Kanye West’s recent escapades and Selena Gomez’s new documentary, My Mind & Me, in which the singer confides in her mental health, bring bipolar disorder back to the fore. But what do you really know about this mental illness? An expert answers our questions.
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What is Bipolar Disorder?
Long called “manic-depressive illness” or “manic depression,” bipolar disorder is a chronic, inherited mental illness.
People who have it feel their emotions disproportionately, in joy as in sadness. They go through episodes of mania and depression, explains Annie Beaudin, clinical director of Relief, an organization that supports people with different mood disorders and their loved ones.
The frequency and intensity of the episodes vary from one person to another, but “it really looks like a roller coaster”, continues the one who herself has bipolarity.
These episodes, which can last for days, weeks or months, can prevent people with bipolar from fulfilling their professional, family and social obligations.
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
During periods of mania or hypomania, which are notably associated with a marked increase in energy and irritability, a person will experience at least three or four of the following symptoms:
- An increase in self-esteem and ideas of grandeur;
- A considerable reduction in the need for sleep;
- A willingness to talk non-stop;
- A feeling of overflowing with ideas;
- A tendency to be more distracted;
- An increase in social, work, school, or sexual activity;
- Psychomotor agitations;
- A tendency to engage in activity with high risk of negative consequences, such as impulse buying, unsafe sexual practices, unreasonable financial investments, etc.
What is the difference between mania and hypomania?
“When we talk about hypomania, the episode will be less severe and will not affect the professional or social functioning of the person,” says Ms.me Beaudin.
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During periods of depression, the person will experience at least five of the following symptoms:
- A decrease in appetite with weight loss or gain;
- A sleep disorder (insomnia or hypersomnia);
- A psychomotor slowdown (the person will live a little in slow motion);
- A feeling of worth or guilt;
- A drop in concentration;
- Recurrent suicidal thoughts.
Source: Relief
What are the three types of bipolarity?
- Bipolar I Disorder: the person usually goes from an episode of mania to a depressive episode or vice versa. However, some people only have episodes of mania.
- Bipolar II Disorder: the person will experience at least one depressive episode followed by an episode of hypomania (rather than mania).
- Cyclothymic Disorder: “It’s like the roller coaster doesn’t go into the big ups and downs, but still does the wave motion. These are small cycles of less intense episodes of mania and depression that are continuous,” explains Annie Beaudin.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Medications are available to treat bipolarity. With the right treatment, the right dosage, they can be effective, “but it’s not just that,” says Annie Beaudin.
That’s why Relief also offers support for bipolar people, in addition to medical treatment. The goal is to help them regain control of their mental health and actively participate in their well-being. Education, psychotherapy, better nutrition and meditation can also be effective, in particular.
Despite the treatments, you should know that a person with bipolarity will live with the disease all his life.
“We find ourselves a bit in front of a blank canvas where we wonder how I want to redraw my life,” recalls Annie Beaudin, who has not experienced episodes of mania or depression in more than 25 years.
“I often say that when I was told I had bipolar disorder, it wasn’t like I was told I had won a trip to Walt Disney or Europe. It’s a journey, an apprenticeship.”
How many people in Quebec have bipolarity?
In Quebec, nearly 6% of the population aged 12 and over have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, which includes bipolarity, according to 2021 data from Statistics Canada.
Although they are widespread, there are still “a lot of taboos” surrounding mood disorders, regrets Annie Beaudin.
“There is still a long way to go to raise awareness and educate the population, both in our schools and workplaces.”
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