I’m worried about my son. He’s showing symptoms of depression or some other mental illness, but I don’t know enough to be sure. If he has bipolar disorder, does he have any hope of leading a normal life?
ANSWER:
Bipolar disorder is a relatively common mental illness that affects millions of Americans. It’s sometimes known as manic depressive illness. Both names refer to the dramatic opposite-pole mood swings that characterize the condition.
What bipolar disorder looks like
It’s normal for everyone to have mood changes. However, the fluctuations associated with bipolar disorder are extreme and can have terrible consequences.
The glaring ups and downs of bipolar disorder happen in a repeating cycle:
- The pattern usually starts with the manic phase – an episode of elevated, euphoric, and sometimes irritable feelings and behavior, lasting about a week or more.
- That’s followed by a much longer depressive phase – a time of severe depression, decreased energy, and lack of motivation.
Age of onset for bipolar disorder is typically between the late teens and early twenties but can develop at any age.
Causes of bipolar disorder
The causes of bipolar disorder are complex and uncertain. Many factors can be involved, including genetics, environment, and certain medical conditions.
Ultimately, however, the mood swings are the result of a disruption in brain function. They’re traceable to imbalanced neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) that are beyond the individual’s control.
In other words, people affected by bipolar disorder have no reason to feel ashamed of their condition. It’s not due to poor choices or unwise behavior on their part.
Diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder
Because bipolar disorder is largely physical and chemical in origin, diagnosis and treatment lie mainly under the care of trained and experienced physicians and psychiatrists.
People affected by bipolar disorder can lead relatively normal, productive, and meaningful lives through a balanced combination of medical, psychological, and spiritual care such as:
- Prescription mood-stabilizing drugs (combined, in some cases, with antidepressants).
- Christian counseling.
- Educational and motivational therapy.
- Support of family, friends, and church.
- Spiritual awakening.
Where to find more information about bipolar disorder
If you’d like to talk more about your concerns, don’t hesitate to call our professional and pastoral counselors for a free consultation at 1-855-771-HELP (4357). They’d be more than happy to speak with you about your concerns. And they can provide referrals to qualified counselors in your area for ongoing support.
In the meantime, you can dig into the resources listed below, including our Counseling department’s information sheet: Bipolar Disorder: A Brief Overview.
Resources
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Bipolar Disorder: A Brief Overview
Focus on the Family’s Mental Health Webpage
