Dealing With Bipolar Disorder
Wouldn’t you agree – mood swings can feel awful and scary.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and my friend Marian, from back east, she struggles with mood swings; I’ve seen it. Let me explain that Marian is not her real name, but over the years, I have witnessed some incredible ups and downs in her temperament. I remember one time we were all set to go see a play downtown – we had tickets and everything – and Marian, she was so excited. In fact, she was the one who purchased our tickets, like, for no reason. And they were not inexpensive. It was very generous of her, but also kind of extravagant. But then, on Saturday afternoon, the day of the play, when we went to pick up Marian, there she was at her door in a bathrobe and slippers. No, she had not forgotten our date; she just woke up that morning in a huge slump. She said sadly, “You know, just you guys go on without me.” And she waved us off. Up until then, I knew that my friend had mood swings, but not quite like this.
We all have problems with our emotions. We can be a little gloomy one day, and brighter the next. But some people, like Marian, deal with exaggerated moods that are totally unrestrained. It makes them miserable, and it makes everyone else around them miserable, too. And these moods are not merely the ups and downs of life. For them, it affects everything from job stability to family unity. These mood swings and the behavior that goes with them are known as mania, manic depression, or bipolar disorder. And Dr. Edward Welch of the Christian Counseling Education Foundation lists some of the feelings you might experience when you have bipolar disorder. He says these people are restless, energetic, very talkative with “a mind full of thoughts and plans;” they are happy and up and brimming with self-esteem without any self-doubt. Now, sure, that may sound good, but for Marian? People often found her unwilling to listen to advice; they found her impulsive and reckless with money, and very self-centered. During these times, Marian would feel like she was on an adventure, and everybody else was living the guessing game.
Now, although there are good psychological reasons for bipolar disorder, the Bible goes deeper than the interpretations of psychiatry. Dr. Ed Welch says:
“Yes, physically, we consist of brain and bone and an amazing array of biochemicals. But we are made in the image of God … [and] we can know the difference between right and wrong … Brain problems cannot erase [the responsibility we have to make moral decisions.] Like, when the Bible commands us to love and to listen, it is speaking to all of us. If those with chemical imbalances were exempt, we would all be exempt because none of us has a perfectly functioning brain.”
Which is why we all need grace – we need God’s help. Well, that’s Dr. Welch’s advice, and I think it’s great counsel. Yes, medication is an obvious starting point, but we need God in His grace even more than medication. And the grace of God can help a person with bipolar disorder to say “no” to temptation, whether it’s risky behavior or self-centered living.
Psychiatric problems like bipolar disorder are becoming more common, and I would love to send you Dr. Welch’s little book on this subject. Just go to joniradio.org and ask for your free copy of his work on bipolar disorder. And remember – no matter what your mood, or how erratic, we all need God, and we really need His grace, especially when you’ve got some mood swings!
And one more thing – we at Joni and Friends would love to pray for you in your hardships. So share with us your prayer need today at joniradio.org. Again, that’s joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends
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Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood Swings
Bipolar disorder is confusing and difficult both for those who struggle with the disorder and those who care for them. Edward T. Welch applies God’s Word to this serious, life-dominating disorder and offers practical strategies for change. Rejoice in the hope of God’s grace as you or your loved one face the daily challenges of bipolar disorder.
