Facts About Bipolar Disorder.

A host of prominent celebrities has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and we have seen them struggle with this mental illness. Rap and fashion legend Kanye West is one active case that has shown to the world what this disorder can do to people and affect the lives of their loved ones adversely.

Shockingly, the beautiful Nollywood actress Cha-Cha Eke announced via a video that she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This came days after via a video she announced her marriage was over and people began to speculate that she was a victim of domestic violence. 

Though many are insisting that she made the video of her diagnosis out of duress to protect her husband’s image, I was moved to research about bipolar disorder. 

Below are basic but interesting facts you should know about this mental illness. 

Read More: Another Nollywood Star Leaves Her Marriage.

Basic Facts About Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar disorder was formerly known as Manic Depression. In 1980 psychiatrists agreed to abandon the term “Manic Depression” due to the stigma it brought on patients as they were often labeled as “maniacs.” This was how it became known as Bipolar Disorder.

• Bipolar disorder is a mental illness.

• As a mental health condition bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings could either make those suffering from this disorder emotionally high (above the normal level. It could be hypomania or mania) or low (depression).

• Both hypomania and mania might be symptoms of bipolar disorder. Hypomania is subtle compared to mania. It is the milder version of mania. Mania is a mood disorder that makes one physically and emotionally abnormally energized. It can be so severe that it might warrant hospitalization of the individual having a mania episode.

• Bipolar disorder can lead to deep depression. This depression may come with a feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and loss of interest and excitement towards most activities.

• Mood swings caused by bipolar disorder can adversely affect the behavior, sleep, judgment, energy, and clarity of thoughts of those suffering from this mental illness.

• How often episodes of mood swings can occur differ from one case to another. Some may have mood swings episodes several times in a single year. While some may have it just once, and others none at all.

There are different types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I Disorder

This is a severe form of bipolar disorder. Manic episodes can last up to a week requiring the urgent need for medical care. Also, depressive episodes could last up to two weeks and more. One can equally have an episode that combines both mania and depression.

Bipolar II Disorder

This is the second most severe type of bipolar. People suffering from this do have depressive and hypomanic episodes. Since the episodes are hypomanic it is less severe.

Cyclothymic Disorder

This version of bipolar disorder causes ups and downs emotionally. However, it is less severe compared to bipolar I or II disorder.

• Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. It can be managed but not cured.

• Bipolar disorder can be managed through medications and psychotherapy.

• Genetics plays a major factor in having bipolar disorder.  Also, high stress, drug and alcohol abuse, and traumatic experience(s) can trigger bipolar disorder.

• It is possible to have bipolar disorder without knowing. 

• Children can also suffer from bipolar disorder.

• People with bipolar disorder are not mad and should not be stigmatized. They deserve to live and be loved.

• With medication and psychotherapy, someone with bipolar can live a productive life.

Final Thoughts

People don’t choose to be bipolar, life simply happens to them. Be kind and be more because everyone is fighting a battle.

Read More: Are you A People Pleaser