A book just about Yourself

Do you often feel that your mood is unstable? It’s like a high tide – sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down and you can’t control your emotions. Sometimes you are very enthusiastic at work, other times you are sluggish, lose energy, lack focus. If you are in such a situation, then you may be suffering from Bipolar disorder. So, what is bipolar affective disorder? • This is a mental illness • Characterized by a cyclically disturbed mood, experienced continuously between two periods of “Manic” and “Depression” • Depression can be caused by many causes: such as genetics, changes in neurotransmitters in the brain, hormonal imbalances or stressful surroundings. • Less severe manic episodes called Hypomanic Distinguishing types of Bipolar disorder 1. Bipolar disorder type 1 It is a serious disorder, when manic/depressive episodes occur, the patient needs to be taken to the hospital immediately. Manic episodes last for at least 7 days, depressive episodes for at least 2 weeks. 2. Bipolar disorder type 2 Bipolar disorder lighter form in (1) 3. Cyclical affective disorder (Cyclothymia) The disease lasts for at least 2 years or more (1 year in children and adolescents). It is a cyclical disorder. Symptoms are usually mild and do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of a manic/depressive episode. This is probably the important part for you- the telltale signs of Bipolar disorder. Here are a few signs to recognize about Bipolar disorder, the signs can be severe, mild, and different. Some people have a small number of the following symptoms, but if they appear infrequently and do not have a major effect, the person does not have the disease. Symptoms: When manic, I may: • Full of energy, fun, enthusiasm, like drinking 10 cans of energy drinks. • Emotions heightened (overreaction, uncontrollable) • The line of thoughts in my head ran very fast, as if my head was fitted with another motor • Feeling that I can do many things at the same time, thereby paranoid about my own ability, self-talented. • Sensitive, excitable, irritable • Feeling full of energy, so sleep very little or lose sleep, always want to spend as much time as possible. Symptoms: When I feel depressed: • Feeling that one’s own existence is meaningless, inevitably feeling empty, or thinking negatively in every way. • Energy is quickly drained, not feeling interested in anything • Poor work productivity, fatigue, irritability for no reason • Can sleep very little or a lot • Difficulty concentrating, forgetful, worrying about trivial things • Eat too much or too little • Thinking about death or suicide • Sometimes, the person is still in a mixed state of “manic” and “depressive”. People with mild ASD may find themselves without major changes, but family and friends may notice unusual changes in their lifestyle or personality. The longer the illness, the more likely it is to develop into mania/major depression. Surely anyone who has been suffering from this mental illness feels tired and helpless with themselves. They get lost in their own emotional maze, sometimes thinking that they have found a way out, but behind it is another dark and miserable path. When manic, they can be optimistic and do whatever they want. When depressed, they withdraw and want themselves to disappear. So what are they like in normal times? As a person with mild form of Bipolar disorder, when my mood is stable, I often feel confused and always question my worth. Am I only good when I’m in the “manic” phase? The manic phase is over, I’m just a normal person, nothing special. The passionate energy I have when I’m “manic” is just a cover over who I really am. And I also paid a very high price for it. It was a long series of “depression” days, seemingly with no end. Perhaps people with normal state of Bipolar disorder have the same question in mind as I do. That “who am I when I am not manic?”, “who am I when I am not depressed?”, and “what are my true values”. So how do you get out of this manic/depressive cycle? The answer is: “Believe in yourself”. Everything is built by belief and valued by belief. If you believe that you are truly valuable, whether manic or depressed, then you will realize that you are just who you are when you are manic/depressive. It is not when you have symptoms that you are a different person. And remember that your illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is God’s gift to you to help you understand yourself better. When you believe that your life is meaningful and you carry your own values, your worldview will automatically be positive. This is Viktor’s “Meaning Therapy” psychological treatment, it’s been tested on many people. However, depending on your condition and wishes, you may be able to try other therapies, or combine multiple therapies. 1. See a psychologist The best way to treat Bipolar disorder is to use regular sedatives in combination with psychotherapy. If you don’t feel well, don’t hesitate to see a specialist so they can advise on the right medication for you. Some medications can come with side effects and you should carefully weigh the benefits and harms of them. Commonly used drugs: Mood stabilizers, Atypical Antipsychotics, Antidepressants... In addition, you are also treated in conjunction with psychotherapy. Like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, etc. About CBT: Before treatment, you will be asked about your mental health condition. You will then learn and practice relaxation techniques, coping, recovery, stress management and decision-making skills. With this therapy you need to have patience and do the exercises that experts give. 2. For mild mental illness, which does not have a big impact on life, build positive habits One of the many causes of psychological (and physical) diseases is unreasonable living. People with erratic lifestyles are much more susceptible to psychological diseases. • Therefore, create a habit of good management of your time. By making a schedule, dividing working hours, and resting properly, you will be less likely to fall into an abusive situation. • Use drugs as directed by the doctor, avoid using stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco • Think positively and talk to yourself more (by journaling, for example). Don’t blame yourself every time you make a mistake. Self-compassion is essential in psychotherapy. • Form yourself a strong hobby such as running, reading, listening to music... Regardless of the therapy, remember: The problem lies with you. And counselors are not witches, they cannot help you change. You can only overcome your difficulties with your own perseverance and belief. Emotional disorder is not scary, it is just a psychological disease, when you successfully defeat it, the road ahead will surely bloom. And that's my share of this bipolar disorder. Through this article, I want you to love and pay attention to your feelings more, so as not to fall into a negative situation - dilemma. Even if you fail now, you are not perfect, don't be self-deprecating. Because everyone has their own value. The future doesn't care what kind of person you are, as long as you are the best version of yourself. All the best wishes for you.