World Bipolar Day was created by the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). March 30th was decided for this day because it is the birthday of Vincent van Gogh. Many believed that he had bipolar disorder, which would explain his manic and depressive episodes.
This day is meant to bring awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminate social stigma. The hope is to educate and improve sensitivity towards those with this illness.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Mayo Clinic describes bipolar disorder as a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings from emotional highs to emotional lows. This is a long-term illness that should be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.
There are a few risk factors of developing bipolar disorder or that could act as a trigger for a first episode:
Having a first relative, such as parent or sibling with bipolar disorder.
Time of high stress, such as a death in the family or experiencing a traumatic event
Drug or alcohol abuse
Bipolar disorder can co-occur with other conditions as well. Some of these conditions can include:
Anxiety disorders
Physical health problems (heart disease, thyroid problems, headaches, or obesity)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Manic Episode
A manic episode can cause problems in day-to-day activities, such as:
Distractibility
Abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired
Increased activity, energy, or agitation
Racing thoughts
Depressive Episode
A depressive episode will show a difficulty to do normal day-to-day activities. Here are a few of the signs of an episode like this:
Depressed mood: feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or tearful
Fatigue or loss of energy
Restlessness of slowed behavior
Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
If you or someone you know has experienced any signs of bipolar disorder, it is important to seek treatment from a doctor or mental health professional to better help manage the condition.
Tria Health and Mental Health
Many patients decide to take medications to effectively manage their mental health. There are a variety of mental health medications currently on the market, ranging from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to atypical antidepressants. Because there isn’t a test to measure the brain chemicals, it can be a trial-and-error process to identify the best treatment for a patient. If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one, private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. If you’re interested in exploring medication treatments for mental health, Tria’s pharmacist will be able to provide you with recommendations.
Questions?
Call the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742
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