Wednesday 16-03-2022 - 09:05

Step Forward Together is an awareness campaign by Carmarthen Campus President Becky Bush to break the stigma of mental health conditions. An overview of the campaign can be found here.  

Bipolar Disorder 

By: Anonymous 

Bipolar Disorder (also known as Manic Depression) is a mental health condition that affects a persons’ moods. A person with Bipolar Disorder will experience episodes of depression (feeling low and lethargic) and mania (feeling high and overactive). Usually, “mood swings” last a short amount of time, however, a person experiencing Bipolar Disorder could face an episode for weeks or even longer. There are multiple possible causes of Bipolar Disorder. These include childhood trauma, a big life experience or genetics. So, how does Bipolar Disorder affect a person? 

 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder 

Depression 

Often, individuals who are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder have previously been diagnosed with clinical depression. This can lead to a person feeling extremely low or worthless and may lead to suicidal thoughts.  

Mania  

During a manic phase of Bipolar Disorder, an individual may feel extremely happy, energetic and be impulsive and ambitious. It is also common for them to be easily agitated and not want to eat or sleep.  

Psychosis  

During extreme episodes, a person may experience symptoms of psychosis such as seeing or hearing things that are not there or believing things that are not true.  

 

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder 

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder can be challenging as it has similar symptoms to other mental health conditions. Professionals will ask a series of questions such as: 

• How many symptoms you are experiencing? 
• How often you have mood episodes and how long they last? 
• About your family history? 
• How the mood episodes affect your life? 

Professionals may suggest keeping a diary to monitor mood episodes and do a physical health check. 

Bipolar Disorder presents similar symptoms to other mental health conditions which may cause difficulty in accurately diagnosing the condition. 

 

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder 

There are a range of treatments following a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis that range from medical to psychological. 

Medication 

There are medicines available known as mood stabilisers which can aid in preventing mood episodes. There are also medicines to help symptoms as they occur. 

Psychological treatment 

These include talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which can help people cope with the symptoms. 

Lifestyle advice 

Often, people will be advised to improve their lifestyle choices. This could include eating healthily, getting regular exercise and planning activities that give a sense of achievement. 

Bipolar Disorder is a common mental health condition – however many people do not fully understand it. It is important to educate ourselves so that we can provide the correct support to people who have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and to ensure that they do not feel alone.