I have been dealing with bipolar disorder type 2 for many years now, and it has really affected my life in various ways. It’s been a very hard road to navigate but I am determined to manage my symptoms so I can live as normally as possible.
When I was diagnosed I was pretty unaware of what to expect, so the last few years have been an emotional roller-coaster. Many of the symptoms that people with this condition experience are very similar between genders. But there are certainly some differences when it comes to how females experience it.
Most notably, the depression aspects tend to be much more severe than they might be for males experiencing Bipolar Disorder Type 2. Symptoms of deep and persistent sadness can often result in fatigue and a loss of energy, making everyday tasks hard to complete. And during manic phases, female sufferers can sometimes act impulsively or take part in risky behavior that leads to further difficulties down the line.
The highs and lows associated with this disorder are incredibly unpredictable, leaving me unable to plan activities effectively from week-to-week or month-to-month. Despite being particularly difficult to live with at times, I’ve found that there is help available if you reach out and talk about what you’re going through. This is especially important if your feelings become too overwhelming or if you start struggling due to changes in your moods or behaviors. Understanding your triggers helps you find coping mechanisms that work for you and allows others to provide greater support than if you hidden these things away inside yourself.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, having Bipolar Disorder Type 2 can be a real challenge - but being aware of the extra challenges women might face can make all the difference in learning how best deal with them.