March 30th is World Bipolar Day!

Did you know bipolar disorder affects over 60 million people worldwide? According to the National Institute for Mental Health (2022), "bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can be chronic (persistent or constantly reoccurring) or episodic (occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals). " People are diagnosed with three basic types of bipolar disorder that involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from manic episodes to depressive episodes.

• Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days (most of the day, nearly every day) or when manic symptoms are so severe that hospital care is needed. Usually, separate depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of mood disturbance with mixed features are also possible. The experience of four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year is termed “rapid cycling.”
• Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but the episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
• Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurrent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

​ Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are ways to help yourself, as well as your friends and loved ones.

• Get treatment and stick with it. Treatment is the best way to start feeling better.
• Keep medical and therapy appointments and talk with your health care provider about treatment options.
• Take medication as directed.
• Structure activities. Keep a routine for eating, sleeping, and exercising.
• Try regular, vigorous exercise like jogging, swimming, or bicycling, which can help with depression and anxiety, promote better sleep, and is healthy for your heart and brain.
• Keep a life chart to help recognize your mood swings.
• Ask for help when trying to stick with your treatment.
• Be patient. Improvement takes time. Social support helps.

For more information on March 30th National bipolar day, click to the World Bipolar website at: World Bipolar Day - International Bipolar Foundation (ibpf.org)
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