Mental health in India is less talked about. Against this harsh reality, Ishaa Chopra, daughter of Bollywood director and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has done with her newly launched Finding Order in Disorder-A Bipolar Memoir. In her memoir, she very explicitly explains what it feels like to live with bipolar disorder and speaks about her repeated heavy medication and heartbreak, hospitalisations, recommending dance, yoga and art therapy to cope.
It is now indeed important to understand bipolar disorder and all its parts and parcels.
What is bipolar disorder?
“Simply put, it is a complex mental health condition that is characterised by extreme mood swings. A person’s life can be significantly impacted,” says a clinical psychologist Dr Shripuja Siddamsetty from Hyderabad.
How does bipolar disorder play out?
While every individual with this disorder experiences the disorder very differently, experts call it ‘bipolar’ because moods tend to swing to two extremes, one being mania and the other being depression. Mania is a feeling of being extremely happy and full of energy but also a little out of control.
Those with the disorder sometimes have periods of normalcy where they believe they are completely alright, says Dr Shripuja. Bipolar disorder is branched into two brackets, Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder.
Characterised by mania, where there is extreme irritability, excitement and over-socialising is Bipolar I Disorder.
Characterised by depressive episodes, loss of appetite and interest in daily work is Bipolar II Disorder.
Does bipolar disorder affect children?
Several studies point out that around 80% of bipolar disorder cases are genetic. If one parent has the disorder, there is a 10% chance that the child will have it too. If both parents have the disorder, there is a 40% chance that the disorder will be inherited by the child.
Archana says her 14-year-old nephew displays similar behaviors as his mother. “He sometimes rings people’s doorbells and talks like he has known them for ages by just walking out of the door and going to random people in the locality. Also, this boy also lies in a corner sometimes, sad and irritated.”
The children’s symptoms are challenging to diagnose added by Dr Shripuja. “But parents, schools and relatives need to be aware, provide attention and support to the child’s needs,” she advises.
Can bipolar disorder be cured?
Bipolar disorder can be managed through therapy, medication management and family support but cannot be cured. “In this way, we can help individuals with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. I enable them to fix their sleep and routine and help them with relaxation techniques,” says the psychologist.
Scrap the shame
Studies show that 70% cases remain untreated and 1 in 150 Indians live with the disorder. Dr Shripuja said that, “What is the shame here to get help if you show symptoms when one can promptly visit a doctor for a physical injury?
A GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS
Families of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder must be understanding. “It is important for families of persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder to be supportive and be given proper psychoeducation on prognosis and treatment and their role to play,” says Eliza Dion, a trainee psychologist.
Co-founder of Chennai-based NGO Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Dr Thara Rangaswamy, shares tips for caregivers and families of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder:
- If there is a stressful situation for a person with the disorder, one must be aware and supportive
- When they do something risky because of the illness, do not simply blame them
- One must make sure that the medications are being taken as advised and prescribed
- Early signs of change like sleep disturbance and mood swings should be noticed
- This disorder is only an illness. It’s the same good old friend or relative who carries it. People should not abuse, isolate, ignore, or stigmatise them.
- Do not wait till things get severe. Act early by seeking professional support
- Do not attribute everything to this disorder. Mood swings can occur even when well
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