LARRAPY Convos – Blog 21 - “What Is Bipolar Disorder—and How Do You Heal from It?”

“Some days I feel unstoppable… other days I can’t get out of bed.”“I go from overly excited and full of ideas… to empty, angry, or ashamed.”

These are real words from real people living with Bipolar Disorder. It’s a misunderstood and often misused term, but for those who struggle with it—it’s not a mood swing, it’s a mental health roller coaster.

But there is hope. With support, structure, and spiritual grounding, people with bipolar disorder can live full, stable, and purpose-driven lives.

💡 What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and behavior. These shifts include periods of:

• Mania (or hypomania) – elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts, risky behavior, high energy

• Depression – deep sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest

The key is intensity and duration—not just feeling “up” or “down,” but cycling between two emotional extremes that impact daily life.

🧠 Types of Bipolar Disorder

1. Bipolar I Disorder

   1. At least one manic episode (may include psychosis)

   2. Often includes major depressive episodes

2. Bipolar II Disorder

   1. Hypomania (a less intense form of mania)

   2. At least one major depressive episode

3. Cyclothymic Disorder

   1. Milder, chronic mood swings (hypomania + low-level depression)

   2. Lasts 2+ years

4. Bipolar with Mixed Features or Rapid Cycling

   1. Both mania and depression symptoms happen close together

   2. 4+ mood episodes in a year

🚨 Symptoms of Mania

• Elevated mood or irritability

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity

• Decreased need for sleep

• Rapid speech or racing thoughts

• Impulsive decisions (spending sprees, risky behavior)

• Increased goal-directed activity

• In some cases: hallucinations or delusions

🕳️ Symptoms of Bipolar Depression

• Prolonged sadness or emptiness

• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed

• Fatigue or sleeping too much

• Guilt, worthlessness, or suicidal thoughts

• Trouble focusing or making decisions

🧩 What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

• Genetics – It often runs in families

• Brain structure & chemistry – Irregular neurotransmitter activity

• Trauma or stress – Can trigger symptoms in vulnerable individuals

• Sleep issues, substance use, or hormonal changes – Can worsen cycles

Bipolar is not a character flaw or spiritual failure. It’s a real medical condition—like diabetes or epilepsy—and it requires compassionate care.

🙌 How to Heal (and Manage) Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder doesn’t have a “cure,” but it is highly treatable. Many people go years without a severe episode when managed well.

🛠 Step 1: Medical and Mental Health Support

• Mood Stabilizers (like lithium, lamotrigine)

• Antipsychotics or antidepressants (only with careful monitoring)

• Psychoeducation – Learning your triggers and warning signs

• Therapy – CBT, DBT, and family-focused therapy

• Regular psychiatric care is essential for long-term stability

📅 Step 2: Lifestyle Anchors

• Maintain a daily routine (meals, sleep, exercise)

• Track your moods with a journal or app

• Avoid drugs and alcohol—they can trigger episodes

• Build a crisis plan for manic or depressive states

• Keep support people informed and involved

🙏 Step 3: Spiritual Grounding

Bipolar can feel like chaos—but God is a God of peace.

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11

Spiritual support helps stabilize your identity and protect your hope:

• Prayer during both highs and lows

• Worship when you don’t “feel” steady

• Scripture to remind you of your worth and anchor your thoughts

• Accountability from pastors, mentors, or godly friends

💬 Tips for Loved Ones Supporting Someone with Bipolar

• Don’t label them by their diagnosis

• Stay calm during mood episodes—don’t escalate

• Learn the difference between symptoms and their soul

• Encourage consistency in treatment and faith

• Offer grace without enabling destructive behavior

🕊 Final Thought: Bipolar Doesn’t Disqualify You from Peace or Purpose

You may feel unstable—but God’s love for you is unshakable. You may feel broken—but you are still called. You are not “too much” or “too hard”—you are loved, seen, and being made whole.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” – Philippians 1:6

🙏 A Prayer for Bipolar Stability

“God, I give You my mind, my moods, and my cycles. Speak peace into my highs and grace into my lows. Keep me grounded when I feel lost. Help me trust that even in my instability—You remain constant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”