Bipolar Disorder Reflection

This week’s readings and videos increased my knowledge of bipolar disorder (BD) and informed how I will approach treatment of this complex illness with my own clients. I have seen BD’s impact up close for years as I know family members who struggle with it. I understand that acceptance of the disorder can be difficult. The stigma associated with BD is astounding, which does not help matters. I deeply appreciated Rusner, Carlsson, Brunt, and Nyström’s study in which they explored the existential meaning of life with BD. The authors assert that BD is “an illness that is intertwined with one’s whole being” (p. 162) and aptly stated, “To fight against the illness is impossible because that means fighting against oneself” (p. 165).
To approach BD from this perspective I believe can allow for a deeper understanding of what is at play. We must consider how creative types, for example, may identify strongly with their mania and not even want to change.

He spoke about the difficulty in reconciling the two sides of him. This is particularly a challenge for men who may be viewed as weak if they say they are in pain. The term “rapid cycling” was depicted in the video through the portrayal of spinning visuals (SomewhatSane Productions, 2012). Text floated across the screen as these visuals were in use, and included the words “Feels like spinning,” “Outcast,” “Mania is unpredictable” and “Racing Mind.” Additionally, the film included the line “I can’t move, until I’m moving too fast,” which I felt especially captured the experience of BD. Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary to lessen the frequency of symptoms and episodes. BD has a significant impact on the self and identify development (Inder et al., 2008). This can in turn create a sense of self-doubt in patients as they are continuously struggling to reconcile the ups and downs they experience within themselves along with the natural ups and downs of