attached to it hence, reducing the stigma. Family therapy also equips loved ones to identify warning signs and support their family through challenging phases.
  • Increases Self-Awareness: By being able to recognize early signs of mania or depression, the patient may be able to better monitor his moods. Keeping a diary detailing mood state, patterns of sleep, and even social interactions can often reveal personal triggers and early signs of mood change. This self-awareness can empower people to intervene before a full episode develops.

According to Kelly Rentzel, a lawyer and bipolar advocate, "The more I understood my disorder, the less I feared it. Knowing my own triggers and limits gave me power over it." She elaborates on the importance of resiliency and support networks in keeping sane, citing a bipolar support group as her lifeline.

Why Bipolar Disorder Is Often Misunderstood:

Bipolar disorder is so widely misunderstood by the general population that it makes life all that much harder for those afflicted with this condition. Some of these misconceptions include the concept that the manic phase is "good" since "it's better than feeling depressed," or that people in a manic state are merely "using their free will" in reckless behavior. Mania, in fact, is often characterized by Lack of judgment and inability to predict the consequences of one's own actions. Manic episodes can be as destructive as depressive episodes, and unless treated, such episodes are destined to repeat themselves.

 In addition, many people mistakenly believe that bipolar disorder is something that is curable. The reality is, it's a lifetime disorder that needs life-long management not only from the patient but also from their family and friends.

Living with Bipolar Disorder:

An individual with bipolar disorder learns how to confront life's sad moments while embracing life's happy moments. Building an effective support network- family, friends, and therapists-is crucial in making any difference. Communities and support groups often become invaluable encouragement and understanding. Many individuals with bipolar disorder go on to have happy, productive lives and fulfill all the things they want to do and maintain their good relationships.

According to psychologist and bipolar advocate Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, "bipolar disorder is a challenge, but it is not a life sentence."

Conclusion:

Bipolar disorder is more than just a condition that causes fluctuating mood swings; its essence changes the way people live and experience things. But with new understanding, empathy, and commitment to treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can find stability, rebuild relationships, and pursue their passions. By spotlighting the psychology of bipolar disorder, all of us can contribute to making a world. It gives those afflicted a sense of understanding and support, making them break the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. 

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