The Impact of Untreated Bipolar Disorder on Relationships - Case Study Example

Bipolar disorder was something he was subjected to off and on. Bipolar disorder (old name-manic depression) is a mental disability marked by the two extreme sides of mood swings; the highs and the lows. Highs symbolize mania while lows denote depression. People suffering from bipolar disorder; end up fluctuating between their mania and depression very often. When high, victims become sleepless, feel extremely energetic, impulsive, distracted easily, over-confident, undergo an overwhelming desire to do something worthwhile, and become uncontrollable.

On the other hand, during the depression, they become enveloped in this feeling of 'unworthiness.' They are apathetic, lose interest in life, feel restless, indecisive and experience unusual changes in weight and appetite. The disorder may be caused due to reasons manifold; hereditary, brain chemistry and traumatic life events that transform the individual completely in the process. Bipolar, which is the sixth-largest disability in the world, remains a challenge for psychiatrists and doctors around the globe ("Facts and Figures", n.d.).

Not only, a permanent cure of the disorder clings on as lofty and unexplored, but diagnosis remains a problem as well. Purportedly for this reason and various others, the bi-polar disorder has remained under the limelight. Bi-polar can be serious and life-threatening, especially when patients undergo the urge to commit suicide. 25% of bipolar victims commit suicide at some point in their life. However, the victims of bipolar disorder do not always give up on life. Many continue with their endeavors and do not let the disability impede the way through to their goals and achievements.

History cites examples of influential people from different genres' of life, literature, art, film, media, business and politics, as harbingers of bipolar disorder. The deal through is proper and timely treatment. The idea is to take it as a challenge, which can be overcome, by patience, tolerance, commitment, and endurance. Commitment towards oneself and engaging in the condition on a personal level is the key to a happy life under the disorder. Bipolar patients live their life by resorting to various forms of treatment.

The form of care employed ranges from taking proper medication to undergoing therapy. Self-management is the essence of people who have lived their life irrespective of the disorder. They chart their moods and keep track of their moods on a regular basis. In this way, they are able to keep a tab over oft-repeated ups and downs. By ensuring an adequate amount of sleep every day and at the right time, they avoid high levels of stress. For their nutritional requirements, they try to maintain a balanced diet.

This is supplemented by not eating too much or too less. More often then not, proper medication is pursued, with health care providers consulted regularly. At work, breaks are frequented with fewer stress levels. Things that trigger mood swings are particularly avoided. Family and friends at times play a pivotal role in helping dispose of mood swings. The victims end up sharing a great camaraderie with their loved ones and are more open about their condition. Signs and warnings before mood periodic swings are identified and explained to peers, who help them notice the change and battle it out.

Bipolar patients are extremely vulnerable to addictions. "According to a survey, around 60% of patients carry a historic record of substance abuse of some kind." (David, 2003, para. 16)People resort to excess intakes of food, alcohol, drugs, etc to accentuate the high. Survivors seek advice against alcohol and drug use. Thus, with proper care and effective management of one’s life, the nuances of bipolar disorder can be sidetracked and eventually overcome.