13 Effects of Bipolar Disorder on the Body

13EffectsofBipolarDisorderonthe Body

WhatistheprevalenceofBipolardisorderintheworld?

The number of people with bipolar disorder worldwide is thought to be around 1%, but it can vary from 0. 6% to 24%This means that approximately 1 out of every 100 individuals will go through bipolar disorder at some stage in their lifetime. The number of people with bipolar disorder is about the same in both men and women, but women usually develop it at a younger age. The average age when symptoms start is usually around 25 years old, but it can happen at any age. Bipolar disorder is a long-lasting condition that lasts for the duration of aperson'slife. However, bipolar disorder canbetreated,andwiththerighttreatment,peoplewiththiscondition can have fulfilling and successful lives. A research in 11 countries showed that 2. 4%ofpeople experiencedbipolardisorderatsomepointintheirlives.ResearchconductedintheUnitedStates

discovered that approximately 1.6% of people experience bipolar disorder atsomepointintheir lifetime. A research in China discovered that0.5%ofpeopleintheirlifetimeexperiencebipolar disorder.

WhatarethetypesofBipolardisorder?

There are a few main categories. Bipolar I is a condition where the really stronghappyfeelings become sointensethatyoumightrequireassistancefromadoctor.BipolarIIisnotassevere,but the periods of feeling down can still be very difficult. Cyclothymic Disorder is similar to a gentler and longer roller coaster ride. The changes in mood aren't as extreme as in other disorders, but they can last for a long period of time. Some people quickly change theirmoods, and that is called RapidCycling.Sometimes,othermedicalthingsormedicationscanaffecthow you feel.Ifyouorafriendarefeelinglikeyou'regoingthroughalotofemotions,it'sagoodidea to talk to someone who knows about it, like a mental health expert. They can help understand what'shappeningandmakeiteasierforyou.

13EffectsofBipolarDisorderontheBody

Brain & Mood

Bipolar disorder significantly affects brain functioning and emotional states. This condition elicits pronounced fluctuations in mood, which can manifest as both elevated states of elation (manic episodes) and profoundly despairing states of despondency (depressive episodes). These fluctuations in mood may potentially result in cognitive disarray, impaired cognitive processes, and challenges in cultivating and sustaining interpersonal connections. The presence of intermittentemotionalstatescanelicitfrustrationanddetrimentallyimpacttheoverallstabilityof individuals' daily lives. The management of these extensively impactful consequences on an individual'soverallwelfareoftennecessitatesmedicalinterventionforthedisorder.

Sleep Problems

Bipolar disorder has been identified as a potential catalyst for the development of sleep disturbances. In the context of manic phases, individuals may experience a reduction in sleep duration owing to increased levels of energy. During episodes of depression, individuals may

exhibit hypersomnia. Both extremes of sleep disruptions have the potential to disturb regular sleeppatterns,consequentlyresultinginadditionalhealthcomplications.

Weight Changes

Bipolar disordercanmakeyougainorloseweight.Duringtimesofextremeexcitementandhigh energy, a person might accidentally forget to have meals and end up losing weight. When a person is feeling sad or low, eating too much can make them gain weight. Both can be bad for you.

Heart Trouble

This could harm the heart, leading to heart problems and making the chances of getting heart-relateddiseaseshigher.

Addiction Issues

Bipolar disorder makes people have strongmoodchangesandbeimpulsive.Thesesignsmakeit more likely for people to become addicted because they might use drugs or alcohol to make themselvesfeelbetterordealwiththeiremotions.

Relationship Struggles

People with bipolar disorder may have intense changes in mood that can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Feelings that are hard to guess can cause problems and unease withfriendsandfamily,causingfightsandpushingawayinpersonalrelationships.

School or Work Problems

Bipolar disorder can make it hard to concentrate and stay steady in school or work. Changes in emotions can cause a person's performance to vary and make it hard for them to keep up with theirresponsibilities,whichcanhaveanegativeimpactontheircareeroreducation.

Risk-taking Behavior

Bipolar disorder can make people behave impulsively and take risks. In times when people are feeling very excited or energetic, they might make quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result. This can lead to possibly hurting themselves or getting into trouble withthelaw

Memory Issues

Bipolardisordercanmakeitharderforsomeonetorememberthings.Changesinmoodcanmake it hard to focus, making it difficult to remember thingscorrectly.Thiscanmakeitdifficulttodo everydayactivities.

Chronic Pain

Bipolar disordercanmakechronicpainworse.Feelingvariousemotionsmorestronglycanmake ithardertocopewithpainandmightcauseproblemsingettingpropertreatment.

Thyroid Problems

Bipolar disorder might make your thyroid not work well. The treatment for thedisorderandthe stress it causes can disturb the thyroid, leading to issues with how the body breaks down food andcontrolsenergylevels.

Eye Problems

Having bipolar disorder can cause issues with your eyes. The medicines used for treatment can make your eyes dry or irritated and the stress from the disordercanmakeexistingeyeproblems worse.

Kidney & Liver Issues

The treatment for bipolar disorder usually includes medications that can harm the kidneys and liver, which can cause issues. It is important to keep a close watch on howwellyourorgansare workingifyouaretakingthesemedications.

ATypicalDayLivingwithBipolar Disorder

Introduction

Living with Bipolar Disorder can be difficult because everyperson'schallengesandexperiences are different. This article gives a general idea of what a regular day might be like for someone handling this condition. It's important to know that Bipolar Disorder has different typesandcan showmanydifferentsymptoms.

Morning Routine

A person with Bipolar Disorder may start their day by doingthreeimportantthings:takingtheir prescribed medications to manage their symptoms, taking care of their personal hygiene to feel normal, and getting ready for the day to create a positive mood. Having aregularschedule,like

eating breakfast at the same time or doing exercises in the morning, can help you stay stable. This structure helps keep a balance and reduces the sudden changes in mood that can happen with the disorder. In addition, using mindfulness techniques or writing in a journal in the morningcanmakeyoufeelbetterandhelpyouhaveasuccessfulday

Work or School

When someone has Bipolar Disorder, the way they do their daily tasks can change a lot throughout the day. This can happen because of the different phases of the disorder,likefeeling really happy and energetic (manic) or feeling verysadanddown(depressive).Whensomeoneis in a manic phase, they may have a lot of energy and ideas, which can make them act without thinking and have difficulty focusing. On the other hand, when someone is feeling sad and depressed,theymightfeelverytiredandnotfeellikedoinganything.Havingopenconversations with employers or teachers about the condition and its effects can help them understand better and provide support or make necessary changes to help. This kind of honest communication helps to create a helpful environment where changes can be made to the amountofworkordue dates. This helps the person manage their responsibilities better and with less stress. Having honest conversations can help people understand and support those livingwithBipolarDisorder andmakethemfeelbetteroverall.

Social Interactions

Making friends and being social can be difficult, especially when feeling depressed. However, reaching out to friends and family who are there to offer support can give you a lot of courage andmotivation.

Managing Symptoms

Throughout the day, someone withBipolarDisordermayhavetostrugglewithquicklychanging feelings, too much worrying, or extreme tiredness. These symptoms can cause problems in everydaylifeandinterferewithregularroutines.Takingpartinactivitieslikebeingpresentinthe moment, doing therapy exercises, or getting help from mental health experts can be really important for dealing with these symptoms. Being mindful means noticing and understanding how you feel and what you're thinking right now This helps you have more say over your emotions and thoughts and makes it easier to accept them. Therapy exercises, led by mental health experts, can help individuals learn ways to manage their problems that are specific to

them. Using these techniques in everyday life can make you feel more confident and capable, andcanhelpyouhandlethechallengesofthedisorderwitheaseandself-assurance.

Evening Routine

Winding down can mean doing things to relax like using relaxation methods, going to therapy, hangingoutwithpeopleyoulove,ordoingthingsyouenjoyasahobby

Sleep Patterns

Sleepingcanbedifficultforsomepeople,withtroublefallingasleeporsleepingtoomuchduring different moods. Havingaregularbedtimeroutineandgettingadvicefromadoctororhealthcare professionalwhoistrainedinmedicinecanbeuseful.

Conclusion

A regular day living with Bipolar Disorder involves followingroutines,dealingwithsymptoms, staying connected with others, and getting help from professionals when needed. Having flexibility, understanding, and support from peoplewecareaboutandhealthcareprofessionalsis extremelyimportantinmanagingoureverydaylife.

Every person may have a different experience, and the example provided may not cover every possibility. Regularly working together with healthcare professionals helps you receivetheright care and understanding for your own individual situation. This can lead to a better, more balanced,andsatisfyinglife.