Empathizing Series: Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is when an individual has extremes in behavior. It can range from a high-flying mood to a depressed mood. Both are at extreme opposites on a spectrum. These mood swings can cause reckless behavior; their judgement is sometimes impaired. Irritability, excessive talk, inflated self-esteem, extra energy, impulsivity, hallucinations or delusions are sytems of this mood swing. It can be destructive if the individual chooses to drive fast, spend all his money and the like. The mood swing into depression can cause thoughts of suicide. This mood swing has symptoms of reduction of activity or interests, low energy level, apathy, loneliness, helplessness, slow speech, fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration or coordination. Often stress in ones life triggers the mood swing behaviors. There is often a genetic tendancy for this disease and doctors ask this first when diagnosing this disease. It is very hard to diagnose someone bipolar, but we are hearing about this disease more and more. Even to hear of the problems of others will trigger the bipolar person. Diagnosis to bipolar depends on the frequency of the occurance between the extremes, what kind of risk behavior was seen or thoughts thought. It is thought that in a bipolar a chemical imbalance has occured in the brain. If the level of norepinephrine is too high, mania occurs; if too low, depression occurs.

The doctors will give a urine test to see if the individual is on drugs, for drugs can trigger bipolar activity. Doctor will take the person off drugs, alcohol and even caffeine. He will encourage the bipolar subject to exercise, eat healthy diet, and to get rest and relaxation. He will inquire about the genetic family tendancy to these mood swings. He will talk with them on feelings, thoughts and behaviors. He will suggest ways to decrease stress in ones life and how establishing a routine for eating, sleeping and activity. Journaling may be suggested to learn of things that contribute to the onset of bipolar activity. He will encourage the development of making relationships. He will review the meds you take and give you some new ones to create a balance. The bipolar family looks for changes in sleep, energy levels, alcohol or drug use, sex drive, self-esteem or concentration.

Ways I can empathize with a bipolar:

• Knowing the friend is bipolar will allow you to look for things that would trigger the bipolar activity. Talking as friend to the person will help them through decisions during their mood swing. Realizing that the mood swing is apart of the disease and not to take the bipolar actions too personal. Prevent improper thinking that occurs from "too high" thinking or "deathly low" thinking.


• Encourage exercise and exercise with the bipolar.


• Beware of creating more stress for the individual. Create a restful environment. Increase the soothing music.


• Don't dump all your problems on the bipolar; the bipolar can't handle it.