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Bipolar Mood Disorder

Bipolar mood disorder is a complex, chronic mental health condition characterised by extreme shifts in mood ranging from periods of depression to mania/hypomania. These shifts in mood are more severe than the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences. Bipolar mood disorder impacts energy and activity levels, daily functioning, work and relationships, often causing significant distress.

When a person is going through a period of depression, they would have some or many of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Sleep disturbances.
    • Insomnia (cannot fall asleep at night)
    • Hypersomnia (inability to stay awake during the day)
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

When a person is going through a manic period, they would have some or many of the following symptoms:

  • Elevated mood, intense excitement or irritability and aggression
  • Increased energy and activity levels, engaging in many activities at the same time, restless and constantly on the go
  • Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating on one thing, rapid speech, jumping from topic to topic.
  • Decreased need for sleep, going without/ minimal sleep for days without feeling tired
  • Feelings of superiority, extreme overconfidence, at times believing oneself to possess special powers/abilities
  • Acting without thinking, reckless & risky behaviour, with no regard for consequences

Causes:

  • Icons_SVG Brain Chemistry - Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine may contribute to the disorder.
  • Icons_SVG Environmental Triggers - Stressful life events, trauma, and substance abuse can trigger episodes.

Treatment:

  • Medication – Often involves a combination of medication
    • Mood stabilizers
    • Antipsychotics
    • Antidepressants
    • Other medications for anxiety or sleep disturbances
  • Psychotherapy
    • Talk therapy
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Family therapy
  • Lifestyle changes and support from family and friends are also important.
  • Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to medication dosages, therapy sessions, & lifestyle practices based on the individual’s response and changing needs over time.
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5 Tips to manage your bipolar

Healthy Routines

Creating routine, with regular exercise, healthy diet and sleep patterns can help stabilize mood, reduce stress and increase energy levels. Avoid alcohol & drugs.

Emotion Regulation and Stress Reduction Techniques

Learn to identify emotions and track your mood.

Learning relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help manage stress and prevent mood episodes.

Support Systems

Having a strong support network of friends, family, mental health professionals and peer support groups can make a significant difference in managing the disorder.

Work with a Psychiatrist & Psychologist/Counsellor

Working with expert can make a significant difference in the medical and therapeutic management of bipolar mood disorder. They can help provide ongoing support, coordinate care, access to resources, & assist in navigating the healthcare system.

Crisis Intervention

Having a crisis plan in place, including contact information for emergency services & trusted individuals, can be crucial for managing acute symptoms or emergencies.