Understanding the Bipolar Mind
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental illness characterized by extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. A person with bipolar disorder experiences periods of mania (elevated moods and energy) and periods of depression, with normal moods in between. These mood swings can be mild or severe and can greatly impact a person's ability to function in daily life.
Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of the adult population in the United States. It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can occur later in life as well. The causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but it appears to be linked to abnormalities in brain chemistry and structure.
Much stigma still surrounds bipolar disorder due to a lack of public understanding. Some assume those with bipolar are "crazy" or "psycho," but in reality they are dealing with a complex medical condition. With proper treatment such as medication and psychotherapy, many people with bipolar are able to manage their symptoms and live full, productive lives.
Manic Phase
When experiencing a manic episode, a bipolar person's mood is highly elevated. They often feel extremely energetic, euphoric, and cannot sleep much. Their minds race with thoughts and ideas, and they may speak rapidly about all sorts of things. They are restless, easily distracted, and impulsive, which can lead to risky behaviors such as impulsive shopping or sexual encounters.
The manic person has an inflated sense of self-esteem. They may take on many tasks and projects with confidence, but struggle to follow through. Grandiose ideas are common and judgement is impaired. The person may make important decisions on the spur of the moment without concern for consequences. Social behavior can become intrusive, domineering, and even aggressive.
Psychosis can occur during severe manic episodes. The person loses touch with reality, experiencing delusions like believing they have special powers. Hallucinations and paranoia may also occur. If left untreated, an extreme manic state can result in hospitalization.
Depressive Phase
The depressive phase of bipolar is characterized by intense sadness, low energy, lack of interest in normal activities, and feelings of worthlessness. The person withdraws socially, feels hopeless, and struggles to concentrate. Changes in sleep and appetite occur, most often with oversleeping and loss of appetite.
Suicidal ideation is a major concern during the depressive phase. The risk of self-harm and suicide attempts is much higher for those with bipolar disorder. Other troubling symptoms of a depressive episode include excessive guilt, anxiety, irritability, and indecisiveness.
The depressive state varies in severity and duration. While some may experience milder down moods, others deal with crushing clinical depression and an inability to function. These depressive periods can last weeks or months if bipolar disorder is not properly treated.
How a Bipolar Person's Mind Works
To an outsider, the shifts in mood and behavior of someone with untreated bipolar may seem baffling. But there are explanations for what goes on in the bipolar mind during manic and depressive states.
Racing Thoughts and Impaired Judgement
The speeded-up thoughts racing through the bipolar mind during mania make it very hard for the person to focus rationally or think through decisions. Impulsive behavior results from what psychologists call "cognitive distortion." This involves taking risks without recognizing the consequences, and can lead to damaging behavior.
Racing thoughts bombard the manic mind with new ideas that seem brilliant. Grandiose delusions distort thinking further. Since the bipolar person feels euphoric and energetic at this time, they are very confident in these ideas despite their irrationality.
The person also imagines endless possibility to achieve their goals and ideas. They do not consider limitations accurately. These thought patterns demonstrate impaired judgement and magical thinking.
Diminished Inhibition
Being in a manic state leads to loss of inhibitions. The person is more talkative, socially intrusive, and sexually uninhibited. Risky behaviors result from diminished ability to regulate impulses.
The euphoric mood and racing thoughts encourage seeking pleasure and excitement. Combined with lack of restraint, it's not hard to see why a manic person engages in out-of-character behaviors - shopping sprees, risky investments, impulsive travels, or hypersexual behavior.
Lack of sleep during mania further reduces inhibition. Moods and behaviors spin more out of control without the mental reset sleep allows. The bipolar mind is even more dis-inhibited, erratic, and prone to impulsivity.
Depression's Effects
The depressive phase has an opposite but also distorting effect on thinking. Depressed mood, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness shape negative thought patterns. Hopelessness and despair crowd the mind, limiting ability to recall positive experiences.
Thinking becomes dominated by guilt, regret, worry, and self-criticism. Indecisiveness results from feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus. The mind latches onto worst-case scenarios, expecting the future to be bleak.
When severe depression occurs, the person may develop slowed thinking, mental confusion, and even temporary memory problems. Concentrating is very difficult.
Suicidal thoughts also emerge from despair and tunnel vision about the future. The mind falsely believes there is no hope of ever feeling better.
Getting Help
Living with untreated bipolar disorder can wreak havoc on a person's mental health, relationships, career, and life in general. The mood swings and loss of judgement lead to damaged relationships and financial problems. The risk of drug abuse and suicide also increases.
But with proper treatment, many bipolar people are able to regain control over the condition. Medications, psychotherapy, and healthy lifestyle changes are key tools. Treatment helps stabilize moods and teaches coping strategies. Outside support also makes a big difference.
While bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge, long-term outlook can be good following an effective treatment plan. People with bipolar can go on to have meaningful relationships, successful careers, and contentment in life by understanding their condition and adapting their mindset and behaviors.
The bipolar mind certainly works in mysterious ways, as moods swing between manic euphoria and depressive despair. But it is possible to gain insight into one's own bipolar thought patterns. This awareness is essential in order to develop self-mastery and live fully.
FAQs
What are the main symptoms of bipolar mania?
The main symptoms of a manic episode include: elevated or irritable mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsivity, heightened self-esteem, increased talkativeness, and engagement in risky behaviors like spending sprees or sexual indiscretion.
How does bipolar depression affect thinking?
Depression causes negative distorted thinking in bipolar disorder. Depressed thinking includes: hopelessness, excessive guilt, low self-worth, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, pessimism about the future, and in severe cases suicidal ideation.
Why are bipolar people impulsive?
Both mania and depression affect impulse control in bipolar disorder. During mania, racing thoughts, lack of inhibition, and impaired judgement lead to impulsivity. In depression, negative rumination and despair can also result in impulsive acts.
Can bipolar disorder cause psychosis?
Yes, in periods of severe mania or depression, a person with bipolar may experience psychosis involving delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations. This represents a disconnect from reality.
Is bipolar a lifelong condition?
Bipolar disorder is considered a chronic lifelong condition. However, with proper long-term treatment such as medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, many people with bipolar are able to manage their symptoms and live full lives.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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