![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-pixabay-289998-1000x600.jpg)
Spirituality In Context To Bipolar Disorder
![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-pixabay-289998-1000x600.jpg)
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic, such as abnormally happy or irritable mood or depressive mood. People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral mood as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.
The word “manic” describes the times when someone with bipolar disorder feels overly excited and confident. These feelings can also involve irritability and impulsiveness, or reckless decision-making. About half of people during mania can also have delusions or hallucinations. “Hypomania” describes milder symptoms of mania, in which someone does not have delusions or hallucinations, and their high symptoms do not interfere with their everyday life.
![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-pixabay-289586-e1655941195782.jpg)
Pixabay/ Pexels | A sudden increase in thinking about or practicing spiritual or religious activities can be a symptom of bipolar disorder
Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling.
Spiritual experiences and bipolar disorder
A sudden increase in thinking about, or practicing spiritual or religious activities, can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. Increased spiritual experiences, often called ‘hyper-religiosity,’ can be a symptom of mania or psychosis. Therefore, many people living with bipolar disorder wonder whether their spiritual experiences are “real” or a symptom of their illness. Problems separating spiritual experiences from psychotic symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis, which could be harmful if, on one hand, people get unnecessary treatments, or, on the other, if a manic episode continues untreated.
![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-wouter-de-jong-750895-e1655941148713.jpg)
Wouter de Jong/ Pexels | Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain
Different cultural factors also determine whether spiritual experiences are seen as a sign of illness or not. Having visions or hearing voices may be admired in one culture and seen as a sign of severe illness in another. Because of this, the psychiatric diagnostic manual (the DSM) has separate ways of thinking about spiritual problems, so as to not turn spiritual beliefs into medical problems. At the same time, it acknowledges that symptoms of illness can have a spiritual content that may need to be explored.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is treated with three main classes of medication: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and, while their safety and effectiveness for the condition are sometimes controversial, antidepressants.
![](https://psychicmonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-marcus-aurelius-6787202-e1655941126370.jpg)
Marcus Aurelius/ Pexels | Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and guided imagery can be very effective for this disorder
Typically, treatment entails a combination of at least one mood-stabilizing drug and/or atypical antipsychotic, plus psychotherapy. The most widely used drugs for the treatment of bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate and valproic acid. Lithium carbonate can be remarkably effective in reducing mania, although doctors still do not know precisely how it works.
Lithium may also prevent the recurrence of depression, but its value seems greater against mania than depression; therefore, it is often given in conjunction with other medicines known to have greater value for depression symptoms, sometimes including antidepressants.
More in Mind & Mental
-
`
5 Effective Ways to Provide Support for Mental Wellbeing in 2024
In a fast-paced world where stress and anxiety seem to lurk around every corner, prioritizing mental wellness has become more crucial...
March 11, 2024 -
`
6 Innovative Strategies to Cultivate Meaning in Your Life
Have you ever pondered the essence of your existence, the very fabric that weaves the tapestry of your life? Each of...
March 4, 2024 -
`
5 Essential Questions You Must Ask Your Couples Therapist
What Is Your Experience and Specialization in Couples Therapy? Imagine you are hiring a chef. You would not want someone whose...
February 26, 2024 -
`
Celebrity Exes Who Are Still on Friendly Terms!
Celebrity breakups are often messy affairs that play out in the public eye, with tabloids and social media outlets speculating on...
February 22, 2024 -
`
Financial Wellness Retreats: Combining Vacation and Money Management Education
In today’s modern world, where the hustle of everyday life often leaves little room for personal development, especially in areas like...
February 14, 2024 -
`
Understanding OCD: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
In the vast tapestry of the human experience, few conditions have intrigued and perplexed us like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Characterized by...
February 13, 2024 -
`
How Tiny Lifestyle Changes Can Help Overcome Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a condition marked by extreme mood swings. It can often make life seem like an unpredictable journey. However,...
February 6, 2024 -
`
The Role of Relationships in Retirement: Marriage, Cohabitation, and Financial Futures
Picture this: you’ve finally retired. The sun-drenched beaches, leisurely mornings, and long-awaited freedom beckon. But amidst the celebratory buzz, a silent...
January 30, 2024 -
`
How to Keep Your Towel Always Fresh & Smelling Great? 5 Creative Tips
Use Vinegar and Baking Soda AS Detergents Forget about the fancy detergents. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are right in your pantry....
January 22, 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login