February 2012 Dispatch

Alex Sangha, RSW

Bipolar Disorder – Living in a Manic-Depressive World

We all experience ups and downs in our daily lives; but those suffering from bipolar disorder face a more severe threat.

Bipolar disorder, also commonly known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that creates shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. This can result in depression, poor school and work performance, temper control issues, binge eating, poor judgement, and the inability to function at a healthy mental and physical daily level.

Heightened emotional states, or mood episodes, are a key symptom of those who suffer from bipolar disorder. This extreme state of being can be felt as a joyful, happy feeling, or as feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. Along with these mental changes, there are physical symptoms expressed in the form of extreme lethargy and tiredness, poor and broken sleep episodes, and a low level of interest or activity. These mood episodes may last continuously for a few weeks to a few months at a time, leaving the person unable to perform at a normal level.

As with a lot of mental conditions, those suffering from bipolar disorder may face mild to medium and even extreme symptoms of depression and mania. They may not accept the fact they are suffering from this condition, even as friends and family members recognize they need help. Often a trigger such as medication, drugs, emotional trauma, and stress at work can release an episode.

If not treated, bipolar disorder can be extremely dangerous. A person suffering from acute depression may have hallucinations of trauma, while in the manic state, can experience delusions of grandeur. Similarly, he may feel suicidal or believe he has no option but to harm himself or others around him. He may also experience related behavioural problems such as drug abuse or alcoholism.

Common bipolar disorder symptoms include:

• · Extreme mood swings
• · Eating disorders
• · Fatigue
• · Low self esteem
• · Self-imposed isolation
• · Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too  much
• · Thoughts of suicide and self-harm

So can anyone get bipolar disorder?

Research is being done into how people develop this condition, but it is a genetic disorder and tends to run in families. A trained medical professional assessment is needed to diagnose this condition and the doctor conducting this assessment will evaluate the physical and mental state of the person along with environmental conditions.

While there is no known cure for bipolar disorder, you can treat the symptoms through a variety of mood stabilizing drugs, along with psychotherapy. The latter includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family- focused therapy and education to help both the patient and family members understand the condition, symptoms, and treatment options.

Alex Sangha is a Registered Social Worker with a private counselling practice in North Delta.  To book an appointment call 604-842-7340 or emal alexsangha@gmail.com

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