— CUMBERLAND — Bipolar disorder is an illness that affects about 4 percent of people, according to Jack Zealand, of Zealand Psychological Associates. Medication and support programs like those offered by Archway Station Inc. help people deal with the psychological illness.

“It seems to me having a strong support network — family, friends, helpers — makes a big difference. Also, being treated with dignity and respect — we all want that,” said Jackie Morrissey, Archway director of rehabilitation services. “I am still amazed and inspired by the great efforts people make to get well and stay well and have happy, meaningful lives.”

Bipolar disorder is generally a lifelong illness; however, with medication it can be manageable.

“With advances in psychotropic medication, individuals with bipolar I or II who are on medication can be fully functioning, for the most part,” said Zealand.

Some medicines used for bipolar disorder include antidepressants, mood stabilizers like Lithium and antiseizure medication like Depakote.  

“Over the past 30 years, there have been wonderful advancements in the medicines used to help people get and keep good mental health,” said Morrissey. “It is never as simple as one-medication-fits-all because it seems each person’s make-up or chemistry seems to be different. The psychiatrists and mental health professionals work very hard at helping the person find the best possible combination of medications that will help a person.”

When a person’s illness or disability impacts functioning at home, work, school or socially, Archway provides skills development and resource/support development to help the person be successful and satisfied, according to Morrissey. 

Archway also offers hope to individuals with bipolar disorder.

“I think helping a person being able to find hope is critical. If there are no bright spots in a person’s life — no spark of hope left toward having a meaningful and happy life — then a terrible despair can overcome the person,” said Morrissey. “The most encouragement often comes from being with peers ... and being able to hear about that and see it in others, that is uplifting.”

Morrissey said people who have bipolar disorder can usually do day-to-day chores but can’t complete the activities when they are feeling depressed and lack the energy to do so. Other times people will experience a strong burst of energy.

“It’s like the person’s engine is racing and racing and then they are exhausted physically and mentally. So oftentimes, the aftermath from all of that energy has caused problems in relationships, finances — maybe at work or school, too.”

Bipolar disorder is a cyclic illness that involves periods of elevated or irritable moods (mania) alternating with periods of depression. In some cases, people can experience rapid cycling, where they have an extreme swing of moods, according to Zealand. Bipolar disorder usually appears between ages 15 to 25, according to the PubMed Health website. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I is more severe and causes the person to experience heightened excitement and energy; grandiose ideas; make impulsive decisions; and become paranoid and delusional, according to Zealand. “It causes the individual  to feel as if they are being very creative, causes them to lose contact with what’s going on and causes them to have an irrational fear that they are in danger, that someone is checking up on them. They look over their shoulder,” said Zealand.

Bipolar II is characterized as at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode.

“In the case of bipolar II, the person doesn’t have severe mania but has hypomania. Generally speaking a person with bipolar II is fairly functional,” said Zealand.

There are risks for suicide in both types; however, more individuals with bipolar II tend to commit suicide, according to Zealand.

“More people with bipolar II commit suicide because they might not be receiving the appropriate or adequate care they need,” said Zealand.

In addition to struggling with the disorder, some people also have alcohol or drug abuse or addiction problems, according to Morrissey.

“Many people get help through 12-step programs and also intensive, in-patient and out-patient programs that focus on getting and keeping good mental health as well as getting and staying clear and sober,” said Morrissey. “It is tough, but some people are able to tackle both challenges and have a good life.”

For more information on Archway, go to www.archwaystationinc.org.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.