HEY THERE! WELCOME TO LIFE NOGGIN!
As with many mental illnesses, Bipolar Disorder isn’t generally understood by the public.
One in 25 Americans live with Bipolar Disorder, and it may be thought of as just severe mood
swings or even something that’s quote “all in their head”, but it’s not.
This condition should be taken seriously and it's often not treated that way.
So, let's learn a little more about bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a condition that manifests in
the brain and is defined by episodes of extreme mania and depression.
During a manic episode, someone with Bipolar Disorder typically has lots of energy, makes
risky decisions, feels euphoric and is very productive.
Then during a depressive episode, they feel depressed, constantly worried and often think
of death or suicide.
The condition can also be accompanied by psychosis, which is a break from reality when someone
may think they’re famous, crazy rich or have superpowers.
These manic and depressive episodes typically last a few weeks, but can be shorter lived.
As one woman put it, one day she can’t get out of bed and has to miss work, then the
next, she’s loving life, up for 24 hours, and spending money she doesn’t have.
This condition can affect everything from your career to friendships, to relationships,
and even financial stability.
As with many mental illnesses, there isn’t one known cause of Bipolar Disorder, but trauma,
extreme stress, and drug or alcohol problems can increase your risk of developing the condition.
Genes also play a part.
While most people with a family history don’t develop the illness, 80-90% of people with
bipolar disorder have a relative with either the disorder or depression.
For people who do live with the disorder, there’s a lot going on in their brains that’s
different from another person’s.
They have abnormalities and imbalances in their neurotransmitter systems that scientists
believe contribute to the condition.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for controlling the brain’s emotions and
functions.
It’s been thought for a while that these imbalances were probably the main biological
cause of Bipolar Disorder but recent advances have acknowledged there are more parts in
play - different brain pathways, neuroplasticity and varying levels of cellular resilience.
Scientists have also found that people with Bipolar Disorder have reduced grey matter
in various parts of their brains.
Many parts of their cortices are also thinner than a healthy persons.
It is known that stress directly causes the degeneration of neurons, so it’s thought
that this degeneration could contribute to these reductions.
We’re getting there but there’s definitely still a lot more to learn about Bipolar Disorder.
While this condition has negatively impacted people's lives,
There is hope.
If you think you may have Bipolar Disorder, it's important to seek professional help.
Since many people with Bipolar only reach out for help when they’re going through
a depressive episode, be sure to tell your doctor about manic episodes too to make sure
you get a proper diagnosis.
For free resources to learn more about Bipolar Disorder or to find help, check out the links
in the description.
So are there any other illnesses you want me to cover? Let me know in the comment section below.