Living with Bipolar Disorder

by T.A.
(Brooklyn, NY)

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is believed by many to be caused by genetics or environmental circumstances. Some experts believ bipolar disorder means you have a chemical imbalance in your brain. Different types of medication are used to treat this chemical imbalance.

When you are bipolar you have different episodes. Bi meaning two which is mania and depression.

Some of the signs and symptoms of the manic period are: irritability, restlessness, fast speech, utopia, and in most cases sexual indiscretion.

Some of the signs and symptoms of depression are: thoughts of suicide, loss of interest, fatigue and loss or increase in appetite.

Having bipolar disorder could make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster, one minute you’re up next minute you’re down, but there is treatment. One: is by taking psychotropic medications or anti-depressants, two: one on one therapy sessions by a certified professional, three: is by attending day treatment programs and four: going to club houses.

Some people think that you cannot live a normal life with bipolar. My opinion is you can. All you have to do is learn to manage your symptoms by knowing what triggers your depression and mania. People living with bipolar probably say easier said than done but all they have to do is keep trying and they will succeed at living a normal life. As you get older you learn to manage your symptoms more efficiently because within the number of years you have been diagnosed you will notice a pattern. It’s up to that person to break that pattern and live a happy productive life.

Some people do not consider bipolar a disability because they say that everyone gets happy and sad at some period in life. That is true but with bipolar your moods are more severe. Some people with bipolar could be depressed for as long as six months which is considered severe and when they experience mania it could result in some people hurting themselves and others. Doctors consider a person depressed when they are sad for a period longer than a day and can’t resolve or snap out of their problems in that period of time. There is a big difference between being happy and manic and being sad and depressed.

When taking medication for bipolar disorder some people experience side effects such as hair loss, constipation, involuntary muscle movements, shaking, weight gain etc. Weight gain is one of the most common concerns of people on medication for bipolar, which is why you have to watch what you eat. Everyone’s body is different even if you’re a twin. Psychotropic medications sometimes tend to slow down your metabolism causing weight gain. Everyone’s body reacts differently so some people’s metabolism remains the same. The second concern is involuntary muscle movements and shaking, no one can really function properly when twitching and shaking. If the problem is consistent they need to talk to their doctor. Hair loss can be very upsetting for some people who love their hair so much that they refuse to lose it, but hair grows back and it is important to continue taking your medication despite that, or ask your doctor to prescribe you a different type of medication. Constipation can be uncomfortable, your body needs to get rid of waste and when it can’t it could be very dangerous. So if a person is constantly getting constipated while on their medication they should talk to their doctor.

In conclusion people living with bipolar disorder can live a productive and enjoyable life. All they have to do is manage their symptoms. Take their medication as prescribed by their doctor and get treatment by a license professional in a clinic or hospital.