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Bipolar Disorder: Finding Stability

Updated: Nov 9, 2024



 Table of Contents



What is Bipolar Disorder?

Severe mood swings are what best describes bipolar disorder (BD). It is a mental condition that causes something called emotional highs. The terms used for this kind of state are called mania or hypomania, which is also referred to as depression. BD is most commonly diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood. 


There are three types of BD: 

  • Bipolar I disorder: Manic episodes that last for at least 7 days are what characterizes this type. With a typical duration of 2 weeks, depressive episodes may occur as well. 

  • Bipolar II disorder: Hypomanic episodes and repeated depressive episodes define this type. The severity of the hypomanic episodes are lower than in the first type. 

  • Cyclothymic disorder: The last type of BD includes recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms. They do not have a long enough duration to make them 


Knowing and understanding BD is crucial. This will lead to an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a BD, consider consulting a medical professional and working together to tackle your symptoms. 


References: Mayo Clinic, NIH




Inspirational Stories

Living with BD might seem like a barrier. However, when knowing how to approach the mental condition the right way, BD becomes manageable. The following links lead to inspiring stories of individuals living with the condition: 






Management Tips

Understanding how to manage BD is key to a successful recovery. There are various kinds of BD, and their treatment differs. Overall, management is vital when it comes to BD! Consider using the following effective methods to understand kidney stone management and prevention:


Watch your diet. Making smart food choices increases your chance of getting the necessary nutrients you need for your body to function properly. That being said, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein consumption is encouraged. Staying away from excessive salt, sugar, and fat is recommended. 


Engage in physical activity. A daily amount of at least 30 minutes of exercise is recommended. Getting sufficient exercise promotes better sleep and increases the chance of finding yourself in a better mood. 


Be well rested. It is important to consider that when individuals with BD do not receive enough sleep, symptoms of mania can be provoked. In other words, a lack of sleep may worsen one’s symptoms. A suggestion to consider when aiming to get enough hours of sleep would be staying consistent with sleeping and waking up everyday. 


Stay away from alcohol, drugs, and reduce caffeine intake. All these substances can interfere with medication benefits. It is best to not engage with them at all. For instance, caffeine may make you stay up later than usual, and as a result, worsen one’s symptoms.  


Consider keeping track of your symptoms. Keeping a journal and learning how to recognize your symptoms will help you manage your condition. Not only will you end up with an accurate diagnosis, you will reduce your chance of having an episode of depression or mania. 


References: WebMD, HelpGuide.org


Tips for Caregivers

Caregivers play a super important role in a kidney stones patient's life. They have the ability to encourage them, better their lifestyles, and effectively manage their condition. Feel free to use the following suggestions as a caregiver:


Know your facts. As discussed at the start of the blog, there are several types of BD. This is what makes understanding the condition so important. At the end of the blog, you will find resources to help you better comprehend BD. Based on the type of BD they have, they may experience the following:


  • Depressive episodes: Phases of increased energy levels, fast talking pace, lack of sleep, and euphoria. 

  • Manic episodes: Phases of decreased mood levels, sleepiness, and boredom from different kinds of activities. 

  • Mixed episodes: Experiencing depressive symptoms and manic symptoms simultaneously. 


Be open to having conversations. The best idea is to listen to a BD patient. Most of the time, individuals just want to be listened to. So, even if you do not have a solution in mind or any advice, listening is always the first step!


Don’t pressure, support instead. It is absolutely necessary for caregivers to understand that an individual with BD will have behaviours and moods that are out of their control. 


Prepare a plan of action. BD is an unpredictable mental condition. Therefore, caregivers should be prepared for outbursts, and should familiarize with the symptoms of the individual with BD. 


References: healthline, PsychCentra


Social Support Groups

There are several online resources to help those struggling with BD. These websites bring warmth, communication, and a sense of community. Social support groups are backed up by research and often include medical advice. Reaching out is an effective part of recovery, so do not shy away from it! Make sure to take advantage of these resources and engage with them: 


This website has various options, and any preference can be accommodated. There are options of online or in-person social support sessions. This resource also includes blogs, articles, the option to keep daily logs, and using a wellness wheel. This social group's website will set you up for success, so make sure to check it out. 


I was very inspired by this resource, as it was carefully put together by a non profit organization called OBAD. This social group option is built around passion, and making a difference in patients struggling with BD. They take the approach of positivity, emphasizing the following: You are more than your mental illness.


Resources

Educational Resources: 

This website is super comprehensive and offers several personalized options. Users are able to learn about BD, get involved, reach out for help, listen to playbooks, and more!


Contact 

Phone Number (toll free): 1-800-4632338

CAMH Clinical Services: 1-416-535-8501, press 2


This resource is very visual. If you are a visual learner and enjoy watching educational videos, this website is the one for you. This resource is super comprehensive and easy to follow. 


Contact 

Phone Number (main): 1-703-524-7600

Member Services: 1-888-999-6264 


Blogs:  

From personalized stories to mindfulness techniques, this blog site has it all. For individuals who prefer expressing themselves through words, writing, and storytelling should consider clicking on this resource. 


Contact 


Similar to the previous ressource, this website is in a blog format. This means individuals are able to share their thoughts, read other people’s suggestions, and create a difference. 


Contact


References

(n.d.). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: DBSA. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.dbsalliance.org/

Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). CAMH. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/bipolar-disorder

Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). NAMI. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/bipolar-disorder/

Bipolar Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

Bipolar disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2024, August 14). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

Bipolar Help: Living with Bipolar Disorder. (2024, February 5). HelpGuide.org. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/bipolar-disorder/living-with-bipolar-disorder

Blog | Living with Bipolar | Treatment for Bipolar Disorder | Bipolar Mania. (n.d.). bpHope.com. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.bphope.com/blog/

Fiona's story: Bipolar – the long view. (n.d.). Rethink Mental Illness. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.rethink.org/news-and-stories/blogs/2022/05/fiona-s-story-bipolar-the-long-view/

Goodwin, E. (n.d.). How to Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder. Healthline. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/caregiver-support#helping-someone-with-bipolar-disorder

Lawrenz, L., & Washington, N. (2021, July 9). Living with Bipolar Disorder: My Story and Diagnosis. Healthline. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-pov#looking-forward

Living With Bipolar Disorder | My Life With. (2020, March 29). YouTube. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcCBacPWLrc

Mattu, A. (2019, October 28). Living with bipolar disorder: Maarten opens up | DW Documentary. YouTube. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSwqdl0Q9F8

Our Blog. (n.d.). International Bipolar Foundation. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://ibpf.org/learn/resources/blog/

Sachdev, P. (2023, May 31). Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder. WebMD. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/living-healthy-life-with-bipolar

Support — OBAD. (n.d.). OBAD. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.obad.ca/support

Wilson, D. R. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder Caregivers: Support and Coping Tips. Psych Central. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://psychcentral.com/bipolar/challenges-for-caregivers-of-bipolar-disorder#educate-yourself



 
 
 

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