Bipolar
Bipolar disorder, formerly manic depression, is known for large shifts in emotions and energy. It can be very hard to deal with, especially at a young age. If it is bad enough and untreated, it can lead to severe manic and depressive episodes that could lead to hospitalization.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Bipolar disorder consist of but are not limited to:
Manic Episodes: Periods of hyperactivity, high energy, or euphoria over a sustained period of time, which can in some cases trigger a break from reality. Manic episodes are often followed up by depressive episodes
Depressive episodes: periods where you feel a lack of motivation, energy, or happiness that can appear similar to depression
Diagnosis
If you want or need help for your bipolar, it’s important not to just self-diagnose. Reach out to a healthcare professional—you don’t need to know a specialist, a doctor or psychiatrist will probably be able to connect you with one. Diagnosis involves a medical test and mental health evaluation, including life experiences, symptoms and sometimes family history. There are screenings available online, but they shouldn’t be valued as much as a medical professional.
Treatment
Bipolar disorder has no outright cure, but there is a variety of medication available to help treat it. You might be prescribed mood stabilizers that vary on what you personally need to get better
Coping Mechanisms:
Having bipolar is extremely difficult; it can feel like you aren’t in control of your own emotions. If you can’t get medical treatment or don’t need to, there are many ways to cope with bipolar.
Getting enough sleep. Inconsistent sleep can trigger manic or depressive episodes, and in general sleep is important for your health—sometimes, the best thing to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed is just to go to bed.
Having a safe space. It doesn’t have to be particularly meditative, just a space—usually physical, but it can be mental/emotional or even on the internet—where you can feel safe and calm, and turn to when your emotions get too intense
Staying physically healthy. It often gets overlooked, but eating well and exercising can be huge helps for mental health. Even making your own snacks rather than junk food, or going outside to look at clouds, can help
Ted Ed video on: Bipolar
Sources used:
https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/online-support-groups/ Depression and bipolar young adult support group (ages 18-30)
https://www.bphope.com/ Online community for people with bipolar
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bipolar-disorder/treatment/ This is a UK-based website, but it offers many options to help treat or cope with bipolar
*We are not medical professionals, we are simply here to raise awareness*