Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes a drastic shift in mood and energy levels, from depressive lows to sudden highs.

What is bipolar disorder?
A person with bipolar disorder may have a depressive episode and a manic episode. People with bipolar disorder may also experience mood swings that can last for a week or so. They might feel active and work with enthusiasm on certain days, while on other days they may feel unhappy and depressed. This affects patterns of sleep, activity levels, and energy levels, and should not be confused with normal mood swings.

Is bipolar disorder the same as schizophrenia?
Although both share some aspects, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are different. In fact, one is often confused with the other due to the similarity of certain common aspects. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder, whereas bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. People with schizophrenia encounter more severe problems as compared to those with a bipolar disorder. People with schizophrenia have hallucinations and delusions, while people with a bipolar disorder experience sudden highs and lows that interfere with their everyday activities.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Since those with a bipolar disorder experience sudden highs and lows, the symptoms of mania and depression vary. When a person is depressed, they may feel hopeless, tend to lose or gain appetite, lacks focus, and tends to oversleep or experiences a lack of sleep. When their mood switches to a sudden high, they may become energetic, are easily triggered, talk fast, and are full of energy.

What are the factors responsible for bipolar disorder?
There are many factors that contribute towards or may even trigger bipolar disorder. Over the years, researchers have found that the below-stated factors are the main reasons for bipolar disorder.

Lifestyle problems
Periods of stress and anxiety may trigger bipolar disorder. Sleeping problems along with other factors, such as emotional abuse, the death of a loved one, and toxic relations at the workplace or in the family can have a harmful effect on the person, and increase the risk factors leading to a bipolar disorder.

Imbalance in neurotransmitters
Sometimes, due to an imbalance in the level of dopamine, serotonin and other chemicals that are responsible for the proper functioning of the brain, a person may show signs of bipolar disorder.

Genetic reasons
If an immediate family member is suffering from bipolar disorder, a person is more likely to get affected by this disorder.

How to help a person with bipolar disorder?
First, it is extremely important to recognize the struggles of a person with bipolar disorder. It is equally important to listen to the person, to support and encourage when they may be in need of guidance and support. If they need medical care, you can go along with the person to the therapist. One must not react or lash out at them for being emotionally unstable and should handle them with a lot of patience.