Bipolar Disorder: What it Really Means

 Olumurewa Damilola

World Bipolar Disorder Day is celebrated every 30th of March and for obvious reasons, there is a need to be enlightened about what bipolar disorder is about. So what does it mean to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Is it a curse, a bad thing, or is it a good thing? Is it curable?

Sit with me. Let’s get these questions answered.

First, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to experience extreme mood changes. These mood changes usually include two main phases which are  Mania (or hypomania) and depression.

Mania is a period of very high energy, excitement, or irritability. A person might feel overly happy, talk very fast, take risks, or need very little sleep while depression is a period of feeling very sad, low, or hopeless. Such person may feel tired, lose interest in things, have trouble concentrating, or even have thoughts of self-harm. Also, these shifts are stronger than normal mood changes and can affect a person’s daily life, relationships, and work. 

The complicated part about having bipolar disorder is the fact that one is constantly alternating between two moods. It is close to moving between two worlds. That's why most people find it confusing. Some people find it hard to understand how someone could be extremely happy for a week and the following week, be depressed. Due to ignorance, people start giving such individuals diagnoses like:

“Oh, she's too extroverted.”

“She's too aggressive.”

“She's too moody.”

That is the dangerous thing with ignorance; it leaves room for assumptions. We shouldn't fall into this trap. That's why it is necessary for us to fully understand this disorder called bipolar disorder. Also, it's important for us to be fully aware of the realities around us.

Now, what are the causes of bipolar disorder? Do people just have it? 

No, they don't. Experts believe bipolar disorder can be caused by a mix of factors such as genetics.   It may run in families so it could be hereditary. However, symptoms can be triggered by  hormonal shifts which can influence mood, stress responses, and brain chemistry in people who are already genetically vulnerable. 

Another factor is changes in brain chemistry. “Changes in brain chemistry,” means that the communication system inside the brain that controls mood is not working in its usual balance. Let's break this down.

Our brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to send signals between nerve cells. These chemicals help regulate things like mood, energy, sleep, motivation, thinking and concentration.

So if the levels or balance of these chemicals change, it can affect how a person feels and behaves. Some important neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation include:

Dopamine which is  linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward. Too much activity may contribute to manic symptoms such as extreme excitement or risky behavior.

Serotonin which helps regulate mood, sleep, and emotional stability. Low levels are often associated with depression.

Norepinephrine – affects alertness and energy levels.

Therefore, in bipolar disorder, scientists believe the balance and activity of these chemicals can shift, which may lead to the alternating high (mania) and low (depression) mood states. 

Moreover, life stress and major life  transitions can be a trigger of bipolar disorder. Stressful experiences can sometimes trigger the first episode of bipolar disorder in someone who already has a biological predisposition. This period of life often comes with major life changes, such as leaving home, starting university or work, relationship pressures, or financial responsibilities. 

Can it be treated?

Yes it can.

Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of medical treatment, psychological support, and lifestyle management. The goal is not just to stop symptoms temporarily but to help the person maintain long-term emotional stability and function well in daily life.

People living with bipolar disorder can manage it through medication, Psychotherapy also known as talk therapy, healthy lifestyle habits such as good sleep and stress management. With the right treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder live stable and productive lives. While medication treats the biological side, therapy addresses the psychological and social aspects. In addition, support from family, friends, and support groups can make a major difference as people who feel understood and supported often manage the condition better.

Essentially, bipolar disorder is not a death sentence, nor is it a disorder to be stigmatized. Although bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, it is very manageable. With proper treatment and support, many people live stable, productive, and creative lives.