Bipolar Disorder: The Best Club For Support, Love and Connection

Before I go too far, I first want to thank you for taking the time to visit this little corner of the internet. I am so grateful for your support. Every little bit helps! The purpose of this website is to talk all things bipolar disorder and real life. The real, raw, messy, and unfiltered life. The life that social media doesn’t often see. First, let me introduce myself. I already said first before, so I guess this would be second! My name is Natasha. I am 34 (almost 35—eek!) and I’m a mom to three. They are 13, 11, and 7 years old. I am a wife, daughter, sister, writer, creator, and dreamer, but for the purposes of this blog post, I am someone who lives with bipolar disorder. And let me tell you—it’s not fun. (Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end! Bipolar Babes Club is all about community and connection!

What Exactly Is Bipolar Disorder?

Well friends, I’m sure glad you asked. And even if you didn’t ask, I’m glad you’re willing to read, learn, and take this information into your life so you can support others better and with compassion. Bipolar disorder is basically like riding a roller coaster without a seat belt. You go up and down constantly. Sometimes the mood cycles are days, weeks, or months. It’s a constant battle of what’s coming next. Even when you’re feeling somewhat “normal,” you’re questioning whether or not your manic and when depression is going to come. You really never get a moment’s peace because bipolar disorder is entirely all-consuming. I’m not sure I really explained it yet though. So let me tell you what the professionals say. (The following part is from the Mayo Clinic on Bipolar Disorder.)

“Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These include emotional highs, also known as mania or hypomania, and lows, also known as depression. Hypomania is less extreme than mania.

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania, you may feel very excited and happy (euphoric), full of energy, or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behaviour, and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings from depression to mania may occur rarely or multiple times a year. Each bout usually lasts several days. Between episodes, some people have long periods of emotional stability. Others may frequently have mood swings from depression to mania or both depression and mania at the same time.”

What does bipolar disorder look like in daily life?

It can look like spending money on things you don’t really need, lying on the couch, unable to move, going from job to job, unable to maintain stable employment, having huge amounts of debt (guilty), and so much more. This website is going to teach you exactly what bipolar disorder looks like and offer insight into what it’s like to live with it.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic Episode Symptoms (Elevated or Irritable Mood)

During a manic episode, individuals may experience:

1. Elevated or Irritable Mood:
   • Feeling unusually “high,” euphoric, or excessively happy.
   • Becoming easily irritated, especially when things don’t go as planned.
2. Increased Energy and Activity:
   • A surge of energy or feeling like they don’t need sleep.
   • Restlessness or being more talkative and active than usual.
3. Racing Thoughts and Rapid Speech:
   • Thoughts may come quickly or jump from topic to topic.
   • Speaking rapidly, sometimes making it difficult for others to keep up.
4. Impulsive Behaviour:
   • Engaging in risky activities such as reckless spending, unprotected sex, or impulsive decisions.
   • Increased sexual drive or risky behaviours.
5. Decreased Need for Sleep:
   • Feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep or going for days with very little sleep.
6. Grandiosity or Inflated Self-Esteem:
   • Unrealistic belief in one’s abilities or talents (e.g., feeling invincible or all-powerful).
   • Overconfidence in one’s capabilities, often leading to poor decision-making.
7. Distractibility:
   • Difficulty concentrating or focusing on one thing at a time.
   • Easily distracted by unrelated stimuli or irrelevant details.
8. Poor Judgment:
   • Making decisions without considering the potential consequences (e.g., reckless spending, unsafe driving).

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Hypomanic Episode Symptoms (Less Severe Manic Symptoms)

Hypomania is similar to mania but less intense and doesn’t significantly impair functioning:

1. Elevated or Irritable Mood (similar to mania but less intense).
2. Increased Energy or Activity (but not as extreme as in full-blown mania).
3. Racing Thoughts and Talkativeness.
4. Reduced Need for Sleep.
5. Improved Productivity or creativity (often seen as positive but still a sign of hypomania).
6. Increased Self-Esteem or confidence (but not to the point of grandiosity).

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Depressive Episode Symptoms (Low Mood)

During a depressive episode, individuals may experience:

1. Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness:
   • Feeling empty, sad, or tearful most of the day.
   • Feeling hopeless, as if nothing will improve.
2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities:
   • No longer enjoying things that once brought pleasure (work, hobbies, social activities).
   • A sense of numbness or detachment from things and people.
3. Fatigue or Lack of Energy:
   • Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
   • Difficulty getting out of bed or completing daily tasks.
4. Sleep Disturbances:
   • Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
   • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
5. Changes in Appetite or Weight:
   • Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits (e.g., overeating or losing interest in food).
6. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt:
   • Strong feelings of guilt or self-blame for past actions or situations.
   • Feeling inadequate or not good enough.
7. Difficulty Concentrating:
   • Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
   • Feeling mentally foggy or like your mind is slowing down.
8. Thoughts of Death or Suicide:
   • Recurrent thoughts about dying or ending one’s life.
   • A desire to escape from emotional pain or feeling like life isn’t worth living.
9. Physical Symptoms:
   • Aches, pains, or other physical complaints that do not have a clear cause.
   • Slowed movements or speech.

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Mixed Episode Symptoms (Mania and Depression Combined)

Some individuals may experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, which can be particularly confusing and difficult to manage. Symptoms may include:

1. Rapidly Changing Moods:
   • Sudden shifts from feeling very irritable or sad to being overly energetic or euphoric.
2. Restlessness with Depressive Thoughts:
   • Feeling physically restless, yet mentally exhausted or sad.
3. Impaired Judgment:
   • Making impulsive decisions while also feeling hopeless or worthless.
4. Sleep Problems:
   • Having trouble sleeping, even though the person feels both physically exhausted and mentally overactive.

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Other Symptoms

• Psychosis (in severe cases, often during manic or depressive episodes):
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there).
  • Delusions (believing in things that are not true, such as inflated self-worth or paranoia).

Bipolar disorder affects each person differently, and the severity, duration, and frequency of these episodes can vary. It’s important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Final Thoughts For Today

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but you’re not alone. If you or someone you care about is navigating the ups and downs of this condition, it’s crucial to seek support, understanding, and guidance. Start by reaching out to a mental health professional or joining a community where you can connect with others who truly get it. Don’t let stigma or isolation hold you back—take that first step toward better understanding and managing bipolar disorder today. Remember, help is available, and your journey to stability and self-care can begin now. Reach out, share your story, and let’s support each other!