Bipolar Disorder: Self Injury in Bipolar Disease

Bipolar Disease or Bipolar Disorder is a cyclic illness where people who are suffering from it display episodes of elevated or maniac behavior and depression. These episodes occur in alternating states and can last for anywhere between 3 to 6 months every year.

The important symptoms of Bipolar Disease are feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, anxiety, isolation, helplessness, loneliness, self loathing, suicide and disturbances in patterns of sleep, appetite and energy levels.

Studies have shown that the causes of Bipolar Disease could be genetic. Some long lasting illnesses such as cancer may also cause episodes similar to Bipolar Disease. Another explanation is an imbalance of essential mood-level maintaining chemicals in the brain which can lead to the onset of Bipolar Disorder.

People suffering from Bipolar Disorder go through ups and downs of moods and in turn go through feelings of either being too energetic or too lethargic.

During the times when they go through the stage of maniac depression, they can begin to enter the stage of causing self injury and then go on to have suicidal thoughts.

This self injury stems from the feelings of self loathing and worthlessness. They are angry and feel wounded. This leads them to begin self mutilation. This can include cutting. This tendency of self injury is something that should not be taken lightly.

As the individual’s maniac depression progresses, he may often begin to make elaborate plans for a suicide attempt. This may include making financial plans etc. The nature of Bipolar Disorder leads them towards the rough edge of depression brought on by feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Self injury then progresses on to suicide attempts. This should not be taken lightly.

This Bipolar self injury is something that shows the extent of the thoughts of the person suffering from Bipolar Disorder. He has now begun to think that the world would be better off without him and that their life is worthless and there is no hope left for them.

There are a variety of treatments available for people suffering from Bipolar Disorder. Take the advice of your doctor and seek the advice of a good psychiatrist. Often the medication includes ‘mood elevators’ which can help maintain a balanced level of emotions and help reduce the number of mood swings, keeping the patient in a balanced frame of emotional stability.

This can reduce the tendency for bipolar self injury and thus keep a balanced perspective on life for the patient.