Bipolar Disorder
Due to the recent news events of Kanye and the discussion of his mental health I decided a post on Bipolar disorder would be a good topic to discuss. I’m not going to attempt to diagnose Kanye with any specific disorder because I’m not a licensed therapist, I’m just learning to be one. So in this post I’m going to discuss bipolar disorder and what can be done in order to assist a friend that may be having an episode.
When talking about bipolar disorder it’s important to distinguish between the two types. There is Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder. To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder one must experience a manic episode and they may have experienced a depressive or hypomanic episode prior to or after the manic episode. Think of a hyperactive child. Now imagine those same qualities in an adult but there aren’t any external factors that could explain those feelings, such as drugs or alcohol. This type of episode can cause issues with social relationships as well as academic and work performance. With bipolar I disorder these episodes can and may happen frequently, but the triggers are determined by the individual. Due to it being a mood type disorder, anything that can elicit an emotional response can trigger the manic episode. Now Bipolar II is slightly different. With bipolar II the individual must have experienced both a hypomanic and major depressive episode. Hypomania is often viewed as a milder form of mania. So imagine the symptoms of mania but less detrimental to the individual. If you view my previous post you can see where I discussed depression and it would also be able to explain a depressive episode. But for those that aren’t in the mood for extra reading, imagine your mood being so down that you don’t believe there is any hope in sight. This down mood affects your outlook on life, your friendships, your work, your health, etc. With bipolar II you have both the elevated mood and the really low mood whereas with bipolar I the main mood is elevated but it’s to the point where it negatively affects your life.
If you have a friend that is diagnosed with bipolar disorder it’s important to be patient and understanding. Psychology Today made a list of 11 ways that you could help a friend with bipolar disorder but here are my takeaways. (6) Realize they did not bring this upon themselves. They did not choose to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder so it’s important to understand that they can’t just change their mood at will. (3) Accept the lows with the highs. There will be times when they may be going through times of depression and times they may be going through periods of mania. You may enjoy their manic episodes more than their depressive episodes but you have to understand that it is a part of their diagnosis. You have to accept them as a whole and not only when it is convenient to you. (8) Listen. Really listen to your friend and understand what they are experiencing. Support them any way you can.
At this point you should know that I am advocate for therapy so if you believe that you or a friend may be bipolar or experiencing a manic, hypomanic or depressive episode please seek out assistance (if you feel the need). You shouldn’t have to go through it alone and rely on those true friends that will be there for you to help you through the high times and the lows.