bi-polar disorder debunked

Bipolar disorder, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood changes can affect sleep, energy levels, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. The disorder is classified into several types, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder, each with varying patterns of mood episodes. The exact cause is not fully understood but is thought to involve genetics, brain structure, and environmental factors. Treatment often includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of mood episodes.

It’s important to recognize the clinical definitions and treatments associated with bipolar disorder, which are grounded in psychological and physiological research but I’d like to pose another perspective.

The complexities of healthcare funding and research priorities can sometimes overshadow the pursuit of understanding underlying health issues, as financial incentives may drive focus towards treatments rather than prevention or thorough investigation into causes. This can create a cycle where profit takes precedence over comprehensive research, potentially hindering advancements in understanding medical conditions and their true origins.

The emotional peaks and valleys we experience often stem from unresolved trauma, which can profoundly affect our sense of self or ego. This trauma, passed down through families, influences how we react to situations and perceive ourselves. When these deep-seated issues remain unaddressed, they can lead to intense emotional swings as we navigate our feelings and relationships.

Instead of classifying the disorder into separate categories, it's important to understand that greater exposure to trauma makes a person more attuned to the emotional and energetic influences in their environment. This means that traumatic experiences can enhance sensitivity to external stimuli, impacting how individuals perceive and react to their surroundings. Recognizing this heightened sensitivity can lead to more effective approaches in supporting those affected by trauma.

If the trauma we and our ancestors have experienced remains unacknowledged, it can lead to episodes of mania and even psychosis in some individuals. This is because unresolved trauma can evolve into Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), as our nervous systems continue to react to residual threats from the past. Until we genuinely confront, process, and heal from this trauma, we may become overly sensitive to those attempting to support us. This sensitivity arises because, often unconsciously, people might project their own issues onto us, which can be deeply confusing for our nervous systems as they navigate past hurts alongside present interactions.

The key message I want to convey to you is that you are not unwell or mentally ill; rather, you may simply be in an environment that doesn't support you, not practicing grounding habits, or lacking a community of people who truly understand and listen to you.

I experience significant fluctuations in my emotions, which I've previously considered negative because I sometimes feel either extremely low or high, and I've struggled to manage these feelings in a constructive way. I don’t identify as bipolar or take medication since I understand that these emotional swings often signal a lack of safety within myself, stemming from unresolved issues tied to past traumas. If any of that energy resurfaces in an unbalanced way, it can trigger emotional swings, but I have supportive individuals and healthy practices to help me regain emotional equilibrium.

You have the ability to take control, and heal what was never yours to carry.

XO,

Dev

Resources: The Healers Program - Zach Alexander