Experienced Delay Due to Prolonged Mood Disorder: Apologies for the Late Delivery
Strutting through May, the month dedicated to fostering mental health awareness, I found myself wrestling with the bitter embrace of my bed. I am Bipolar II—the milder sibling, they say. For most of us carries this diagnosis, manic episodes are but distant echoes, seen only in fleeting moments of hypomania. That's me, spending most of my time either stable or battling depression. Modern pharmaceuticals, fortunately, keep the devil on a leash most of the time.
Bipolar II isn't a walk in the park, though. Case in point, this year's Mental Health Awareness Month. For those with Bipolar II, this time embodies the duality of our condition: the highs of hypomania, the lows of depression.
Bursting with energy and an inflated sense of self-worth, hypomania can feel like a primal surge of power, a tempestuous brew of quick thinking and an intoxicating invincibility. But all too soon, that exhilaration can evolve into irritability, impatience, and a disregard for the consequences of our actions, tilting us off balance.
The depressive episodes, on the other hand, come bearing hopelessness, fatigue, and the sense of an abyss opening beneath our feet. Retreating from social interactions and succumbing to a shift in sleep and eating patterns are tell-tale signs of these melancholic times.
Bipolar II can be a formidable adversary, affecting relationships with loved ones, straining bonds and fostering feelings of isolation and loneliness. The inconsistencies in our energy levels and focus can wreak havoc on work and school, causing disruptions and impairments in productivity.
Thankfully, advancements in the field of medicine and mental health have lit the path towards a more manageable disorder. Earlier identification of hypomanic episodes can pave the way for better care, allowing us to navigate the challenges with greater ease. Seeking support from loved ones, caregivers, and mental health professionals is crucial, lifting us when we can't lift ourselves.
As we raise our voices during Mental Health Awareness Month, let's broaden our understanding of Bipolar II, reducing the stigma that surrounds those with this condition and urging those who struggle to seek the help and support they need.
Engaging in a health-and-wellness routine, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help manage symptoms of Bipolar II and improve overall mental health. A deeper understanding of science, particularly neurochemistry and genetics, may offer new insights into the causes and potential treatments for Bipolar II, aiding in the pursuit of better mental health.
