Being bipolar doesn't automatically mean someone is mentally disabled, but it can lead to a psychosocial disability if the symptoms severely impact daily functioning, work, or social life, making it a significant barrier to living a normal life, according to organizations like the WHO and ADA National Network. Disability is about the functional impact, not just the diagnosis, meaning some people with bipolar disorder experience severe, long-term challenges, while others manage effectively with treatment.
Due to the potential severity of bipolar disorder, it is an example of a mental health disorder that often qualifies as an SMI, and thus, as a disability. Other potentially disabling mental health disorders include: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Can a person living with bipolar disorder live a 'normal' life? Once treatment begins, many people living with bipolar disorder find that they can effectively manage their symptoms with a combination of therapies and lifestyle adjustments.
Here, mental health experts share seven common phrases to avoid saying to anyone with bipolar disorder — and the thoughtful, helpful things to say instead.
Both manic and depressive episodes can cause significant difficulties in all aspects of life, including at home, work and school. They may require specialized care to prevent the person from doing harm to themselves or others. Some people with bipolar disorder may experience what are called hypomanic episodes.
Many psychiatric illnesses that begin in young adult years or midlife can improve or even resolve. But bipolar disorder is a prominent exception. This chronic disorder, which generally begins during an individual's mid-20s to mid-30s, frequently relapses with age.
A person with bipolar disorder experiences extreme mood swings, cycling between manic (high energy, euphoria, irritability) and depressive (low energy, sadness, hopelessness) episodes, which significantly impact their thinking, energy, and daily functioning. Manic phases can include racing thoughts, reduced sleep, impulsive, risky behavior, and grand ideas, while depressive phases involve fatigue, lack of interest, and feelings of worthlessness, but experiences vary, and many live full lives with treatment.
Common triggers for episodes include stressful life events, drastic changes, substance abuse, disrupted sleep, and abruptly stopping medication. During manic episodes, avoid arguments, intense conversations, and taking comments personally; staying calm helps reduce tension and creates a safer environment.
How many hours should a bipolar person sleep? People should try to sleep at least 7 hours per night, regardless of whether they have a condition such as bipolar disorder.
Mood stabilizers like lithium are often considered the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder, particularly Bipolar I. Lithium not only helps manage manic episodes but also significantly reduces the risk of suicide, a common concern with bipolar patients.
The Takeaway. A poor diet can contribute to bipolar mood episodes, and certain food choices may help manage them. People with bipolar disorder should avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Living alone with bipolar disorder is possible with proper treatment adherence, support systems, and personalized safety plans. Managing medication independently requires strategic planning and the use of reminder tools to maintain consistency.
Although symptoms may come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, ability to function, and family discord.
If your bipolar disorder causes difficulties with your daily life, such as with maintaining employment or independent living, you may be considered to have a psychosocial disability.
If you have bipolar disorder, it's important to know what can trigger your high and low moods. This can include things like feeling stressed, not getting enough sleep or being too busy. There are some things you can do that can help to keep your moods stable.
There are various types of exercise that can be beneficial for managing bipolar depression. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, increase your heart rate and help improve cardiovascular health. These activities also stimulate the release of endorphins, boosting your mood and energy levels.
You can use a 48 hour rule where you wait at least 2 full days with 2 nights sleep before acting on risky decisions. Review your decision to avoid a tempting, but risky, behaviour.
You can also support your loved one by:
Excessive daytime napping is associated with increased odds of a depressed state among patients with bipolar disorder, according to study results published in Sleep Medicine.
Stressful life events
Or it may make symptoms feel more intense or difficult to manage. Things that can cause stress include: A relationship breakdown. Money worries and poverty.
Stay calm if you can. Help with breathing exercises or relaxation if they feel able to try these. Focus on supporting them with how they're feeling, rather than confirming or challenging their reality. Let them know that, although you don't share the belief, you understand that it feels real for them.
Stick to a routine
Day-to-day activities, such as the time you eat meals and go to sleep. Making time for relaxation, mindfulness, hobbies and social plans. Taking any medication at the same time each day. This can also help you manage side effects and make sure there's a consistent level in your system.
The Big Five personality comprises independent traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness (McCrae and John 1992) and forms the basis of several personality inventories (Costa and McCrae 1992).
Key points. Those with BPD commonly form an intense emotional attachment to one specific individual, the favorite person. The favorite person dynamic is challenging, but it stems from a fundamental human need for connection.
Mood-stabilizing medicines help control manic or hypomanic episodes. They also may help depressive bouts. Examples include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid, divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).