Here are some important notes I took while researching Manir’s mental health condition. Please visit the references listed below for in-depth articles on bipolar.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four major categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder.
Those with bipolar 1 experience more severe mania, whereas people with bipolar 2 may have less intense manic symptoms, and more depressive episodes. However, bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, so it’s possible your symptoms don’t fit with either type 1 or 2.
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it’s common to experience feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria. If you’re experiencing a manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. You may also feel like you’re all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness.
Mixed episodes are defined by symptoms of mania and depression that occur at the same time or in rapid sequence without recovery in between. Mania with mixed features usually involves irritability, high energy, racing thoughts and speech, and overactivity or agitation.
Research has shown that the most common trigger for episodes of mania is sleep loss. This can be in the form of sleep disturbances, disruption, jet lag, and an inconsistent sleep schedule. Sleep disturbances rarely cause episodes of hypomania, but it does happen—particularly in individuals with bipolar I.
A main characteristic features of someone with bipolar disorder entering hypomaniac or manic episode is racing thoughts. Racing thoughts are more than just thinking fast. Rather, they are a rapid succession of thoughts that cannot be quieted and continue without restraint. They can progressively take over a person’s functional consciousness and gallop out of control to a point where daily life can be affected.
Other characteristics are;
- Pressured speech
- Reduced need for sleep
- Persistently elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy and restlessness
- Increased distractibility
- Grandiose thinking
- Risk-taking behavior
Causes of bipolar are unknown but several factors believed to be involved are biological differences and genetics.
Romantic Relationships & Bipolar
- Educate yourself. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you’ll be able to help.
- Listen. Ask about their experience.
- Be a champion.
- Be active in their treatment. Support their care.
- Make a plan. Get support when you need it.
- Support, don’t push.
- Be understanding.
- Don’t neglect yourself.
References
Healthline. (2018, February 12). Bipolar Disorder: How to Manage Romantic Relationships. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/relationship-guide#when-your-partner-has-bipolar
Howland, M., & El Sehamy, A. (2021, January). What Are Bipolar Disorders? Www.psychiatry.org. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders#:~:text=People%20with%20bipolar%20disorder%20experience
Mayo Clinic. (2021, February 16). Bipolar disorder – symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
Payne, J. (n.d.). Bipolar Relationships: What to Expect. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mood-disorders/bipolar-relationships-what-to-expect
Purse, M. (2020a, January 15). How Sleep Problems Can Worsen Your Bipolar Disorder Symptoms. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-sleep-and-bipolar-disorder-interact-379019
Purse, M. (2020b, July 19). How Racing Thoughts Can Be a Symptom of Bipolar Disorder. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-racing-thoughts-378823
Purse, M. (2020c, September 17). Can Pressured Speech Be a Symptom of Hypomania in Bipolar Disorder? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-pressured-speech-378822
O.J Ebubeoha
The first time I heard about Bipolar was when I watched Empire and witnessed Andre suffer through his episodes. It’s educating to have a full insight on this mental illness and I appreciate the lengths you go to research your novels.
From an ardent Fan.
Camaa
I used to think it was an abusive word, like, ‘he is stupid’, something like that. And with the way people threw it around like it was nothing. I’m glad the media helps shed light in so many ways about these issues.