Living With Bipolar Disorder In A Neurotypical Society
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety Disorder at the age of 26, however, there were many signs throughout my life that I was neurodivergent – someone who sees and experiences the world differently than “typical” society. Navigating a chronic mental illness has been extremely hard, but receiving my diagnosis was a relief of finally understanding why I was the way I was and validating that my brain was not broken but rather structured differently than others. It allowed me to finally accept my differences and move forward toward managing my mental health. Read below to learn more about Bipolar Disorder!
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder involving manic and depressive episodes. Moods are felt at an extreme that goes beyond the normal feeling of happy or sad and usually lasts for multiple days or months before leveling. The illness is also seen as a brain disorder as it chemically affects a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis. The average age onset for Bipolar Disorder symptoms is 25, but this can happen as a teenager or as an older adult as well. The condition affects both men and women equally and is usually accompanied by other mental and nervous system disorders (Sensory Processing Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Autism, ADHD, etc.). While Bipolar Disorder can be managed, there is no cure and it will not go away with time or by simply trying “mind over matter”.
World Bipolar Day
World Bipolar Day is dedicated to celebrating everyone living with Bipolar Disorder. It is held on March 30 each year because that was Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday, and it is believed that he lived with Bipolar Disorder. Both individuals and mental health companies, like the International Bipolar Foundation, participate in World Bipolar Day online. It’s a great way to see support within the community and educate others about the condition!
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
It’s important to remember that the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can vary for everyone. This is because Bipolar Disorder is a spectrum, which means some people might experience certain symptoms more than others, and not all symptoms are experienced the same way. For me, I have a lot of symptoms that also overlap with ADHD and Autism – two common comorbid disorders of Bipolar Disorder. Below are common symptoms:
Manic Symptoms
Depression Symptoms
- Little to no sleep
- Little to no eating
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Jittery
- Excessive spending
- Out-of-character recklessness
- Hallucinations (audio, visual, tactile)
- Racing thoughts
- Fast heart rate
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Colors appear more vibrant
- Sounds are intensified
- Mental numbness
- Oversleeping
- Suicidal ideation
- Irritability
- Isolation
- Unable to concentrate
- Low motivation
- Hallucinations (audio, visual, tactile)
- Decline of self-care
- Disassociation
- Lack of caring
- Excessive crying
- Disinterest in things previously liked
Symptoms Overlapping ADHD
Symptoms Overlapping Autism
- Executive functioning difficulties (memory, time management, flexible thinking)
- Trouble starting and finishing tasks
- Task-switching difficulties
- Restlessness
- Impatience
- Day-to-day inconsistency
- Sensory sensitivities
- Hyperfixation on certain topics
- OCD tendencies
- Frequent burnout
- Energy fluctuations
- Misunderstandings with others
- Anxiety toward social situations
Did the above seem like a lot of symptoms? That’s because they are. Now imagine someone dealing with a handful of those invisible symptoms every day in silence. This is where the importance of a support system comes in. Having help available can make a world of difference to someone who is hurting, especially if they are facing disbelief from those who are uneducated about mental illness.
How I Manage My Bipolar Disorder
Over the past few years, since my diagnosis, I’ve slowly found ways to live with my Bipolar Disorder. As I mentioned above, there is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but there are ways to manage it. Medication and therapy are the most popular forms of management and are also known to work the best. The truth is that it’s very hard to keep manic episodes and mood cycling at bay without taking mood stabilizers as they target and influence the brain’s neurotransmitters. Below are some management plan ideas (disclosure: I am not a doctor, so make sure to see a professional to establish the best options for you).
Management Plan Ideas
- Daily medication
- Behavioral therapy
- Psychiatrist appointments
- Support from my family (help with cooking, cleaning, and walking to doctor appointments)
- Love from ESA pets or support animals
- TIPP skills (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Paired muscle relaxation)
- Fidget toys (these are my favorite – cheap and easy to carry around)
- Healthy boundaries towards things and people
- Sobriety
How You Can Support Someone Living With Bipolar Disorder
It would be silly of me to expect everyone to know what Bipolar Disorder is when I disclose my diagnosis. I didn’t even know much about it at first. I believe that many living with it do not anticipate others to have a solid understanding of the illness. What we do want, however, is for our loved ones to read up on the disorder and actively listen, without judgment, when we describe it and how it affects us. This is how we feel supported. As you can imagine, it would be unfair for people to compare their personal experiences to our experiences when they do not live with Bipolar Disorder themselves. So ask questions, learn the signs of an episode, and offer support! That’s how you can help make a difference against mental health stigmas.