If you think you might have bipolar disorder, you’re not alone. Find out more about the condition and what to do if you think you’re affected by it.
Bipolar disorder is a disorder in which your mood become extremely high or low, with episodes lasting for days or weeks on end.
It affects 1 in 100 people and tends to begin later in adolescence with symptoms usually starting between the ages of 15 and 19 in young people.
Celebrities like Demi Lovato have spoken publicly about bipolar disorder, and show that even if you’re affected by it, with the right treatment you can get on with life and continue doing the things you enjoy.
Symptoms often appear in late adolescence & early adulthood.
About 1% of the general population may be affected.
Bipolar disorder affects both males and females equally .
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can come and go – they won’t necessarily be present all the time. The symptoms to look out for include:
• Extreme mood swings
• Manic episodes such as taking a lot, racing thoughts, over confidence, increased activity
• Difficulty with concentration
• Low mood
• Decreased energy
• Disturbed sleep - feeling like you hardly need sleep (mania) or having difficulty sleeping (depression)
• Reduced appetite
• Thoughts of self-harm
Experience one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you’re affected by bipolar disorder. It’s important to talk a psychiatrist or a general physician to get a full diagnosis.
People affected with bipolar disorder may get involved in wrong investments and risky actions.
Take the first step – if you think you are affected by bipolar disorder, talk to someone you think can guide you, a psychiatrist or a general physician.
The first stage of treatment is to get your mood changes under control which needs medications.
You may then be advised for individual, family or group psychological therapy that can help with symptoms and help to reduce the risk of getting unwell again.
Once your mood swings are under control, you could also benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you to understand your thoughts and behavior and to help you think of things differently.
MATERS Trust envision a Bangladesh where every individual has opportunity to gain optimum mental health and where every individual with a mental health disorder has access to necessary facilities for early identification, treatment and management.
