“One day, I feel like I can conquer the world—full of energy, ideas racing in my mind, barely needing sleep. The next, I can’t even get out of bed. My mind feels empty, and life seems pointless.”
This is how many people with Bipolar Mood Disorder describe their experience. It’s not just “mood swings” or occasional ups and downs; it’s an intense shift between extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and crushing lows (depression), often without any warning.
Let’s dive deep into what Bipolar Disorder really is, its symptoms, causes, famous personalities battling it, treatment options, and the consequences of leaving it untreated.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and ability to function.
It has two major phases:
- Mania/Hypomania – Extreme highs, feeling “on top of the world,” overconfident, or sometimes irritable and reckless.
- Depression – Extreme lows, sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty in doing daily tasks.
These episodes can last days, weeks, or even months.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder (with Real-Life Examples)
1️⃣ Manic Episode (Extreme Highs)
During a manic episode, the person may feel:
✔ Unrealistically happy or euphoric
“I don’t need sleep! I have so many ideas. I feel invincible!”
📌 Example: Someone starts five businesses at once, invests all their savings in a risky scheme, and makes impulsive career decisions without thinking of consequences.
✔ Excessive energy and hyperactivity
📌 Example: A person stays awake for days, works on multiple projects, and barely eats or rests.
✔ Racing thoughts and fast speech
📌 Example: Their mind jumps from one idea to another. They talk nonstop, making it hard for others to keep up.
✔ Impulsive and risky behavior
📌 Example: Spending lakhs of rupees in one night, gambling, reckless driving, or engaging in unsafe sexual behavior.
✔ Delusions of grandeur (thinking they are famous or special)
📌 Example: A struggling musician suddenly believes they are the next A.R. Rahman and quits everything, expecting to become famous overnight.
✔ Irritability and aggression
📌 Example: If someone disagrees with them, they explode with anger, sometimes even getting into fights.
2️⃣ Hypomanic Episode (A “Milder” Mania)
Hypomania has similar symptoms as mania but is less severe. The person still functions in daily life but may make questionable decisions.
📌 Example: A software engineer starts working on a project non-stop, coding for 48 hours straight, feeling invincible.
3️⃣ Depressive Episode (Extreme Lows)
During a depressive episode, the person may feel:
✔ Overwhelming sadness or emptiness
“I don’t see the point of anything. Life feels hopeless.”
📌 Example: A Bollywood actress stays in bed for weeks, cancels all shoots, and avoids speaking to anyone.
✔ Loss of interest in activities
📌 Example: A music director who loved composing stops making music completely and doesn’t enjoy anything anymore.
✔ Extreme fatigue and low energy
📌 Example: A top businessman feels so exhausted that he can’t even reply to emails or attend meetings.
✔ Difficulty in focusing
📌 Example: A student preparing for an important exam can’t concentrate at all, leading to failure.
✔ Suicidal thoughts
📌 Example: A singer suddenly stops performing and expresses thoughts of wanting to end life.
4️⃣ Mixed Episode (Both Highs & Lows at Once)
Imagine feeling extremely anxious, restless, and suicidal at the same time. These episodes are the most dangerous and often lead to self-harm or suicide attempts.
Famous Bollywood Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder
Several Bollywood stars have openly spoken about struggling with Bipolar Disorder:
✔ Deepika Padukone – Opened up about severe depression, part of Bipolar Disorder’s depressive episodes.
✔ Honey Singh – Struggled with mania and depression, disappeared from the music industry for years.
✔ Kangana Ranaut – Spoke about mental health struggles, showing signs of mood instability.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder (Why Does It Happen?)
1️⃣ Genetic Factors – If a close family member has Bipolar Disorder, you have a 10x higher risk.
2️⃣ Chemical Imbalance – Mood-regulating neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine) are unstable.
3️⃣ Stress & Trauma – Emotional abuse, childhood trauma, or sudden life changes (e.g., heartbreak, financial loss) can trigger it.
4️⃣ Drug or Alcohol Use – Substance abuse can worsen bipolar episodes.
Epidemiology (Who Gets It?)
✔ Affects 1-2% of the world population
✔ Men and women are equally affected
✔ Usually starts between ages 18-25
✔ Can be triggered by major life stress
Pathogenesis (How It Develops in the Brain)
Bipolar Disorder occurs due to dysfunction in brain circuits controlling mood, mainly:
🧠 Prefrontal Cortex (decision-making) – Becomes overactive in mania and underactive in depression.
🧠 Amygdala (emotions) – More reactive, causing extreme mood shifts.
🧠 Hippocampus (memory & stress response) – Shrinks over time if untreated.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
✔ Mood Stabilizers – Lithium, Valproate
✔ Antidepressants (only with mood stabilizers!) – Fluoxetine
✔ Antipsychotics – Olanzapine, Quetiapine
✔ Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy
✔ Lifestyle Changes – Regular sleep, exercise, avoiding alcohol
What Happens If You Don’t Take Treatment?
🚨 Increased Risk of Suicide – 15-20% of untreated patients die by suicide.
🚨 Damage to Relationships & Career – Mood swings lead to breakups, job loss, and financial ruin.
🚨 Cognitive Decline – Untreated Bipolar Disorder shrinks brain areas controlling memory and emotions.
🚨 Higher Risk of Heart Disease & Diabetes – Due to chronic stress on the body.
Where to Get Help?
📍 Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur (India)
👨⚕️ Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD (Psychiatrist & Counsellor)
📞 +91-8208823738
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with Bipolar Disorder, seek help from a psychiatrist.
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Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that science-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, a dedicated psychiatrist , is a beacon of compassion and understanding in the realm of mental health. With a genuine passion for helping others, he combines his extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to create a supportive space for his patients.
