Effects of Yoga on Bipolar Disorder

Table of Content

• What is Bipolar Disorder?

• Causes of Bipolar Disorder

• Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

• Can Yoga Cure Bipolar Disorder?

• Yoga Poses for Bipolar Disorder

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Effects of Yoga on Bipolar Disorder

Introduction

In the range of mental health disorders, bipolar disorder is the most misunderstood of all. And thanks to the film portrayals of bipolar disorders, people have many negative misconceptions of patients with BPDs which has created a culture of shame. Erasing the wrong portrayals of bipolar disorders is not an overnight task, it may take a lot of time. But we would like to open this article with the request to stop stigmatising the victims of BPDs and treating them as someone who deserves help. Here in this article, you would know the positive effects of yoga on bipolar disorder.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where a person experiences the duality of mood extreme - ecstasy and depression. The change from one mood to another might be almost immediate or gradual and the person experiencing (Bipolar disorder) BPD would struggle in expressing the cause of their emotions. For example, they may feel joyful and powerful for no reason and be depressed after some time for not so big reasons. It's due to this reason of experiencing two poles of behavior, this mental disorder is named bipolar disorder or BPD. 

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

The exact cause of the bipolar disorder is still unknown and there is still research going on over the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Some major speculated causes of bipolar disorder are trauma, drug abuse, or substance abuse. Bipolar disorders can coexist with other mental disorders like schizophrenia, or depression.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Before going into yoga and its effects on bipolar disorder, let us know about the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder so that it can help you in understanding this condition better.  

A person experiencing bipolar disorder can have alternate highs and lows in their mood which has specific sets of symptoms in itself. 

Here are the symptoms experienced by the person who experiences a manic episode,

• Excessive happiness and excitement

• Feeling powerful and having unusually high self-esteem

• Showing reckless behavior

• Increased impulsiveness

• Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

• Feeling unsafe without any reason

These are the set of symptoms that one would experience during a depressive episode,

• Fatigue

• Lack of motivation

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Persistent sadness

• Uncontrollable crying

• Self-harm or suicide attempts

• Excessive or diminished sleep 

Can Yoga Cure Bipolar Disorder?

Anything that helps you to reduce the stress and anxiety symptoms related to bipolar disorder can greatly help in easing you from these symptoms. There are various types of yoga especially Hatha yoga which when done by the patients have helped in gaining control and better management of manic and depressive episodes. 

Yoga Poses for Bipolar Disorder

Here are some of the yoga poses (asanas) for bipolar disorder that would help you in feeling better,

Paschimottanasana

Paschimottasana or seated forward bend yoga pose for bipolar disorder where you lower your head down the thighs without bending them. This exercise can be initially difficult for beginners but when you get accustomed to it, this is a fairly simple exercise. This yoga pose relieves your stress, anxiety, depression, and anger by regulating your blood pressure. 

Dandasana

If you are looking for an easy yoga pose as a beginner, this pose is for you! Dandasana is also known as staff pose which provides several positive benefits to the brain and central nervous system as a whole. It improves posture while reducing anxiety and stimulating new neuron connections. Both manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can be eased when performing dandasana along with slow breathing exercises. 

Upavistha Konasana

Upavistha konasana is a triangle-type pose exercise where you stretch your thighs and arms. This is also called a seated wide-angled pose, it stimulates your internal, especially your abdominal organs. This is an intermediate-level yoga pose and even if you are a beginner, don't need to worry! You can be perfected with time.  This is extremely useful for your internal organs and central nervous system. Since it has positive effects on the nervous system, you would have reduced anxiety, depression or hyperactivity. Since it is an intense exercise with maximum flexibility, it requires you to do it with an empty stomach and preferably in the early morning. 

Garudasana

Garudasana, where fraud signifies the eagle is literally called an eagle pose where you would stand in the shape of an eagle. This is a beginner-level yoga pose and can be done with ease. This increases your focus and concentration while also improving your posture. As you stretch your arms, it improves the body's flexibility and improves strength. 

Take-Home Points

• Bipolar disorder is defined by an extreme range of emotions from ecstasy to depression. 

• The real cause or risk factor of bipolar disorder is still unknown. 

• Yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, thereby helping in managing bipolar symptoms. 

• Paschimottasana, Dandasana, Garudasana and Upavistha konasana are some yoga poses that can help you dealing with the symptoms of BPD. 

References

• Yoga for Mental Health

• Effects of Yoga on Physical and Psychological Health

• Yoga for Bipolar Disorder