Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Page Two
In milder manic episodes, the increased energy, rapid thinking, and limited need for sleep can temporarily lead to incredible productivity. People can also become extremely outgoing and sociable and may be convinced that they are brilliant conversationalists or the life of the party.
In severe manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder become psychotic; that is, their thought processes and ability to judge reality are radically impaired. They may begin by being slightly overconfident about their abilities, eventually becoming convinced that they can predict the future or run the country. Sometimes Christians in a manic phase may stop their regular responsibilities and intensely read the Bible or talk to one person after another about God for hours and hours.
Jerry, for example, ran a small but successful shoe store for nearly ten years. Then he entered a manic state and started making grandiose plans for expanding his business. He was convinced he had a plan that would corner the market in his entire state, and probably the entire United States. He rented space for two dozen more stores and ordered tens of thousands of pairs of shoes before his family could stop him. Fortunately, his wife was able to make arrangements to nullify the new building leases and return the shoes to the manufacturer before the family and the business went completely bankrupt!
The elevated, expansive mood that is part of bipolar disorder is often difficult to diagnose at first. Many people think a manic person is simply a very happy, high-energy, elated person. They do not recognize that the mania may also cause the person to be paranoid, irritable, and excessively intense. Mild mania is easily confused with normal mood fluctuations.
Like Tracy, some people with the disorder have to see many different doctors over a period of several years before someone diagnoses the real cause of their problems.
Depression
Depressive episodes of bipolar illness are characterized by the opposite of the manic pole of the emotional continuum. People in depressive episodes feel sad and depressed. They have low energy levels, an increase or decrease in sleep, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. Christians in a depressed state typically feel incredibly guilty and self-condemning and may be convinced that God couldn’t love them or that they have lost their salvation.
 Some people with the disorder have
to see many different doctors over
a period of several years before
someone diagnoses the real cause.
Some typically alternate between the extreme moods of mania, depression and normality. Occasionally, however, both the mania and depression are experienced at the same time. This is referred to as a “mixed episode.” Such an episode is characterized by irritability, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts accompanied by high energy and activity levels, decreased sleep, and impulsive behavior. Mixed episodes can be extremely dangerous if the person is suicidal, because the manic symptoms may give a person enough energy to carry out the suicide plans which the depression has triggered.
Family Stress
Both manic and depressive episodes place incredible stress on friends and family. Since people in a manic state can be unreasonable, emotional, and impulsive, family members fear they will do something hurtful or disastrous. They may get the family into serious debt, have several affairs, quit their jobs, and engage in other foolish behavior. Family members of those in a depressed state can become extremely frustrated when, time after time, their efforts to support and encourage them are rejected and rebuffed.
Causes
Currently, we do not have a clear understanding of precisely what causes bipolar disorder. The higher frequency of bipolar disorder among first degree relatives, however, strongly suggests a genetic basis as a major, if not the major factor in causing the disorder. Coupled with this genetic predisposition may be other physiological factors, as well as long-standing emotional conflicts.
From a spiritual perspective, while all human problems ultimately stem from the disobedience of Adam and Eve which brought sin and evil into society and into individual’s lives, there does not appear to be any particular sin problems in the lives most of people suffering from bipolar disorder. Many fine Christians struggle for much of their lives with this distressing difficulty.
When Christians suffer from bipolar illness, they usually experience major shifts in their spiritual life. During manic states they can be excited and extra visionary, throwing themselves into Bible study, witnessing, or ministry with nearly superhuman effort. They are sure that God has given them a special plan. Then, during depressed states, they become lethargic, guilt-ridden, and even hopeless about having a relationship with God at all.
Medical Treatment
One of the most difficult things about treating bipolar disorder is that there is no complete “cure.” However, while bipolar disorder is difficult to deal with, it is also true that this problem can usually be effectively managed with proper professional care over the long term. Medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes minimize and overcome the most devastating effects of this disorder and enable the sufferers to generally live normal lives at home, work, school, and church. Treatment, however, must be planned for the rest of a person’s life, and it nearly always involves taking medication for many years. Although this can be difficult for bipolar patients and their family members to accept, it is absolutely essential.
 Continued on Page Three
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