Mental health issues like bipolar disorder affect a lot of people and how we see each other. Sometimes, people get the wrong idea about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder. They might connect it with problems getting along with others or even think it leads to more crime. In truth, a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shows that while a few people with serious mental health conditions might act out violently, most do not. Still, many believe otherwise, which can make life harder for those with bipolar disorder.
These wrong beliefs can make people with bipolar disorder end up feeling left out or treated unfairly. This might make it harder for them to have good relationships or they might even find themselves in trouble with the law. To fix this, we need to do two things. First, make sure people with bipolar disorder get the help they need. Second, teach everyone more about mental health to get rid of these wrong ideas. If we can explain what bipolar disorder really is and support better mental health care, we can build a community that helps instead of hurts, making life better for everyone involved.
Getting to Know Bipolar Disorder and How It Affects Thinking
To truly get what it’s like for someone with bipolar disorder, it helps to start with how they think and feel. First off, what is bipolar disorder?
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is when a person goes through extreme mood changes. They can feel super up and full of energy at times, known as mania or hypomania, and really down and out of energy at other times, which is called depression. These mood swings can affect everyday life, including how someone acts and makes decisions.
What It Feels Like
Having bipolar disorder means dealing with big ups and downs in mood. When someone is in a manic phase, they might feel very happy or act more rashly than usual, making big plans or taking risks. During a depressive phase, they might feel very sad, lose interest in things they usually like, and find even small tasks hard to do.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder isn’t just one-size-fits-all; there are a few different types:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This includes really intense manic episodes that last at least a week or are so strong that the person needs to go to the hospital. There are also depressive episodes that typically last about two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: This type has both depressive episodes and lighter manic episodes, called hypomanic episodes, but not the full-scale manic episodes seen in Bipolar I.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): This involves milder mood changes. Someone will have symptoms of hypomania and depression for at least two years (one year for kids and teens), but these won’t be severe enough to be full manic or depressive episodes.
How People with Bipolar Disorder Think
People with bipolar disorder have unique ways of thinking, especially during their high and low mood swings. Understanding these thought patterns helps us support them better. Here are some common ways they might think:
1. Fast Thoughts During High Moods
When someone is in a high mood, called mania, their thoughts can race super fast. It’s like their brain doesn’t take a break, jumping from one idea to another. This can make it hard for them to focus on just one thing at a time.
2. Feeling Extra Creative or Important
In these high moods, people might also feel really creative or believe they can do much more than usual. They might start lots of new projects, thinking they can achieve big things quickly. While this sounds cool, it can sometimes lead to disappointment if their goals aren’t realistic.
3. Acting on Impulse
Another thing that happens in mania is acting without thinking things through, like spending a lot of money suddenly or taking risks that aren’t safe. These actions can cause trouble in different parts of their life.
4. Seeing Everything in a Negative Light
When in a low mood, called depression, someone with bipolar disorder might see everything in a negative way. They may feel very sad, worthless, or guilty about things, even when there’s no real reason to feel that way.
5. Trouble Focusing
During these low periods, it can also be really hard for them to concentrate or make decisions. Even simple tasks might feel too hard, which can make them feel worse about themselves.
6. Stuck on Certain Thoughts
Sometimes, they might get stuck on certain negative thoughts, going over and over them in their mind. This could be thinking a lot about past mistakes or worrying a lot about what might go wrong in the future.
7. Thinking About Giving Up
Sadly, during very low moods, some individuals might think about suicide. This shows why it’s so important to get help and support if someone is feeling this way.
8. General Thinking Challenges
Even outside of their high and low mood swings, people with bipolar disorder might find it hard to remember things, plan ahead, or stay focused.
By knowing these thought patterns, we can better understand what someone with bipolar disorder goes through. It helps us be there for them, encouraging them to get the help they need and showing them they’re not alone.
How to Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder
Getting to know how someone with bipolar disorder thinks can really help us support them, especially when they’re going through tough times. When we know what’s going on in their minds during their highs and lows, we can be there for them in the right way. This could mean listening to them, encouraging them to get help from a doctor or therapist, or just being patient. Our support can make them feel safe and understood, no matter what they’re feeling at the moment. Being kind and trying to understand can make a big difference to someone dealing with bipolar disorder, helping them feel less alone and more hopeful.