Guest Blogger - Has COVID-19 triggered manic or depressive episodes for people with bipolar disorder? By Patrick Bailey.

Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. 

Website / Blog URL: http://patrickbaileys.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pat_Bailey80
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-bailey-writer

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Having bipolar disorder can be challenging enough during normal times. In the midst of a global pandemic, however, the stakes grow even higher.

People diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience extreme emotional episodes. Manic phases are characterized by a seemingly perpetual state of mental and/or physical motion. The depressive stages are the plummeting lows that follow. Liken it to a sugar rush and the resulting crash, but much, much worse and infinitely more complex.

There’s no singular cause. Bipolar disorder tends to set in more frequently among people once they reach their mid-twenties. Genetics are a factor -- a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder makes a person more likely to develop manic depression -- but so does one’s environment or how much stress they experience. 

Each case is unique, though there are common threads, which are useful in helping to manage the condition. 

Medications like mood stabilizers and psychotherapy help. So does a person’s lifestyle choices. Regular sleep, stress management, a healthy diet, and exercise can keep the highs and lows better in check. Manic episodes can be brought on by alcohol or drug use or insufficient sleep, so avoiding those are key.

Pandemic Panic

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought unmeasurable stress to people around the world. News near and far of death, suffering, job losses, isolation, shutdowns, social media mania. Not too many people could say the domino effect of the coronavirus left feelings of happiness and security in their hearts and minds.

Those with bipolar disorder tend to be particularly sensitive and responsive to stress, compared to non-manic individuals.

To some extent not all stress can be avoided, but it can be better managed, not only for the mental health of the bipolar person, but also the physical health.

Get Enough Rest

People with bipolar disorder must take extra care in this uncertain time to keep on an even keel.

Sticking to a regular sleep pattern is extremely important. A lack of regular shuteye can trigger bouts of mania. Ideally once you realize (or perhaps someone has pointed out) that you’re not getting enough sleep, reach out to a mental health provider. Even one night of missed sleep can spark a manic episode.

Maintain Mental Health

Bipolar individuals admit they tend to experience more of the depressed phase of the disorder. With all the negativity and fear dominating headlines and social media streams, that can spike anxiety and make a person dwell on worst-case scenarios. 

Ward off negativity by being prepared. Find out if your mental health provider is seeing people. In-office visits may not be an option, but online or phone sessions may be. 

Be sure you have enough medications, too, and understand you may need extra mood stabilizers or something more for anxiety while things are shut down or scaled back.

Be sure to keep in contact with family, friends, or loved ones. Checking in keeps you to a schedule and lets them know you’re okay.

If you suspect an episode is coming on, reach out to your doctor or therapist, and sooner rather than later.

Not Too Much Social Media

Social distancing has meant more isolation, but too much time on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever your social media of choice may be can be just as detrimental to mood and mental health.

It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of misinformation when reading sensational news headlines. Be sure to get updates from recognized authorities like the World Health Organization, and avoid hearsay, unverified sources, and the trolls who lurk in most stories’ comments sections.

And if you do chance upon trolls, make it a point to step away. Arguing with people, especially those cemented to their ideas and points of views, isn’t good for anyone’s mindset.

If you have a go-to activity like yoga or drawing, do that instead. That along with regular meals, a solid sleep schedule, taking your medication, sticking to appointments (even if it’s only online support groups), frequently washing hands and masking in public, and not resorting to drinking or drugging can help ward off manic phases. 

Mental Health Helps Physical Health

People with severe mental illness have been hit hard by COVID-19.

Mental health issues usually coincide with challenges that make it harder for people to access food, medications, stable housing, jobs, or healthcare (where applicable), putting them in greater danger of getting or spreading the coronavirus.

Some people with mental illness may not have the means to purchase a smartphone or computer. With telehealth options eluding them, they may not be able to attend therapy during lockdowns. 

Substance misuse is more prevalent among the mentally ill, too, and that’s tied to a greater susceptibility to infectious diseases. 

Higher numbers of mentally ill people smoke cigarettes as well, which puts them at greater risk for diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Pneumonia and influenza are some of the leading causes of death for people with mental illness. Underlying lung disease from smoking can be a factor.

People with severe mental illness are also more prone to behaviors that lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and poor cholesterol. All can add to the risk of developing more dangerous COVID-19 complications.

People with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses may also be more prone to engage in other risky behaviors like not taking proper safety precautions or practicing social distancing and self-care.

Along with neglecting some self-care, there tends to be some distrust of the healthcare system overall among some mentally ill folks. That could be due to previous trauma in hospitals. With the pandemic putting a strain on medical centers and psychiatric units, COVID makes it especially challenging for those with mental health issues, especially if they’re experiencing the extreme highs and lows that define their condition.

The data is still building about the coronavirus and how it is affecting all aspects of society. There may not yet be a vaccine for the virus, we do know that keeping mentally healthy by following a schedule, practicing self-care, sticking to social distancing, masking in public, and frequent hand washing can dramatically increase the likelihood of emerging from this pandemic unscathed.