Yo Yo Honey Singh recently opened up about his struggle with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by phases of intense mood swings that are usually characterized by euphoric highs and depressive features.
Popular singer Yo Yo Honey Singh recently opened up about his struggle with bipolar disorder. But she is not the first celebrity who has faced challenges because of it. International names like Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, Russell Brand, Kurt Cobain and many more have had a tough time dealing with this mental illness. Even though the intricacies of BPD have been portrayed through movies such as Silver Linings Playbook, Mr. Jones, and Manic, few people know about it.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by phases of intense mood swings that are usually characterized by euphoric highs and depressive features. While during the high (mania or hypermania) one would feel abnormally euphoric, highly irritable or purposefully focused, the lows on the other hand would leave you depressed with sadness, hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness. One of the symptoms of depressive episodes can include lack of energy and interest and in some cases even suicidal thoughts.
Dr Sunil Nigam, a psychologist elaborated on the different types of bipolar disorder, “The disease is not as simple as it appears as there is more than one type of BPD. For example, someone diagnosed with bipolar I disorder will have gone through cycles of at least one manic and depressive episode. Conversely, for us to diagnose bipolar II disorder, a person must have more frequent depressive episodes than manic episodes. and at least one hypomania episode to distinguish it from the former.”
He also explained that there is no single contributing factor responsible for bipolar disorder, “either it could be genetics, especially if someone in the family is already suffering from the disease or hormonal imbalance. Often it is a combination of both. Some cases may also be linked to a major traumatic event such as personal loss or abuse which may act as a trigger,” explains Dr Nigam.
Bipolar disorder directly or indirectly affects not one but many aspects of life. Whether personal or professional, it interferes with even the simplest day-to-day tasks like sleeping. Gagan, an 18-year-old college student, shared his experiences with BPD. He shares, “I get severe headaches with racing thoughts. Racing thought insomnia and the restless legs that come with it. When I’m manic I don’t feel hungry and I want to push myself to my limits. But it’s insomnia that I really struggle with. My sleep routine gets messed up during my manic episodes.”
Meanwhile, for Mary who was diagnosed with BPD at ten years old, the illness has hindered her ability to form and maintain relationships, “For a long time I’ve been single. Bipolar Disorder Awareness The lack of understanding and insensitivity towards my illness is something I always deal with from my family to my friends. Thus, it is really hard to maintain a long lasting relationship with anyone. Either they are my obsessive /depressive episodes or simply underestimate it because they lack empathy,” she expressed.
Another person who wished to remain anonymous recalled his struggle with actively pursuing his passion. He said, “My creativity is lost somewhere down the line. I used to write novels, play guitar/make music, paint…but only in depression or mania. The last 3 years I’ve been stable, 2022 Except in the beginning of 2006 when my panic attacks came back. I feel so useless because when I start rewriting or drawing it becomes boring for me. I feel like an NPC. I miss those days Miss when I could have created something interesting and unique.”
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be managed through therapy and medication. Dr Vivek Swaroop asserts, “Usually we prescribe medicines to our patients to help them change their mood and their sleep patterns. But cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling also help them maintain a consistent quality of life. We recommend hospitalization only in critical cases. But there is a serious need to educate more people about bipolar disorder.”
Gauri Shankar, a mental-health expert shares that bipolar disorder is quite common as the popular belief is that it grips only a handful of people. She says, “Our country has really opened up to treating mental health as a serious issue. But we still need to go a long way. Some illnesses like bipolar disorder and MPD are still a problem for most people. The puzzle remains. Unless we know about these diseases, how will we be able to identify the symptoms in our friends and family members? Awareness should start from schools and colleges itself. Like sex education, mental health Special lectures should be allotted on the issues.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition, but with proper care, under medical supervision and with some organic lifestyle changes such as sticking to a regular routine, choosing a healthy nutritional diet, exercising regularly, following a proper sleep schedule, and helping Reaching out for can really go a long way in leading a normal life.
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