The "secret life of bipolar" refers to the hidden extremes of mood swings, often masked by high energy, creativity, and charm during manic/hypomanic phases, but also marked by deep depression, irritability, reckless decisions (infidelity, spending sprees, job loss), and isolation, leading to a tumultuous experience of intense highs and lows that significantly impact relationships and self-perception, despite potential periods of brilliance.
A majority of people with bipolar disorder live with other mental health conditions, too. Many conditions can occur alongside bipolar disorder, including anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Mental health experts think it's a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. It seems to run in families, but no genes have yet been linked to it. It causes unusual mood swings. A person will have periods of extreme joy, elevated mood, or irritability (called mania).
Age at onset of type-I bipolar disorder (BPD) typically averages 12-24 years, is older among patients with type-II BPD, and oldest in unipolar major depressive disorder 1,2,3. Reported onset ages probably vary by ascertainment methods, and possibly among different countries and cultures 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Stressful life events, trauma and significant life changes can trigger or worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Creating a stable and supportive environment can help manage these triggers.
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.
Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there's a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.
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.
At the outset, bipolar symptoms are commonly mistaken for ADHD, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and, in its more severe manifestations, as schizophrenia.
Often, co-occurring (or coexisting) psychiatric conditions — like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — go hand in hand with bipolar disorder.
Those with borderline personality disorder may have an unstable sense of self. Both conditions are marked by shifts in mood and can involve being impulsive. A 2021 literature review found that antisocial personality disorder was more common among people with bipolar disorder, in particular bipolar I disorder.
Can bipolar turn into schizophrenia? Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are distinct mental health conditions. While bipolar disorder cannot develop into schizophrenia, it's possible to experience symptoms of both. Schizoaffective disorder is an example of this.
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.
Five key signs of bipolar disorder involve extreme mood shifts, including manic symptoms like inflated energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsivity (spending, risky behavior), and irritability, alongside depressive symptoms such as profound sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, significant sleep/appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts, all lasting for extended periods and impacting daily life.
Research has shown that individuals with the condition may experience reduced gray matter volume in certain brain regions compared to those without the condition. These structural changes may contribute to the cognitive deficits and emotional instability experienced by individuals with bipolar disorder.
Conclusions. Our study highlights the significant role that vitamin D, B9, and B12 deficiencies play in the mental and metabolic health of patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.
A daily routine for sleep, diet and exercise may help people with bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses on identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive beliefs and behaviors. CBT can help find what triggers your bipolar episodes.
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.
Childhood trauma
Some experts believe that experiencing a lot of emotional distress as a child can cause bipolar disorder to develop. This could be because childhood trauma and distress can have a big effect on your ability to manage your emotions. This can include experiences like: Neglect.
Low Serotonin Levels : These are thought to contribute to depressive symptoms, such as sadness, fatigue, and poor sleep patterns. State Transitions : Imbalances in serotonin may also drive the shifts between manic and depressive states, a hallmark feature of bipolar disorder.
Scientists believe that bipolar disorder is the result of a complicated relationship between genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that a person is born with a "vulnerability" to bipolar illness, which means that they are more prone to developing the disorder.
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.
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.
About 25 percent of people with bipolar disorder have symptoms that follow a seasonal pattern. Most commonly, it manifests as an increased risk of depressive episodes in the winter and mania or hypomania in the spring and summer.