Have You Ever Heard of Bipolar Disorder?

Have you ever felt unusual changes in your mood, energy, activity levels, or your ability to focus? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may find this information helpful. Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that can cause you to feel different from others. You are not alone when it comes to this feeling in fact, The National Institute of Mental Health says, “An estimated 2.9% of adolescents had bipolar disorder, and 2.6% had severe impairment”(National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). If you think you or someone in your life might have bipolar disorder, this is a safe place for those most at risk for being diagnosed, the symptoms they may experience, and the treatment or support systems that may be needed for you. 

Note. Bipolar Disorder [Image], by Michigan Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, January 4, 2024, Bipolar disorder linked to early death more than smoking. 

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is known to cause different mood swings with emotional highs, which are called mania or hypomania, and extreme lows which are called depressive episodes. It may be hard to get a bipolar disorder diagnosis because as a teen you have emotional ups and downs that mostly come from everyday stress.(Mayo Clinic 2022)

Mania and Hypomania Symptoms:

• Not being able to sleep

• Never-ending thoughts

• Can’t pay attention 

• Not considering the results of your actions 

• More energy than normal

• It is easier for you to become upset or agitated

• Extra upbeat, fidgety, or restless

* Mania symptoms are more intense and have a stronger effect on your life at work, school, with friends, or in your love life. 

(Mayo Clinic 2022)

Note. Bipolar Disorder Symptoms [Infographic], by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Walk In My Shoes, Copyright 2024, Bipolar Disorder.

Depressive Episodes:

• Feeling sad, lonely, or bad when thinking about your life

• Spending less time with friends

• Oversleeping or not being able to sleep

• Easily annoyed 

• Changes in diet

• Feeling tired all the time

• Feeling overly guilty about things you have no control over 

• Trouble making choices

• Thoughts of hurting yourself

(Mayo Clinic 2022)

Risk Factors

According to Mayo Clinic risk factors that can increase your chances of having bipolar disorder are:

• Having a close family member with bipolar disorder

• Experiencing high amounts of stress

• Using alcohol or drugs

(Mayo Clinic 2022)

Neural Basis

Bipolar disorder has been associated with dysfunction in the front part of the brain that helps you control your feelings. It also changes what activities your brain feels rewarded by doing and how often you feel accomplished. When these two things occur at the same time it can cause trouble with understanding and acting on your own feelings.

Treatment and Support Options

Dealing with mental health issues can be tough. We understand and can relate to what you may be going through. Don’t worry, we have your back and some methods you can use to help!

1.Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help balance the chemicals in your brain. Taking medicine can help you improve your mood or manage symptoms you may be having. 

2. Therapy: This is talking to a professional who's really good at understanding how you feel. They listen and give you advice to help you cope with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

3. Education and Management: Learning about your mental health condition and how to manage it is super important! Research can always be done and comes with new technologies, and better ways to manage, cope, and possibly heal. You can get tips on how to handle tough situations and how to take care of yourself better. 

4. Support from Others: Having a strong support system is very important, and key to coping. This can be your family, friends, and healthcare team. We’re here to cheer you on, lend a listening ear, or help you when things get rough. 

Note. Bipolar Disorder Treatment, [Infographic] by Marcia Purse, Treating Bipolar Disorder, December 26, 2021, Verywell Mind.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, bipolar disorder is something that not only attacks you, but also people you care about. Although there are some treatments out there like medicine it can be difficult to manage, but don’t be afraid to try different things until you find what works best for you. These treatment options are like a handyman’s tools in his toolbox. Just like how they might need different tools for different jobs, you might need different treatments to help with what you're going through. And remember, asking for help shows your strength, not weakness. There are people and resources out there to support you every step of the way. We hope we could bring you some comfort and allow you a space to feel heard and validated without judgment. We love you and are rooting for you!

Guess What???

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and we want to hear from you! Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings – it’s a mental health journey. Maybe you've heard of it before today, or maybe you are learning about it for the first time. Either way, it is important to be educated about it, because understanding leads to empathy and support. So, let's take action together! Check out our other blog posts for more information, or drop a comment below to share your thoughts or experiences. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference. Stay strong, keep learning, and remember – you are never alone on this journey. #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

References

Bi, B., Che, D., & Bai, Y. (2022, April 5). Neural network of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of neuroimaging and neurocircuit-based treatment strategies. Nature News.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-022- 01917-x 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, December 13). Bipolar disorder– Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar- disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder.  National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder  

Image References

Marcia, P., & Steven, G. (December 26, 2021). Verywell Mind. (n.d.). Treating Bipolar Disorder. https://www.verywellmind.com/treating-bipolar- disorder-3576129 

University of Michigan. (January 4, 2024). Bipolar Disorder Linked to Early Death, More Smoking. University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry. https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/news/archive/202401/bipolar-disorder-linked-early-death-more-smoking 

Walk in My Shoes. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder. https://www.walkinmyshoes.ie/library/about-mental-health/bipolar- disorder