Bipolar disease is a type of psychiatric illness. One of its major symptoms is recurrent depression. Bipolar disorder also comes with mood swings which can last for a few days, certain periods of hyperactivity are also one of the numerous symptoms of this illness.
People suffering from bipolar disorder with high mood fluctuations will show signs such as excitement, energy, and serious symptoms of primary psychosis. Patients with poor mood fluctuations have signs such as low drive, lack of interest in anything, and irritability.
Bipolar disorder therapy necessitates the development of a treatment strategy by a mental health expert. Most treatment plans are designed to last a lifetime, but if a patient begins to feel better, they can stop such treatment plans.
The emotional swings of bipolar disorder episodes confuse family members, acquaintances, and coworkers of BD patients. Because of a lack of knowledge, family members and acquaintances are unsure of how to assist patients with BD.
Because of their fluctuating emotions, young people are frequently labelled with bipolar disorder and are compared to substance addicts.
Bipolar illness is treatable with prescription medications and counseling. A shift in habits/lifestyle will also aid in the management of bipolar illness.
A patient must have at least one to two instances of extreme mood swings in a week to be identified with bipolar disorder. Manic episodes can result in the elimination of a brain region. This is due to the strain on the neurotransmitter receptors produced by the increased activity during a manic episode.
What Is the Cause of Bipolar Disorder?
There is no single cause of bipolar disorder, but other variables from other mental illnesses can contribute to it. Furthermore, some reasons are linked to the environment, physiology, and societal variables.
The following are the various reasons for bipolar disorder:
Childhood trauma: unresolved distress from childhood trauma can contribute to bipolar illness. This stress can cause them to have emotional swings, such as ghosting you and then returning.
Stressful events in life: stress from infancy can contribute to bipolar illness. Stressful interactions can sometimes serve as episode catalysts. This worrisome occurrence could be money anxiety, pregnancy anxiety, job strain, etc.
Cognitive chemicals: these are biological variables that influence the brain chemicals.
Genetics: if from generation to generation there has been someone that is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, then that is a cause. It also implies that anyone can carry the bipolar illness trait.
Drugs or medication: There are illicit drugs that can disrupt your system and cause bipolar disorder signs. Doctor-prescribed drugs can also cause an episode of bipolar illness.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
As previously stated, the signs of bipolar disorder are comparable to those of other mental health conditions such as stress, psychosis, depression, and anxiety. People with BD may experience high or low mood changes at any moment.
To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you must have at least two weekly episodes that impact your interactions with others and everyday activities.
Among the symptoms are:
Failing to perform well at a job or education
A lot of energy to do everything
Low energy to complete everyday chores
Sometimes speaking too much, and then not talking at all.
Cannot concentrate on one subject
Move taken on the spur of the moment
Feeling both sad and happy at the exact moment
Excessive eating or not eating at all
Grumpiness
Fatal ideation
Other signs of BD exist.
Bipolar Disorder Natural Treatments
Although it has not been proven, some people think that there are natural alternatives to drugs for managing bipolar illness. Although the study has shown that natural herbs can help with sleeplessness, sadness, and other BD symptoms, there is no research on natural supplements.
Natural plants such as Indian ginseng, valerian, passion flower, and others. You can consume the plants as an infusion beverage, add them to your dinner, place them in your drinking water, or take a bath with them.
It has been suggested that sugar, vinegar, natural mushrooms, or a protein diet can help with mood swing conditions, but this has not been scientifically shown. Another non-food natural remedy is an effective conversation, which involves sharing your feelings with a mental health expert, trustworthy friend, or family member.
Facts About Bipolar Illness in Nigeria
As mental health professionals begin to speak about and produce studies to back up their claims, bipolar disorder is getting little acknowledgement and understanding in Nigeria. Untreated BD can result in permanent impairment, according to research.
Blindness, dementia, and impairment in social and work tasks are examples of disabilities.
As of 2010, males had a bipolar illness at a higher rate than women. Young people in Nigeria are experiencing various phases of emotional swings. Treatment for bipolar disorder is quite costly, and with the present fiscal circumstances, Nigerians will struggle to receive sufficient mental health treatment.
Some Nigerians still believe they can wish away bipolar disorder, particularly when the teen is experiencing episodes. Traditional medications used by family members and others to treat BD typically result in physical violence.
There is a stigma associated with bipolar illness in Nigeria. Some parents are embarrassed about their wards and refuse to allow them to interact with society.
Because bipolar disorder begins in infancy, it is fair to assume that parenting styles in Nigeria are one of the causes of bipolar disorder. This is because parents do not address mental health issues with their offspring.
Risk Factors for Bipolar Illness
If bipolar disorder is not treated, the community, family, and people stand to lose a lot.
The following are some risk factors for undiagnosed bipolar illness.
It will be handed down from one family to the next.
Suicide attempts or bodily injury
Loss of a loved one
Instead of support, put weight on the person.
Abuse of illicit drugs
Indulgence in bad habits.