Bi-Polar Disorder - My Life, My Journey, My Adventure
Bi-Polar Disorder - My Life, My Journey, My Adventure
Bi-Polar disorder is a mental health disorder associated with periods of mood swings shifting from depressive lows to manic highs. Bi-Polar disorders are very common, affecting more than 3 million people per year according to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic. There are two types of bi-polar categories: Bi-polar I disorder and Bi-polar II disorder.
A diagnosis of Bi-Polar I must include a period of mania followed by hypomania or a major depressive episode. Whereas, bi-polar II must include a period of hypomania followed by a major depressive episode.
Mania or a manic episode is defined in the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic Criteria-DSM-5 as: a period of abnormally/persistently elevated/expansive/irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week, as well as, a combination of at least 3 of the following inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, more talkativeness than usual or pressure to keep talking, flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation, and an excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences. These symptoms and mood disturbances are sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.
Hypomania or a hypomanic episode is defined as: a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days or present most of the day, nearly every day. The additional indicators of hypomania mimic that of mania with the difference being hypomania is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the individual when not symptomatic, the disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others, and the hypomanic episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization.
A major depressive episode is defined as the bunching of 5 or more of the following symptoms: depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day reported by self or others, marked diminished interest or pleasure in all, or most all activities most of the day/nearly every day, significant weight loss or weight gain without dieting, insomnia or hypersomnia nearly everyday, psycho-motor agitation or retardation nearly every day, fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day, feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt nearly everyday, diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness nearly everyday, recurrent thoughts of death/suicidal ideations/suicide attempt/plan to commit suicide.
As we transition from the break down of bi-polar disorders, let us hear “in layman’s terms” what life truly is like with bi-polar disorder. Professional and local mental health therapist Cassidy Glover, LMHC, describes her life with a diagnosis of Bi-polar I disorder. The following questions posed assist in shedding light on bi-polar.
What is Bi-Polar disorder? What did you experience?
Cassidy states, “Bi-polar disorders are like big or mini roller coasters. With Bi-Polar I, you go up these really really big highs and then you go really down low. Type II is like a kiddie coaster … the highs are not as high. The highs are more like irritability and anger which just last and last and last, which then puts you at risk of losing friendships because you are so angry/irritable at everyone and everything and you have no idea why. The lows are not as long lasting as with Type I. It might be that you just don’t jump in the shower for several days or your sleep is affected but you are still doing your job and the minimal day-to-day things. With Type I, you could be in jeopardy of losing your job because you cannot get out of bed and you struggle to just function. You can be in jeopardy of losing friendships because you are so manic. Mania could have then led you to do very unhealthy and risky things.
“I am diagnosed with Bi-polar Type I. When I experienced mania, I would drink and spend money I did not have. I would party and stay up for 4-5 days in a row. Then when the depression piece would hit me, I wouldn’t have a job anymore; I couldn’t get out of bed. My parents were there to help me. I wouldn’t have a place to live, money, or food if it wasn’t for them. I would drink to numb. I would hardly eat or shower.”
What are the challenges of living with Bi-Polar disorder?
Cassidy says, “Well, now that I have been taking my medication for years, I am stable. I am able to function like anyone else, at the same time. In order to get me to where I am now, I went through periods of time where I was medicated then I wasn’t.
“Being medicated and being a mental health professional can be hard. I understand where people are coming from, however, I do not want my diagnosis to in turn cause people to question me professionally. Another struggle is watching my son grow up. My son has a higher likelihood of having bi-polar with the strong genetic link. I find myself very observant and aware of my son.
“Another challenge I have is that I have to take medication everyday for the rest of my life. This is so simple but the thought can be challenging. I have to be mindful of my prescription refills and juggling that. A long time ago I would think: I am NOT taking medication for the rest of my life. However, as I have grown and my support system reaffirms, I just do so much better on my meds.
“Also, there still is the stigma around mental health and bi-polar. People don’t understand bi-polar. People have said that I am nuts. For me and for others diagnosed with bi-polar, we have to take our medications for our brains to function properly or to function in the best way that they can. I also recommend being engaged in counseling, at least in the beginning of the diagnostic period. Counseling does not have to be forever, unless you would like it to be. Especially with bi-polar I, you could have put yourself in some risky situations where even if you are stable on medications presently, you still have to process the potential past traumas that happened to then move forward. I recommend counseling for those diagnosed with Type II as well because you probably have some traumas you need to work through (pushing all your friends away, losing jobs, having limited or no support systems, etc).”
What are some tips and tricks to living with Bi-Polar?
Cassidy states, “ My best advice for someone who thinks they possibly have bi-polar disorder(s) is to get connected with a mental health professional. Treatment or therapy will benefit you no matter what, as long as you are willing to be transparent and open up. For true bi-polar diagnoses, in order for one’s brain to function the way it is supposed to, medication is a must. My other suggestion is to not let people talk you out of this possible diagnosis or your experiences. Do not let others minimize what you are going through. Do not let others tell you that your significant mood swings are normalized or that the riskiness is ok. All these statements others can make can be the reason why you do not end up getting the help that you need. “
Cassidy then remarks, “There is life beyond bi-polar. Bi-polar disorder is a diagnosis you can learn about and the possible traumas experienced are experiences that can be processed and worked through. Medication has just been a god sent. You can be stable and a fully functioning member of society with either Type I or Type II. I am happy, successful and well liked. Being bi-polar is not a death sentence. I am bi-polar. I love my job. I love what I do. I have many friendships. I am living a perfectly functional life.”
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She currently works for CCA-Connecting Communities in Action and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.