World Bipolar Day
World Bipolar Day is recognized each year on March 30th. The day aims to help end the stigma, as well as bring awareness to bipolar disorder and provide access to valuable resources.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes individuals to experience mania and depression. These dramatic shifts can affect one’s mood, energy, and ability to think.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are three types of bipolar disorder, which include:
- Bipolar I Disorder: defined by severe manic episodes lasting at least seven days, as well as depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks
- Bipolar II Disorder: defined by pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but not manic episodes as severe as with Bipolar I
- Cyclothymic Disorder: defined by periods of depressive and hypomanic symptoms lasting for at least two years, however, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode
SYMPTOMS
People having a manic episode may:
- Feel jumpy
- Have decreased need for sleep
- Talk fast
- Think they can do many things at once
- Engage in risky activities
- Feel “up” or related
- Feel irritable
- Experience a loss of appetite
People having a depressive episode may:
- Feel slowed down
- Have trouble sleeping or be sleeping too much
- Be forgetful
- Talk slowly
- Have trouble concentrating
- Feel sad, “down,” or empty
- Have little or no interest in activities that are normally enjoyable
- Feel hopeless or worthless
Treatment
Treatment can often provide individuals relief from symptoms. Plans may vary but commonly include a combination of:
- Psychotherapy
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) helps reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder for many. This type of therapy aims to help individuals identify and change negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Medication
- Some medications may help decrease the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Many people work with their health care provider to try a few medications before deciding which is best for them.
- The medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, second-generation antipsychotics, and antidepressants. In addition, medications used for sleep or to decrease anxiety may be prescribed.
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more about bipolar disorder, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more about World Bipolar Day, as well as the disorder, the following resources are suggested:
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