Baldness Reveals Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder: A Personal Account
In the complex world of bipolar disorder, an intriguing phenomenon has been observed - the connection between extreme changes in hair colour or style and manic or hypomanic phases.
During these periods of elevated mood, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience impulsive behaviours, one of which can be drastic hair transformations. These changes serve as a behavioural warning sign of impending manic episodes, reflecting the altered judgment and increased risk-taking associated with bipolar mania or hypomania.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no direct biological link between bipolar disorder itself and hair colour changes. However, the impulsivity during mood episodes provides an explanation for this behavioural phenomenon. During mania, the speaker sought rapid change and felt reborn through a colour or haircut transformation. Every thought during mania was perceived as genius, and the world seemed to finally catch up to their brilliance.
In the depths of life's lulls, the speaker's hair was forgotten and left in a bun for days, dry and untouched. This contrast between the vibrant, impulsive changes during mania and the neglected hair during depressive episodes highlights the profound impact of bipolar disorder on an individual's life.
The speaker used their hair colour as a form of self-expression, acting as a billboard, megaphone, or mood in neon. One says yes to everything during mania because everything feels possible. Emotions hit like soundtracks during mania, and sleep becomes irrelevant. Mania is not just feeling up, but feeling divine.
It's important to note that hair loss or physical changes in hair can also occur due to medication or health factors related to bipolar disorder. These issues are distinct from the impulsive styling changes seen in mania.
Understanding these connections can help in early detection and management of bipolar disorder, providing a crucial step towards improved mental health care.
In the realm of mental health, this behavioral phenomenon of drastic hair transformations during manic or hypomanic phases may serve as a warning sign for individuals struggling with bipolar disorder, highlighting their fluctuating judgment and increased risk-taking. Concurrently, the field of health-and-wellness, including the realm of science, could delve into studying these connections to enhance early detection and treatment of bipolar disorder, thereby contributing to better overall mental health.
