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What You Can Learn From Winston Churchill and His Black Dog

Winston Churchill is known for many things, but one thing that many don’t know about him is that he may have suffered from mental illness, which he often referred to as his “black dog”. Churchill was known for his determined nature, but he was also known to have bouts of unruliness in which he would often overindulge in alcohol and act erratically. 

Churchill’s “black dog” may have been the cause. To learn more about this side of Churchill, keep reading. 

Churchill’s “Black Dog”

For decades of his life, Churchill seems to have had some anxieties and fears that followed him, such as standing too close to balconies or train platforms. While this may have been a fear, it may have also been because Churchill did not always trust himself to act rationally when given a way to end his own life. Churchill may have suffered from manic depression, as he would often become paralyzed by despair. 

During these bouts, he was known to spend much time in bed with little energy, no interests, no appetite, and difficulty concentrating. This caused him to be minimally functional when it came to his duties and responsibilities. These periods of despair could last a few months, and after them, he would come out of it appear to be acting like his normal self again. 

In a letter to his wife from 1911, Churchill wrote that he may be in need of some kind of professional help for treating his “black dog”. When he was well, Churchill actually had tons of energy and was known to stay up late into the night reading and studying. When he was in a good place, he was known to come up with tons of new ideas. 

This manic behavior is typical of those that deal with manic depression and bipolar disorder. Additionally, these mood swings were likely heightened due to the amount of alcohol Churchill was indulging in. 

Churchill’s Treatment

With all the responsibility Churchill had to Britain, having depressive bouts was difficult and dangerous. Churchill sought treatment from a physician named Lord Moran, who prescribed medications to help him manage his depressive episodes. While Churchill’s exact diagnosis cannot be clear today, it is believed by many scholars and mental health professionals that Churchill suffered from either manic depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. 

Those that have these conditions and are not medicated often have a difficult time maintaining relationships and keeping employment which can lead to a chaotic, unproductive, and challenging life. Knowing when it’s time to seek help for a perceived mental illness, whether for yourself or for someone you love, can help to manage these disorders to decrease suffering and improve the quality of one’s life. 

What We Can Learn

Winston Churchill’s “black dog” was managed because he came to terms with the fact that he needed help and sought it out. Asking for the help you need can be difficult, but it can have great life-changing benefits. 

Are you ready to get the treatment you need? If so, contact us today to get started.

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Am I Bipolar? Top Indicators of Bipolar II Disorder (2nd Article in a Series of Two)

 

Bipolar II Disorder

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

 

Bipolar II Disorder symptoms are very similar to Bipolar I Disorder. A bipolar disorder treatment program requires an accurate diagnosis in order to be effective. Bipolar disorder is a frequently misunderstood diagnosis.

In a previous article we discussed some of the top indicators of Bipolar I Disorder. In this article we will discuss some of the top indicators of Bipolar II Disorder.

All types of bipolar disorder (cyclothymic disorder (or cyclothymia) and other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders are other, less common types of bipolarity) are distinctly marked by episodes of extreme highs (mania, or manic episodes) and extreme lows (depressive episodes).

Depressive episodes are very much alike with both Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders, and there are few surprises in this regard. The primary difference between the two types of disorder is found in the extremity of the manic episodes that are the result of each. The mania is significantly greater with Bipolar I, while Bipolar II exhibits a condition known as “hypomania,” which is essentially a much lesser degree of mania. What does that mean? Manic behaviors are typically more severe, and are considered to be “out of character,” or even dangerous for the manic individual. Hypomanic behaviors might seem “out of character” for the individual, but would not necessarily be considered “abnormal.”

Bipolar I Disorder

To be properly diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, you need to have experienced at least one manic episode (so severe that hospital care was required), preceded or followed by a depressive episode.

Manic episode symptoms are generally so intrusive and poignant that there is little room for doubt that something is “off.” Such episodes are typically characterized by recognizable bipolar disorder symptoms such as:

  • state of euphoria (unexplainable happiness, elation)
  • disturbed sleep
  • restlessness
  • high energy levels
  • compulsively “explosive” temper, argumentative, and confrontational
  • disturbed concentration
  • risky behaviors (including promiscuity, substance abuse, excessive gambling, compulsive shopping, etc.)

 

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II is commonly misdiagnosed as depression. Granted, it often involves major depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks, as well as at least one hypomanic episode. Note that Bipolar II mania is usually not severe enough to require hospitalization.

When the mania that would indicate bipolarity is dormant, the focus naturally falls on the individual’s depressive symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder Causes

We still don’t know exactly what the root cause of bipolar disorder is. Popular beliefs include: abnormal cerebral characteristics (physical), an imbalance in cerebral chemicals, and certain genetic characteristics.

Like other medical conditions, bipolarity is often passed along through families. Those with parents or siblings who have bipolar disorder run a greater risk of developing it themselves. The genetic source of bipolar disorder also continues to be a mystery.

It’s commonly acknowledged that substance abuse, acute stress, and/or emotionally traumatic episodes may trigger bipolarity. Such triggers include childhood abuse, the loss of a loved one, PTSD, etc.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorders are usually treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy. You should discuss side effects and interaction effects of any medications prescribed by your mental health professional with him or her.

Mood stabilizers are generally the first go-to pharmaceutical for treatment, and these can be taken for an extended duration. Lithium has been a widely used mood stabilizer for several years. Though it does have several potential side effects, including decreased thyroid functioning, indigestion, and joint pain. An antipsychotic medication (sometimes more than one) can be carefully selected and prescribed in an appropriate dosage by your health care professional to treat manic episodes.

Regarding psychotherapy, often talking about your experiences openly and honestly with someone you trust can give you valuable insights into your mental illness, as can journaling. Pay attention to your moods, sleeping and eating patterns, and significant life events to help you and your mental health professional understand how the medications and psychotherapy are working. If overall symptoms don’t show an improvement or decline, your doctor may suggest changing up your medications, or may try a different psychotherapeutic approach.

Moving Forward

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, at least not yet. Proper treatment and support from your family and friends will help you manage your symptoms and quality of life. Be sure to keep your family and friends in the loop regarding your treatment, and follow your mental healthcare professional’s directions in regard to medications and lifestyle choices, including:

  • Diet
  • Sleep
  • Alcohol and/or drug use
  • Stress management

Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder, as the more you know about your condition, the more in control you will feel as you manage your mental illness. You may gain insights to help you repair damaged or strained relationships. Helping those in your life better understand your condition can help them be more understanding regarding past hurtful interactions.

Always remember that this is a manageable condition, and that you are not alone. Talk to your mental health professional or contact local hospitals about local resources and support groups.

Are you concerned about the possibility that you or a loved one may have bipolar disorder? Don’t fret! It’s treatable and manageable! If you or someone close to you need to talk to someone about mental health issues that seem overwhelming, we can help. Consider reaching out to our expert team at Solara Mental Health at 844-600-9747.

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Am I Bipolar? Top Indicators of Bipolar I Disorder (1st Article in a Series of 2)

Bipolar Disorder Test

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

“Do I have bipolar disorder?” is a reasonable question you may have asked yourself. You may have undergone a test to see if you have the disorder, or received a bipolar disorder diagnosis. This article is the first in a series of two.

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a complex, lifelong mental health disorder that exhibits severe mood swings ranging from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). Have you ever had concerns that you are bipolar?

You may have experienced euphoria, felt full of life and energy, or experienced moments of extreme irritability. Another week you may have found yourself feeling depressed, sad, hopeless, and without any interest in activities that have brought you pleasure or enjoyment in the past. Such extreme mood swings can sabotage your sleep cycles, energy levels, judgment, concentration, and adversely affect your ability to think clearly. They may have even driven you to feel suicidal.

Your episodic mood swings may occur only sometimes or multiple times every year. Between episodes you may experience some emotional symptoms, or perhaps none at all. Regardless, the disorder is a factor that makes your life seem difficult, if not unmanageable.

The root cause of bipolar disorder remains a mystery to mental health professionals, though several factors are involved, such as biological differences (physical changes in the brain),  and/or genetics (bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, with the disorder). Researchers are still working to find genes that may be directly involved in causing the condition.

There are several types of bipolar disorders and related conditions, including bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, to name a few. This post will focus primarily on symptoms of bipolar I disorder.

Bipolar I disorder means you’ve had at least one intense manic episode, resulting in uncharacteristic behavior, possibly before or after either a less severe hypomanic episode or a severe depressive episode. It has a distinct diagnosis from bipolar II disorder. The mania may have sparked an episodic break from reality, otherwise known as a psychotic episode, which may require hospitalization. Manic episodes experienced with bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous. Problems with work, school, and relationships are likely.

Manic episodes resulting from bipolar I disorder are characterized not only by a euphoric or irritable mood, but by three or more of the following symptoms:

  • Hyperactive thinking, inability to focus on immediate tasks
  • Loud and fast, uninterruptable speech
  • A significant boost in energy, including hyperactivity and feeling a need for less sleep
  • Delusional, aggrandized self-image
  • Excessive spending and/or travel
  • Impulsive behavior, an obsession with “living dangerously”
  • An overwhelming “devil-may-care” attitude
  • Brazen promiscuity
  • Substance abuse
  • Psychosis

A depressive episode is likely to follow your manic phase, not necessarily immediately, and possibly lasting days, weeks, or months.

Having bipolar disorder is not the end of the world. Though there is no cure for the condition, you can learn to manage your mood swings and other symptoms with the guidance of a mental health professional and a treatment plan. For most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and counseling.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts and impulses, or the compulsion to hurt self or someone else, call a doctor immediately.

Are you concerned about the possibility that you or a loved one may have bipolar disorder? Don’t fret! It’s treatable and manageable! If you or someone close to you need to talk to someone about mental health issues that seem overwhelming, we can help. Consider reaching out to our expert team at Solara Mental Health at 844-600-9747.