Mind Mantra

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Leonard Cohen and Robin Williams, are some of the most famous celebrities that I can think of who have Bipolar Disorder. The outdated term to describe this disorder is “Manic Depressive.”  Last year, Charlie Sheen displayed the more “manic” side of this illness.

Bipolar Disorder is a medical psychiatric term used to describe a person who is having “mood swings” to the point where it is affecting their mental health. People tend to go into a state of depression followed by a state of mania or hypomania. 

Symptoms of mania include irritability, insomnia, hyper-talkative, and sometimes indulgences in sexual activity, shopping sprees, or substances. Hypo-manic behaviour may or may not require hospitalization. But mania may accompany poor judgment that could be harmful or even fatal. Bollywood’s Parveen Babi had this illness too.

There is a whole spectrum of bipolar disorders; mild forms may not require any interventions. People with this illness have very successful lives, and are contributing members of society.  Severe forms, however, may require treatment by medications or even hospitalizations.

For more information on Bipolar Disorders, you may contact the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health or Depressive and Manic Depressive Association of Ontario.

Depression explained

There are many different types of depression. According to Stats Canada, 10%-25% of women are diagnosed with major depression or anxiety.  Common symptoms of depression are, feeling sad and tearful for at least two weeks, accompanied by poor sleep and poor concentration and memory. You may also note a change in your weight. You may experience little or no interest in sex and general low energy. You may withdraw socially and not want to be with others.

Other symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and  guilt. The most concerning symptoms are if you are having thoughts of death and suicide. Sometimes depression can show up with anxious symptoms such as restlessness, rapid heart rate, and excessive worrying.

Major depression is a clinical medical condition that can be brought on by chemical changes in the brain or by external social or work related stressors. If you are having thoughts of death or suicide, seek help immediately by seeing your family doctor.  Depression can be treated with anti depressant medications; research shows that depression is best treated with both cognitive behavioral therapy and anti depressants together.

Next week, I will talk about other forms of Depression.

Thinking the Worst often leads to Worse Thinking

Thoughts that begin with “What if…” are usually negative and devastating. This style of thinking is called Catastrophic Thinking. Always thinking of the worst possible scenario is a common Cognitive Distortion that leads to more worry and more anxiety. Catastrophic thoughts are associated with Anxiety Disorders such as Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

These thoughts can interfere with your body’s ability to function normally. For example, Catastrophic Thoughts can lead to elevated heart rate, rapid breathing and even lightheadedness.  One negative thought leads to another negative thought, and so on. Before you know it, you have imagined a horrible scenario that, in your mind, seems real and frightening.

The best way to tackle these worrying thoughts is to recognize that they are exactly that - just thoughts. They are not reality. Next, bring your focus into the present moment. Slow deep breaths will help you focus on the “here and now.” It will calm your body by slowing down your heartbeat. Focus on facts rather than the fiction in your head.

I can always be reached at 416.566.8252. My office is now in Mississauga, Ontario.