48 Hour Education: Bipolar Mood Disorder
Because I love to learn, and I’m a writer, I gave myself a challenge. I asked my Facebook friends to provide me with a topic, and I would study it, and by the next week, I would write about what I’ve learned. Since I have friends who have a lot of faith in me, I was given things like stocks, Singapore’s culture, among other medical diagnoses and ideas. My boyfriend gave me Bipolar Mood Disorder. So, of course, I’m going with that one first for several reasons. First, he’s my boyfriend. B) I know next to nothing about the disorder, and I should learn more. In my 48 hours of study, I’m not only NOT an expert, but I realize I could study for years and years and still be learning. Before I get into the meat of it, here’s the definition of Bipolar Mood Disorder: formerly known as manic depressive illness or manic depression. It is a mental disorder that causes shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
My first thought is, wow, that’s a lot to carry around every day. Most things in life require a steady mood, energy, and concentration. Oh, and don’t forget the ability to carry out day-to-do tasks.
There are 3 types of Bipolar Mood Disorder:
I have a few screenshots to share because the meaty information should be conveyed from a fundamental scientific perspective and not my uneducated understanding.
Fascinating things I learned include that currently, a diagnosis doesn’t involve brain imaging. Still, studies indicate that there is evidence that the brains of those with Bipolar Disorder differ from brains without the disorder. Current diagnosis practices are more focused on personal symptoms & history. This may change when science catches up. Another hugely interesting point is that research suggests people with specific genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder and that it seems many genes; not just one gene can cause it.
More people should become researchers & scientists! Follow your heart!
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. As with most all things, there’s a spectrum. Successful treatments include medications & “talk therapy.” Long-term continuous treatment can help people manage symptoms. Finding the proper medication can be difficult. Avoid stopping or changing medication without a doctor; it may lead to worsening of symptoms. There’s a lot to learn here.
Changing medication, even with a doctor's help can be dangerous, and has touched my life personally. The effects can change people’s lives forever. I’ve lost a loved one, and if you have to, I honor them & I’m sorry for your loss. Someone close to me left this world by taking his own life after consulting a doctor & while undergoing a change of medicines. He left a wife, a young son, and a mother who lost her only child. He was wildly gifted. Artist, Scientist, Athlete: people just don’t come as talented as he was. I know the void his absence leaves in his mother’s heart can never be filled. When someone says anything about changing medication, it puts me in a bit of a panic.
I read a lot about bipolar mood disorder. I listened to podcasts, and I don’t think I’ve begun to scratch the surface, so rather than continuing with that sciency stuff, I’m going into the practicalities.
Things you can do to help your symptoms:
regular aerobic exercise-jogging, brisk walking, swimming, bicycling, etc.
It helps with depression and anxiety, promotes better sleep & is healthy for your heart and brain.
Keeping a life chart: a daily record of your mood symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, and life events to help your healthcare provider. There’s an app for that! Here’s a link to the Best Bipolar Disorder Apps of 2020 (even though it’s 2021)
Make life easier by:
Getting treatment
Sticking with it (best way to feel better)
Keeping Dr. Appointments
Take meds as directed
Structure activities: keep routine for eating and sleeping
Get enough sleep & exercise
Learn to recognize mood swings & warning signs such as decreased sleep
Ask for help sticking with treatment
Be patient!
Avoid misuse of alcohol & drugs.
Sleep seems like a very important thing-this was a topic that came up at every turn.
To the 2.3 million of you who live with a bipolar mood disorder: Yall are warriors! I think you’re brave & I admire the courage to conquer.
I listened to some podcasts, and the #1 thing that stuck with me is that as much as you may be able to see a loved one struggling in an episode and want to rescue them from it; you can’t; you can’t do anything for them. And this statement: When the person with Bipolar is in crisis, they CAN NOT separate themselves from it. It is strapped to them-they are strapped to it. It takes a lot of discipline to manage a serious illness for a lifetime.
Love, acceptance, & stability still have to be found in yourself first.
Don’t be controlling or use your loved ones as an outlet for irritability.
For those who love someone with a bipolar mood disorder, there is some advice to adapt and stay cool, calm, and collected.
The person having the crisis can’t fight it; it will actually make it worse. They can’t change it with self-control or willpower — those things are irrelevant in the face of a bipolar event. Again, it is strapped to them & they are strapped to it.
Encourage, support, reduce stress, help them keep a routine, and don’t think of employing “tough love” because there’s no place for it in dealing with the effects of bipolar.
It takes a lot of commitment to love someone with a serious illness for a lifetime. It requires you to go with the flow & show mercy. Protect & educate yourself, not read into every action, self-care, healthy habits; Get plenty of sleep. Remember, it’s not your fault.
To sum it all up, trying to learn “it all” in 48 hours, just isn’t going to happen. There’s a lot to learn, and there are a lot of resources. Thanks for reading & if you have an idea for me to do a 48 hour education please let me know! -C
