Understanding Bipolar Disorder: A Short Guide for Teens

lolasquires7
May 6
3 min read

Updated: May 21

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in mood. Bipolar Disorder is called that because of the prefix Bi, meaning 2 and polar meaning opposite or contrasting extremes. By adding them together you get the basic summary of what bipolar disorder is; 2 different emotions felt and an opposing extreme. Contrary to popular belief, Bipolar disorder isn't just experiencing average mood swings, but rather, high moods (mania), which can often be described as euphoric, followed by a major depressive episode. These moods can last from days to weeks.

There are 3 kinds of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Simply put, these are different levels of severity of Bipolar Disorder and are often forgotten about when people talk about Bipolar.

Someone with Bipolar I would have full manic episodes, and sometimes have hypomanic and depressive episodes, which could last episodically. Someone with Bipolar II would not experience full manic episodes, but experience hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes. This would also be episodic.

Finally, someone experiencing Cyclothymia would not have full manic episodes or major depressive episodes but would have subclinical hypomanic episodes and subclinical depressive symptoms, which would be chronic, lasting for at least two years.

Feature	Bipolar I	Bipolar II	Cyclothymia
Full manic episodes	Yes	No	No
Hypomanic episodes	Sometimes	Yes	Yes (subclinical)
Major depressive episodes	Often, not required	Yes	No (subclinical)
Duration	Episodic	Episodic	Chronic (>2 years)

Bipolar disorder is very different for different people, however, these are some of the symptoms for it

For high-mood episodes, these can be some of the symptoms

feeling very happy and excited
feeling very irritable or aggressive
having a lot of energy, feeling restless or not needing much sleep
racing thoughts or not being able to concentrate

For low-mood episodes, these can be some of the symptoms

feeling sad or upset
not being interested in things you usually enjoy
low energy or feeling very tired
difficulty sleeping or sleeping a lot
eating too much or too little
low confidence
feeling worthless or hopeless
not being able to concentrate
avoiding seeing or spending time with other people

Bipolar disorder is a major reason why many people struggle with daily life around the world. It can make relationships tough, cause issues at school or work, and make everyday tasks hard to manage.

Those with bipolar disorder also face a higher chance of thinking about suicide and may develop anxiety or problems with drugs and alcohol. Additionally, people with this condition are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, have other health issues like heart or lung diseases, and find it hard to get medical help.

People with bipolar disorder are prone to being more creative, as the ability to explore multiple ideas and connections is often seen in both bipolar disorder and creative individuals. Manic episodes, for instance, can lead to "flights of ideas" and heightened perception, which can fuel creative thinking.

People with bipolar disorder often have more empathy for others, considering what they have to go through in their day-to-day lives. This makes them highly empathetic towards other people who might also have mood swings and feel the need to be angry and lash out, as they understand and take into account that the person might be going through something that they need to respect.

Having Bipolar disorder also makes one stronger, regarding being resilient, as they go through something that takes a lot of strength to combat, something that affects your entire life and the people around you.

Bipolar Disorder is not curable but it is very treatable. To treat it, one must talk to a doctor and figure out what the doctor believes to be best for them, later. They might be given medication as a result of the Bipolar disorder. However, it is very important to know that one should always consult a doctor before having a sort of medication that might affect one's brain and how it functions. Some popular bipolar medications are; different types of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics. These are groups of medications that can be taken to treat and improve the symptoms of Bipolar disorder

As a friend, family member or colleague you could do these things to make sure that the person with bipolar feels safe and heard. For example, being open to talking and listening to someone’s experiences can help them feel supported and accepted. Also, let them know that you are here for them and you care about their feeling and how they are doing, this can help them feel safe around you and you might gain more of their trust by doing so.