Bipolar Disorder

On high

Like normally I’m shy and a homebody you know but then again like I can just come out of my shell and pretty much do anything I know how that sounds but really I can like I think about flying all the time like I love to fly in airplanes helicopters I wanna be a pilot someday maybe an astronaut like I love bungee jumping but I’m gonna try hang gliding off the cliffs then from there I really want to skydive I’m all about the adventure the thrill flying through the air or even beyond the earth’s atmosphere that’s where I’m headed I can’t wait to get out of school and head for the clouds like how cool will that be no one’s gonna stop me especially a little thing like gravity.

What is bipolar disorder?

A serious mental illness that causes discrete periods of highs—elation, energy—and lows—severe, sometimes chronic depression—in bouts occurring rarely or multiple times a year. These mood swings can affect how a person thinks, behaves, and functions, and are differentiated from that person’s usual personality. In many cases, the episodes may also be separated by periods of stability. Bipolar disorder can be successfully controlled through medications that must be taken throughout one’s life, even if a person is symptom-free.

Bipolar by the Numbers:

• 1 in 100 Canadians will experience bipolar disorder
• 46 million people in the world have bipolar disorder
• diagnosis typically occurs in the teens and 20s
• the global average onset is 25 years of age
• 4%-19% of people suffering from bipolar disorder end their own lives

What might put me at risk for bipolar disorder?

Anyone may develop bipolar disorder, but some indicators are:

• a family history of the disorder
• a big life change (pregnancy, trauma, abuse), which does not cause bipolar disorder but may trigger symptoms

HELP! I need somebody

Bipolar disorder doesn’t get better on its own.

Seek help if you

• are experiencing periods of intense highs, followed by severe crashes
• are considering hurting yourself
• are experiencing a relapse or life crisis
• poor judgement, inability to make decisions or concentrate
• hallucinations and/or delusions

Try this at home

Treatment for bipolar disorder will require medication which restores well-being and stability. Going off medication can be very dangerous. Always talk to a doctor about your treatment. Remaining committed to your treatment plan, which may include therapy and counselling, is your best option.

• join an online peer support group
• try yoga and meditation
• practice good sleep hygiene
• exercise and eat well
• avoid alcohol and drugs abuse
• monitor your symptoms – keep a mood diary
• seek out family and friends for support
• manage stress through activities like hobbies, staying active, and listening to music

Cultural strategy

• experiment with your culture’s traditional music or poetry
• sing out your pain/anxiety/distress through such music and poetry
• compose your own lyrics
• seek out a musical guide

Musical Notes:

A 2016 study found that music may be a beneficial tool in allowing people with bipolar disorder to better understand their emotions. Music offers hope and motivation.

Composer Robert Schumann, who struggled with mental health throughout his lifetime, is a fascinating study of bipolar disorder and the creative process

For more information: 

• Crisis Services Canada
• KidsHelpPhone
• Hope for Wellness Hotline
• Psychiatry.org
• Mood Disorders Society of Canada
• Mayo Clinic
• CAMH