Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite being a common and treatable disorder, many individuals feel scared, ashamed, or resistant to accepting the diagnosis.
Do You Have Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by significant mood changes, ranging from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to profound lows (depression). While the experience can vary from person to person, some signs that you might be dealing with bipolar disorder include:
Racing thoughts and insomnia: Difficulty "turning off" your mind, often accompanied by trouble sleeping, even when you feel exhausted.
Irritability or agitation: Feeling on edge, sometimes without a clear cause.
Poor response to antidepressants: If medications prescribed for depression have worsened symptoms or triggered irritability or hyperactivity, it might indicate undiagnosed bipolar disorder (Gitlin, 2021).
Mood swings: Unpredictable shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that disrupt daily life.
If any of these resonate with you, it’s essential to understand that you are not alone. Bipolar disorder is not a personal failing; it’s a medical condition rooted in brain chemistry and genetic predisposition (Grande et al., 2016).
Bipolar Disorder and the Brain
Bipolar disorder is associated with changes in brain function and structure. Research suggests that dysregulation in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin plays a role in the condition (Malhi et al., 2021). Advances in neuroimaging have shown differences in brain activity and connectivity in individuals with bipolar disorder, further reinforcing that this is a biological condition, not a character flaw (Phillips & Swartz, 2014).
The Consequences of Untreated Bipolar Disorder
So here's the challenging part to accept: Living with untreated bipolar disorder can have significant negative impacts on various aspects of life. Without proper management, the condition can lead to:
Strained relationships: Frequent mood swings, irritability, or impulsivity can create challenges in maintaining healthy connections with family, friends, and colleagues.
Work and financial difficulties: Erratic energy levels and decision-making can make it hard to hold a job, manage responsibilities, or avoid risky financial behavior.
Increased personal distress: Untreated symptoms often lead to chronic feelings of despair, anxiety, or agitation, which can worsen over time.
Substance abuse: Some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate, which often exacerbates symptoms.
Physical health issues: The stress of unmanaged bipolar disorder can contribute to sleep problems, weight fluctuations, and other health complications.
Higher risk of suicide: Episodes of severe depression or impulsive behavior during mania can increase the risk of self-harm or suicide.
Recognizing these potential consequences highlights the importance of seeking timely and effective treatment to improve quality of life and overall well-being.
Tackling Stigma and Shame
One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the stigma associated with bipolar disorder. People may fear judgment from others or believe that having a mental health condition is something to be ashamed of. These fears are understandable but often unnecessary.
Studies show that societal stigma and self-stigma can prevent individuals from pursuing diagnosis and treatment, prolonging suffering and potentially worsening the condition (Pescosolido et al., 2010). Recognizing that bipolar disorder is a medical condition—much like diabetes or high blood pressure—can be helpful. If you have bipolar disorder, it isn't something you earned or a punishment for something you did. Treatment works, and getting help is a sign of strength, responsibility, and maturity, not weakness!
What to Do Next
If you suspect you might have bipolar disorder, the next step is to consult a psychiatric professional. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Seeking their expertise can lead to a comprehensive evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help you regain stability in your life (Geddes & Miklowitz, 2013).
The Range of Treatment Options
Bipolar disorder is highly treatable, and most people experience significant improvement with a combination of approaches:
Pharmaceuticals: Medications are the cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproate, help regulate highs and lows, while atypical antipsychotics can manage symptoms of mania or depression. Antidepressants may be used cautiously and typically alongside mood stabilizers to avoid triggering mania (Geddes & Miklowitz, 2013).
Psychotherapy: Talk therapy complements medication by addressing underlying emotional patterns, improving coping skills, and fostering healthy relationships. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are particularly effective for bipolar disorder (Miklowitz & Johnson, 2006).
Lifestyle and adjunctive therapies: Regular sleep schedules, exercise, and mindfulness practices can enhance mood stability. Emerging treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy may offer hope for individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms (Malhi et al., 2021).
Seeking treatment can be life-changing. Many people with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling lives when their condition is well-managed.
Final Thoughts
Living with bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be and you are not alone. Accepting the diagnosis and seeking help is the first step toward a brighter, more stable future. Bipolar disorder is a medical condition that can be managed with the right combination of treatments, support, and self-care. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous step toward healing and reclaiming your life.
About the Author: David George is a multiple, board-certified clinician and founder of Neuregen Integrative Psychiatry and Neurologic Wellness Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. Neuregen offers a range of conventional, alternative, and cutting-edge therapies for mental- and brain health.
References
Geddes, J. R., & Miklowitz, D. J. (2013). Treatment of bipolar disorder. The Lancet, 381(9878), 1672–1682. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0
Gitlin, M. (2021). Bipolar disorder in adults: Treatment of major depression. UpToDate. Retrieved January 19, 2025, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bipolar-disorder-beyond-the-basics
Grande, I., Berk, M., Birmaher, B., & Vieta, E. (2016). Bipolar disorder. The Lancet, 387(10027), 1561–1572. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00241-X
Malhi, G. S., Bell, E., Bassett, D., Boyce, P., Bryant, R., Hazell, P., ... & Porter, R. (2021). The 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 55(1), 7–117. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867420979353
Miklowitz, D. J., & Johnson, S. L. (2006). The psychosocial treatment of bipolar disorder: A review of evidence and its integration with treatment. Psychological Bulletin, 132(6), 649–672. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.6.649
Phillips, M. L., & Swartz, H. A. (2014). A critical appraisal of neuroimaging studies of bipolar disorder: Toward a new conceptualization of underlying neural circuitry and a road map for future research. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(8), 829–843. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13081008
Pescosolido, B. A., Medina, T. R., Martin, J. K., & Long, J. S. (2010). The "backbone" of stigma: Identifying the global core of public prejudice associated with mental illness. American Journal of Public Health, 100(5), 853–860. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.159566
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