How Do People With Bipolar Disorder Feel?

The biochemical imbalances of bipolar disorder (BPD) result in manic and depressive mood swings, each with their own distinct behaviors and feelings. In spite of tremendous energy spent trying to manage the symptoms, they defy control. They're overwhelming and they can result in devastating consequences. Those who have bipolar disorder must confront the extreme feelings related to the manic highs and depressive lows throughout their life.

Depressive Phase

• A person in a depressive episode feels more than "blue" or "down." To say they are tired is an understatement. They may be unable to do nothing but sleep. Or they may have a hard time sleeping. Either way, sleep disturbances interfere with daily activities. Their energy is nonexistent and they lose interest to the point where they may stop going to work or school. They may not take care of basic needs related to housekeeping or cleanliness. All the while their brain insistently reminds them about what they should be doing but they can't follow through. This leads to a downward spiral of feelings that fuel low self-esteem and a sense of worthlessness. They can't make even simple decisions and they don't participate as a family member. Their emotional withdrawal makes them feel useless. Ultimately they believe they have no purpose in life. Then they can be haunted by thoughts of death or committing suicide.

Manic Phase

• At first a manic phase is enjoyable. Feelings of invincibility and incredible energy become a force that can't be denied. They have the ability to do anything. Their mind never shuts down. This level of energy combined with a skewed and grandiose sense of self importance creates impaired judgment. This leads to reckless decisions and potentially dangerous behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse. They require little to no sleep, eventually becoming exhausted. Still they can't sleep. They feel powerful, creative and virtually unstoppable. But as these feelings meet physical and mental exhaustion they may become argumentative and fly into a rage.

Results

• These extreme feelings persist for extended periods of time. For the remainder of their life they will have the daily task of facing the unknown---unpredictable moods, feelings, and behaviors. This creates unbearable pressure on those with BPD as well as their families, friends, and colleagues. Relationships are destroyed and jobs are lost, adding financial difficulties to the mix. The net result is an unrelenting level of stress and anxiety that consumes life.

Stigma

• Many people throughout society cling to false perceptions about the behavior and feelings of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In spite of science to the contrary, they think those with BPD must be in control of their feelings, that their behavior is a choice, and that if they only had more self-control they would stop. Sadly, this type of stigma only adds to the burden of those with bipolar disorder.