Bake a cake and get the candles, it’s almost Van Gogh’s 172nd birthday. It’s also almost World Bipolar Day. A day meant for promoting awareness and reducing stigma surrounding bipolar disorder, World Bipolar Day is observed on Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday, March 30.
Van Gogh is known for his impressionist painting style producing such timeless works as “Starry Night.” Van Gogh was also known for his tumultuous moods, with his highest highs and lowest lows sometimes accompanied by psychosis. After years of suffering Van Gogh would go on to take his life. Van Gogh was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
According to an article published by the University of Michigan’s psychology department, recent studies have shown that people living with bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to die prematurely, a rate even higher than the premature deaths linked to smoking. Around 5 million Americans, with a global estimate of around 40 million people, are living with the disorder.
These poor outcomes are attributed to higher rates of suicidality, and bipolar disorder is linked to several physical chronic illnesses including type 2 diabetes, migraines and fibromyalgia. Medications used to treat the disorder can further exacerbate problems as they often have side effects that lead to weight gain.
There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymia. People with bipolar 1 must have experienced one week or longer of manic symptoms such as impulsivity or feeling a decreased need for sleep, to be diagnosed. More extreme cases can present with symptoms of psychosis and hallucinations.
Psychosis can also occur in bipolar depression present in bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 tends to have an earlier onset of symptoms. Bipolar 2 has longer lasting and sometimes more intense depressive episodes than bipolar 1 as well as periods of symptoms similar to mania, like elevated mood, loss of sleep, agitation, but less extreme in their intensity.
Depression in bipolar 1 and 2 is marked by decreased mood, isolation, poor self image and in more extreme cases suicidality. Cyclothymia is marked by the presence of manic and depressive symptoms but to a lesser degree than criteria required to meet a bipolar diagnosis.
Having a creative outlet can be helpful in managing symptoms, and a scroll through a list of celebrities and public figures shows artists make up the majority with politicians and personalities also high on the list.
Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Robert Downey Jr., Chappell Roan, as well as historical figures like Frida Kahlo, Isaac Newton and Winston Churchill felt the influence of the disorder throughout their lives. People with bipolar disorder are known to be driven, creative and tenacious, all traits that can aid in many fields, like the arts, entrepreneurship, and politics.
One shining example of use of a creative outlet is a documentary featuring the celebrated English actor Stephen Fry as he takes a closer look at all three types of bipolar in “Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive.” Fry touches on the impacts of bipolar disorders, speaking with people and also talking about his experience with cyclothymia.
Bipolar disorder is not a death sentence. Not only do studies show a positive outcome for people with bipolar disorder who get restful sleep, exercise regularly, and reduce stress, new therapies are being studied and becoming available as research broadens our understanding. By increasing awareness around bipolar disorder, advocates and those living with the disorder seek to reduce stigma and help those who may be living with the illness or have a loved one diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
If you suspect you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, there are resources available. Kirkwood offers on-campus counseling. Therapy has shown to play a key role in learning how to live with the disorder as well as managing it. For most people with bipolar pharmaceutical intervention is necessary.
Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed by an evaluating psychiatrist. The Abbe Center for Community Mental Health offers assistance in diagnosis and treatment at a low cost. The National Alliance on Mental Health can connect you with resources and provides a helpline available by call, text, chat. Visit nami.org for more information.
Categories: Editorials, Opinion
