We often hear of rock stars committing suicide or indulging in neurotic behaviour. Chances are that they are victims of Bipolar Manic Depression. A lot of famous people have been victims of this disorder. Although it is a treatable condition, it tends to worsen if left unchecked and it is not uncommon for a bipolar manic depressive to end his own life. It is that serious a problem!
Bipolar or manic depression is a term for a mood disorder wherein the patient experiences cyclic episodes of mood fluctuations. On a normal basis all of us experience mood fluctuations from time to time, but in manic depression these mood swings can be sudden and unpredictable, leaving the person on a dangerous high (peak) which can then come crashing down to a trough(low). Manic depression is a serious condition and causes serious shifts in a person’s energy levels, sleep and behavioural patterns.
Bipolar manic depression can seriously hamper a person’s ability to function. When on a high, the person can have racy thoughts and feel acute discomfort and anxiety due to excitability. This excitability can then cause serious disruptions in the ability to think logically.
As the manic high can enable a person to go without little or no sleep, he can end up having feelings of invincibility and superiority, which then get translated in rash or violent behaviour. He can then go on to serious sexual escapades because of this energy high or make foolish investments or worse still blow up his entire savings on a whim. This is when he is on a high.
The high can then come crashing down unpredictably and cause a serious reversal of the energy levels. The same person will now feel sluggish and incapable of even carrying out routine tasks.
This is the typical life of a manic depressive which invariably causes a lot of distress not only for the person suffering, but for the entire family, which has to struggle to contain such individuals in order to stop them from causing serious physical, sexual and financial harm to themselves and others.
Perhaps the worst part of this condition is that the peaks and valleys can last for weeks or sometimes even months.
Do people suffering from bipolar disorder have to swing and bear it?
People suffering from bipolar disorder can lead normal, healthy and satisfying lives if they are diagnosed in time, and if they form effective coping strategies. Sometimes, because of the metal distress caused due to anxiety and racy thoughts, some bipolar depressives tend to abuse alcohol and drugs which causes their symptoms to go unchecked. People who get treatment for personality disorders or substance abuse could really be bipolar manic depressive requiring immediate treatment. Sometimes certain antidepressants can also trigger off a manic episode.
Most times the episodes of depression last longer than the manic episodes and in certain cases there are also mixed episodes of mania and depression alternating rapidly.
Finally it all comes down to early diagnosis, regular medication and an exercise program to contain this deadly condition.
