Each year on 30th March World Bipolar Day is celebrated. On the 30th March 1853, Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch painter was born. He is believed to have had an episodic mental health condition, where he had periods of normal functioning as well. Van Gogh was believed to have experienced bipolar disorder. Now,every year on his birthday, World Bipolar Day is celebrated. Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder. It is characterized by highs and lows in mood, with manic and depressive episodes. At one time a person might feel very energetic, overactive, and may indulge in more activities than usual. At other times, he/she can feel low mood, lethargy, and less interest in activities.The different moods faced by these people are often referred to as “mood states”. These mood states are:

Depression:

when a person feels guilty, upset, lacks self-esteem, and worthless. This mood state is associated with when people have issues related to self-harm, drugs, eating, and alcohol and may experience suicidal thoughts.

Mania:

when a person feels too excited to achieve more than they possibly have the capability of. During this phase, they may not sleep much, can become rude and loud, and may take risks with their personal safety.

Hypomania:

this is a less severe version of mania where a person exhibits excited emotions as in mania but less intense.

Psychotic episodes:

when a person experiences paranoia and delusions. They may feel themselves to be more important and someone trying to hurt or kill them. They may also experience hallucinations, which can not only affect their sense of hearing or seeing but sense of taste, touch and smell too.

Causes

Research has helped us identify the specific causes that cause bipolar disorder, which mainly states that this disorder is a product of a combination of factors. These factors could be

Stress:

such as traumatic events, financial constraints, separation could be potential triggers.

Genetic inheritance:

those with a family history of similar symptoms are more likely get have bipolar disorder. However, it is not always the case, experiences and surrounding factors are also associated.

Brain chemistry:

dysfunction of the neurotransmitters can cause imbalance of the chemicals of body causing mood swings.

Childhood trauma:

such as loss of a close one or a friend, abuse, and neglect.However, every diagnosis is different and this disorder is not particular to a specific social group.

Treatment

With more research and studies, treatment for bipolar disorder is more holistic now than ever. A wider picture is not seen and patients are treated for one symptom at a time. This includes psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral therapy. That is why,treatment varies from person to person.

Living with this disorder surely could not be easy but as van Gogh said:

“The beginning is perhaps more difficult than anything else, but keep heart, it will turn out all right.”