Life with Bipolar Disorder - Research Paper Example

? Reflection Paper: Life with Bipolar Disorder Here s Here Reflection Paper: Life with Bipolar Disorder Psychologicalafflictions are serious conditions that can affect daily functioning in a manner analogous to the impact of physical illnesses. There are a large number of mental disorders (as diagnosed by the DSM series of manuals), and each has consequences for the day-to-day lives of those who are afflicted. We will discuss the challenges faced by a person with bipolar disorder as they attempt to function within the norms of Western society. Bipolar Disorder Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is categorized as a mood disorder, meaning that the primary symptoms are disturbances in emotions. The key characteristic of bipolar disorder is the presence of episodes called mania. In a manic episode, a person experiences elevated energy levels, cognitive processing, and mood. Though it is not necessary for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the presence of depressive episodes are also common. Sometimes an episode may display traits of both mania and depression (Goldberg et al., 2009). These are known as mixed states, and they can be among the most dangerous periods in the experiences of someone with bipolar disorder as they often combine the low mood of depression with the increased energy and agitation that is associated with mania. There are several other variable characteristics of bipolar disorder. The regularity of episode occurrences can vary widely, with the fastest changes being referred to as rapid cycling. Additionally, manic episodes may include hallucinations and/or delusions. Due to the wide range of presentation possibilities, bipolar disorders have been subcategorized into several groups that better describe specific combinations and characteristics of the symptoms related to bipolar disorder in general. For example, bipolar type I features full-blown manic episodes while bipolar type II features a less intense form known as hypomania. The most commonly known version of bipolar disorder is the first type, and so we will be referring to this specific form of the disorder as we discuss its likely effects upon the functioning of an afflicted person. A Day in the Life of a Person with Bipolar Disorder For a number of possible reasons, it is likely that a person with bipolar disorder would have some sort of sleeping issues due to the drain of depressive moods, the energy expenditure of mania, and the general drain that may be associated with frequent mood changes. For this reason, someone with the disorder may not be able to wake for the day until a relatively late hour, or they may not sleep regularly due to associated parasomnias. Medication is the most common treatment for bipolar disorder, and so it would be reasonable to suggest that a person who has been diagnosed with the affliction would begin their day by taking a prescribed amount of pharmaceuticals. Adherence to these medications may be difficult due to irregular sleeping patterns and difficulties with memory that often arise as a result of bipolar disorder, exacerbating the condition. Obtaining and retaining employment can be a daunting task for a person with bipolar disorder. Sleeping disturbances are extremely damaging to schedule keeping attempts, concentration and focus problems can interrupt with many job related processes, and the unpredictable occurrence of extreme mood episodes are all factors that interfere with the possibility of a person with bipolar disorder obtaining and keeping gainful employment. It is not uncommon for someone with this affliction to be dependent upon government programs for the income that would allow for day-to-day survival. Others may find support in family and friends, while the less fortunate may end up in shelters or on the street. The inconsistent nature of bipolar disorder means that a single day could be subject to any number of combinations of moods. It is possible that a person with bipolar disorder would avoid interacting with a large number of people through their day, and may stay close to home in order to be able to seek isolation when their moods begin to change into mania or depression. Alternatively, venturing into society can be very taxing on a person with bipolar disorder as they attempt to deal with concentration problems, anxiety, and the threat of a mood episode. Either option has its disadvantages, though isolation is likely the larger threat in terms of long-term negative outcomes. The stress that would come with needing to make this decision is likely to take a daily toll and will be present even on days when emotional episodes do not manifest. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that a person with bipolar disorder will experience a significant amount of distress on any given day. On a day that is dominated by mania, a person with bipolar disorder may sleep very little and accomplish many tasks. However, the performance of any tasks would likely be marred by carelessness and may be of low quality as a result. Additional complications of functioning during mania include poor self-control and impaired judgment. Increased participation in reckless activities like unprotected sex, binge eating, and gambling may also occur as a result of manic episodes. An elevated mood is likely, but that does not mean that it will necessarily be well perceived as self-esteem may reach levels that border on narcissism. Depression is a well-known affliction, and it is a common part of bipolar disorder. On days that depression is present, a person with bipolar disorder will be stricken with the associated symptoms and functional impairments. Low-energy, feelings of impending doom, and low self-esteem are factors that can render a person practically bedridden during a day with depressive symptoms (Havens & Ghaemi, 2005). These feelings, combined with the isolation that often comes with such states, raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A person with bipolar disorder may experience these problems on a day with depressive symptoms, leading to self-injury or worse. At the end of any given day, a person with bipolar disorder is likely to be exhausted by the demands of dealing with the potential barriers that are imposed by their condition. However, they will only be able to rest as much as their symptoms allow before having to deal with the possibilities of tomorrow. Conclusion Life with any mental illness has barriers that need to be overcome on a daily basis. Bipolar disorder appears to be an especially difficult condition from a day-to-day perspective due to the occurrence of two different types of emotional episodes, along with the possibility of experiencing a state that combines the two. We have examined some of the challenges that are commonly faced by a person with bipolar disorder as they go about their daily lives. Our discussion did not include the specification of the gender of the person with bipolar disorder. It would be reasonable to suggest that gender differences would have an effect on the daily functioning, since we know that gender differences exist in many areas of examination, including social expectations and perspectives. A woman may be more likely to face challenges associated with maintaining the dual-role of parent and worker, while men may experience problems in response to the expectations associated with being male, such as taking a dominant stance in social interactions. Along with gender, there are many variables that may affect the experiences of a person with bipolar disorder. Age, ethnicity, personality type, and biological health are just a few examples of categorizations that would need to be taken into consideration in order to attain a more complete view of a person’s day-to-day experiences with bipolar disorder, or any other mental illness. References Goldberg, J. F., Perlis, R. H., Bowden, C. L., Thase, M. E., Miklowitz, D. J., Marangell, L. B., … Sachs, G. S. (2009). Manic symptoms during depressive episodes in 1,380 patients with bipolar disorder: Findings from the STEP-BD. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 166(2), 173-181. Havens, L. L., & Ghaemi, S. N. (2005). Existential despair and bipolar disorder: The therapeutic alliance as a mood stabilizer. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 59(2), 137-147. Read More