5 Things You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder

Earlier known as manic depression, it is a challenging, chronic, disabling illness that affects more than 8.7 million people in India alone.

5 things you should know

What is it?

Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable brain disease due to certain chemical imbalances in the brain. Like any other chronic illness affecting other body organs (like diabetes), bipolar disorder affects the brain, which is also an organ of the body. While no permanent cure exists, a very effective treatment allows sufferers to live satisfying and healthy lives.

Why is it called ‘bipolar’?

There are two ‘poles’ or ‘phases’.

The manic phase: in this phase, the sufferer is so full of energy that it seems he is in a race against time mode. He can talk nonstop and feels he does not need any sleep or rest.

The depressed phase: this phase is exactly the opposite. He is depressed most of the time. Sometimes there are long bursts of uncontrolled crying for no reason or for something as insignificant as dropping a glass.

The effect on the family of Bipolar Disorder consumes the victim and severely impacts the entire family. The family gets emotionally distressed with guilt feelings like,

Why?

What went wrong? Are we responsible? This upheaval in the family also causes financial stress and a disrupted daily routine, whether professional or personal.

What it feels like Living with bipolar disorder

It is like having a permanent seat on an emotional roller coaster. Weeks of euphoria and happiness may be followed by a sudden feeling that the world is full of darkness. Feelings of loss of control, frustration, and helplessness accompany this.

Stigma

There is a lot of stigma surrounding bipolar disorder, which prevents millions of people from receiving treatment. This results in a higher risk of death from the condition.

There is always hope. It would be best to always look for good psychiatric support at the first sign of trouble. Check out the therapies available and enrol yourself to learn how to support your loved one.

Hope Trust, located In Hyderabad, has vast experience in mental health. The facility has experts in treating patients with bipolar. The facility has evaluation and therapy tools to manage your loved one’s issues successfully.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, relationship or parenting issues, click www.hopetrustindia.com for an instant online/ in-person appointment with an expert.