Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Triggers, Symptoms, and How to Cope

Taking care of your health isn’t just about physical well-being—it’s also about mental health. This is an increasingly relevant topic, as mental health issues have become a widely discussed subject, impacting both personal life and professional careers. In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of bipolar disorder, a condition that has been increasingly reported in recent years.

In simple terms, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings in a short period. This can lead to individuals feeling euphoric at one moment and deeply sad the next.

Have you ever noticed people with these characteristics? Or perhaps as you read this introduction, you find yourself relating to it? Well, let’s take a closer look at some key points related to this mental health condition.

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A Closer Look at What Bipolar Disorder Is

Bipolar disorder is defined as a mental illness that can affect mood, concentration, and activity levels suddenly. According to an article on the official website of Siloam Hospitals, bipolar disorder requires prompt treatment, as it can impact productivity and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in those who suffer from it—a serious issue in today’s fast-paced and practical world.

4 Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is categorized into four different types based on its severity: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic disorder, and other types of bipolar disorder.

• Bipolar I is the most severe type. The main symptoms include one or more episodes of extreme happiness, followed by milder happiness or even depression.
• Bipolar II involves one episode of mild happiness and one episode of depression. However, this type does not lead to extreme happiness. There’s a possibility that Bipolar II can develop into Bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a rare form of bipolar disorder characterized by multiple episodes of hypomania (mild happiness or enthusiasm) and depression that recur over at least one year during childhood or adolescence. The symptoms are milder than Bipolar I and II but can develop into more severe forms.
• Other types of bipolar disorder are marked by drastic mood swings that don’t fit into the other three types. This condition can be triggered by drug use, alcohol consumption, or other medical conditions.

Triggers and Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

It’s important to understand what triggers this mental condition and the risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing it. Unfortunately, numerous factors can trigger bipolar disorder, making it challenging to avoid.

Some of the triggers for bipolar disorder include:

• Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at risk.
• Chemical imbalance in the brain: An imbalance in neurotransmitters can affect mood and energy levels.
• Environmental factors: Prolonged stress, physical, and emotional trauma.
• Hormonal changes: Such as those during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and similar conditions.
• Poor stress management.
• Substance abuse: Including psychoactive drugs.
• Existing mental health disorders: Such as anxiety disorders.
• Extreme changes in sleep cycles, which can trigger depression.

As for risk factors, individuals who have experienced traumatic events are more at risk for this mental disorder. Additionally, those who cannot manage stress effectively and those with addictions to illegal drugs, alcohol, and similar substances also face similar risks.

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Recognize the Signs of Bipolar Disorder Early

The signs of bipolar disorder can be recognized through behavioral changes in the person affected. Or, if you notice these signs in yourself, it’s important to be cautious and seek professional help to ensure your mental health is taken care of.

Bipolar disorder symptoms can be identified in two main phases. First, during the manic phase. The main symptoms include being overly enthusiastic, full of energy, and speaking rapidly. The person may also appear restless, feel they don’t need much sleep, lose their appetite, think they can do multiple things at once, take risky actions, talk quickly while changing topics frequently, and feel they are important, talented, or powerful.

Then, during the depressive phase, the person may appear very sad, lethargic, or lose interest in things they once found enjoyable. They may feel empty, worried, and hopeless. The person may also experience sleep disturbances, such as waking up too early or sleeping too long. There can be a drastic increase in appetite, leading to significant weight gain. Unlike the manic phase, they may speak very slowly, seem to have nothing to say, have difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and feel worthless, which can lead to thoughts of suicide.

These signs can appear in someone without them realizing it. Therefore, it is the responsibility of those around them to remind them and encourage them to seek consultation with a psychologist if these signs are observed.

So, What Can Be Done to Cope with This Condition?

In Indonesia, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders. Although it is not specific to bipolar disorder, this suggests that mental health conditions have shown a rising trend.

An article in Media Indonesia titled "The Prevalence of Mental Disorders in Indonesia Increases Post-2024 Election" reported that after the 2024 election, the rate of anxiety disorders increased to 16% and depression to 17.1%. In previous data released in 2018, the figures were 9.8% and 6%, respectively.

While the increase is not attributed solely to the election, the article notes a correlation between the rise in prevalence and public participation in the election.

So, What Should Be Done to Address This, Especially for Those Close to Someone with Bipolar Disorder?

There are four simple steps you can take to help someone with bipolar disorder manage their condition, in addition to seeking professional help from a psychologist or other credible mental health expert.

Here are the four steps:

• Be a Good Listener and Conversational Partner: You can be a companion for someone with bipolar disorder, so they don't always feel lonely. Engaging them in conversations can help keep their mind busy and steer them away from negative thoughts.
• Encourage Treatment: If the signs and symptoms mentioned above are detected, encourage the person to seek treatment and stay disciplined. This includes not only regular check-ups but also consistently taking the medications prescribed by their psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Try to Keep an Open Mind: This condition is real, and it should not be denied. Acceptance of the bipolar condition can facilitate the healing process because the person suffering will not feel like their struggles are imagined or trivial.
• Encourage Outdoor Activities: Lastly, encourage outdoor activities. Invite them for a walk, try jogging together, enjoy the scenery, or simply hang out at a favorite cafe while watching people pass by. These simple activities can help alleviate the pressure someone with this condition might feel.

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A deeper understanding of bipolar disorder can provide numerous benefits, whether you're supporting someone or working through the condition yourself. Support from those around and strong determination are crucial, enabling a quicker recovery from this condition.

Maintaining both physical and mental health is something everyone must do. After learning these key points about bipolar disorder, you now have much more insight than before. Of course, the awareness of the importance of maintaining health shouldn't stop at preventive measures like knowing essential information about physical and mental health, but should also include reliable mitigation steps, such as having health insurance.

For example, SmartMedicare International Insurance offered by AXA Insurance Indonesia provides peace of mind as your and your family's health can be protected while traveling abroad. With extensive coverage and a maximum limit of up to USD 2.9 million per year, you can receive solid healthcare whenever needed. High-quality, practical, and offering numerous benefits, AXA Insurance Indonesia is the right partner for your insurance needs!

References:

• https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/penyebab-dan-perbedaan-depresi-bipolar-dan-depresi-mayor
• https://mediaindonesia.com/humaniora/655081/prevalensi-gangguan-mental-di-indonesia-meningkat-pascapemilu-2024#google_vignette
• https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/gangguan-bipolar
• https://rsud.tulungagung.go.id/mood-naik-turun-waspada-gangguan-bipolar/
• https://www.rspp.co.id/artikel-detail-391-Gangguan-Kesehatan-Mental-Meningkat-dan-Perlu-Perhatian.html
• https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/bipolar-disorder-statistics/
• https://www.bipolarcareindonesia.org/2018/11/data-penyintas-gangguan-bipolar.html