Loading article content...
Did you know that Vincent van Gogh, one of the greatest artists in history, is believed to have had bipolar disorder? To honour his legacy and spread awareness about this condition, World Bipolar Day is observed every year on March 30th, his birthday. This day is a global initiative to educate people about this condition and eliminate its associated stigma by promoting early diagnosis and treatment.
In this blog, we’ll emphasise this year’s theme, the history of bipolar day, its importance and everything you need to know about bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition associated with extreme mood swings. These include emotional highs, such as mania or hypomania, and lows, such as depression.
When experiencing mania, individuals may feel happy and excited, whereas depression is often accompanied by hopelessness. You tend to lose interest in things that you once found pleasurable. These mood swings can affect the sleep cycle, energy levels, judgment, behaviour and the ability to think straight.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are three types of bipolar disorder, including:
- Bipolar I disorder: This is considered the most severe form of bipolar disorder in which affected individuals experience at least one manic episode that lasts for a week or requires hospitalization. Depressive episodes are also common but not required for diagnosis.
- Bipolar II disorder: Bipolar II disorder involves high and low mood swings, with hypomanic episodes that are generally less severe than the manic episodes in Bipolar I. These hypomanic episodes may involve increased creativity and energy, but they do not typically lead to the severe functional impairment seen in Bipolar I. However, depressive episodes can be prolonged and challenging to manage.
- Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by chronic unstable mood, with periods of hypomania and mild depression lasting for at least two years.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
While the exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, research suggests that the following factors may play a role:
- Brain Chemistry: Bipolar disorder is associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which play a key role in mood regulation. High or low levels of these chemicals can cause extreme mood swings, leading to manic or depressive episodes.
- Environmental Triggers: Stressful life events, lack of sleep, substance abuse, and trauma can trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms. These factors may not directly cause the disorder, but they can exacerbate mood swings and make them more difficult to manage in individuals predisposed to bipolar disorder.
Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder
Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder or experiencing an initial episode include:
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Experiencing high stress levels for a long period
- Having a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder
Significance of the 2025 Theme: "Bipolar Strong”
This year’s theme highlights the unity, resilience, and strength of individuals with bipolar disorder. It encourages them to share their experiences and spread awareness to combat stigma related to mental health. By fostering a strong sense of community, World Bipolar Day aims to enhance support and empathy for individuals with bipolar disorder. The themes from previous years were:
World Bipolar Day 2024 Theme: Bipolar Strong
World Bipolar Day 2023 Theme: Bipolar Together
Symptoms and Early Warning Signs of Bipolar
Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the type of episode experienced. The table below describes the symptoms for each.
| Mood Episode | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Manic Episode | Extreme energy and restlessness Feeling overly happy or irritable Risky behaviour (rash driving, impulsive decisions) Racing thoughts |
| Hypomanic Episode | Increased energy and activity Feeling unusually happy, confident, or productive Less need for sleep but still able to function No hospitalisation required |
| Depressive Episode | Constant sadness or hopelessness Fatigue and low energy Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Changes in sleep Difficulty concentrating or decision-making Thoughts of self-harm or suicide in severe cases |
| Mixed Episode | Feeling restless and agitated High energy levels combined with negative emotions Increased risk of self-harm and impulsive decisions |
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Here are some tests used to diagnose bipolar disorder:
Physical Exam
A physical exam helps rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. The doctor analyzes vital signs for substance abuse or other physical illnesses that could affect mood.
Mental Health Assessment
In this assessment, a mental health professional asks about mood swings, sleep patterns, and family history of mental illness to identify if symptoms are indicative of bipolar disorder and their impact on daily life.
Mood Charting
Mood charting involves tracking mood, energy, and sleep patterns over time to identify manic or depressive episodes. This helps both the doctor and the individual understand the triggers, frequency, and intensity of symptoms.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Following a diagnosis, healthcare professionals determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the specific type of bipolar disorder. Here are the most common methods:
Medicines
Medications, including mood stabilizers for mood swings, antipsychotics for manic episodes, and antidepressants for depression, are commonly prescribed.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Living with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming. Therefore, certain talk therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help reduce negative thinking patterns.
Lifestyle and Self-Care
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for overall mental health and can help manage bipolar disorder
Hospitalisation
In severe cases, especially during manic or depressive episodes, hospitalisation might be required for the safety and stabilisation of the affected individual.
Take Control of your Well-Being Today
Living with a serious mental health disorder like bipolar is a battle that you have to fight every day. With early diagnosis and suitable treatment, it’s possible to manage the symptoms. Although it cannot be completely cured with proper help and support you can overcome the disorder.
Getting suitable treatment can burn a hole in your pocket, therefore having a health insurance plan can help you protect your hard-earned savings and provide much-needed financial support so that you can focus on getting better.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
