Welcome, dear friend, to an enlightening journey through an article titled “Finding Balance: Emptiness and Cyclothymic Disorder.” Our journey explores the tumultuous seas of cyclothymic disorder, a mental condition characterized by mood swings that may leave you feeling empty and unsteady. But don’t fret, because this journey is not all stormy weather and high waves. Along the way, we’ll uncover key insights and effective strategies for finding your balance, brightening the horizon of your mental wellbeing. We hope this will serve as your guiding beacon, supporting you as you navigate and master the art of maintaining balance amidst the ebbs and flows of cyclothymia. Do you ever find yourself navigating through extreme mood swings, slipping from high euphoria to deep depression almost in an instant? If so, you might be dealing with Cyclothymic Disorder. In this article, we will be looking at understanding and managing this unique mood disorder.
What is Cyclothymic Disorder?
Cyclothymic Disorder, often simply referred to as Cyclothymia, is a type of chronic mood disorder that falls within the bipolar disorder spectrum. Not as widely known or talked about as Bipolar I or Bipolar II, Cyclothymia entails experiencing oscillating periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms.
The main feature of the disorder includes persistent cycling between two extreme emotional states without experiencing a full manic or major depressive episode. In essence, you could conceptualize Cyclothymia as a ‘mild’ form of Bipolar Disorder. However, it’s crucial to note that while the highs and lows may not be as severe, this disorder is not easy to live with and can be extremely disruptive to the individual’s life.
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The Humming Emptiness
One of the most compelling and least discussed aspects of Cyclothymic Disorder is a profound sense of emptiness that accompanies the mood swings. It’s like an undercurrent — always there, underscoring every mood fluctuation.
The feeling of emptiness is a complex construct, often described as feeling hollow or void inside, like an emotional numbness. It is a sense of disconnection or alienation from your feelings and the world around you. This emptiness can make it challenging to understand your emotional world, causing your emotions to feel blurry and distant even as you’re experiencing these intense mood shifts.
Understanding the Cycle
Living with Cyclothymic Disorder can feel like being on a never-ending emotional roller coaster. One moment you’re up, filled with energy and grandiose plans, and the next, you’re down, feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.
Imagine rowing on a calm sea, and suddenly the currents change, and you’re hit with large waves, only for them to soon retreat and calm again. Living with cyclothymia can be likened to this, the only difference being that the sea is your inner emotional world.
In an attempt to make sense of this cycle of emotions, let’s break down what hypomanic and depressive periods usually look like.
Hypomanic episodes
When the tide changes, and you’re in the throes of a hypomanic episode, suddenly you’re on top of the world. Your thoughts may seem faster, you feel more outgoing and confident, you need less sleep, and you’re more prone to taking risks.
Depressive episodes
Then the tide lowers, and you find yourself in a depressive episode. You feel tired, your spirits are low, you have little energy, and your drive is almost non-existent. Things you usually enjoy may no longer bring joy, and you may struggle even to carry out everyday tasks.
Recognizing these signs is only the tip of the iceberg in understanding and managing the disorder.
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Finding Acceptance and Balance
A critical part in managing and living with cyclothymic disorder is embracing two key elements: acceptance and balance.
Acceptance
Acceptance doesn’t mean resigning yourself to your disorder. Rather, it means acknowledging that it is a part of your life experience. It’s understanding that while you may not have control over cycling through these emotions, you do have control over how you respond to them. This understanding and acceptance form the foundation of management strategies that you can employ.
Balance
Balance refers to finding equilibrium in your emotions, behaviour, and lifestyle. It’s about developing coping strategies and creating a stable environment that can buffer the effects of mood fluctuations and prevent them from spiraling out of control.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
This is a therapeutic technique that focuses on changing unhelpful behavioural patterns and distorting thinking. CBT can be highly effective in helping you understand and manage your mood swings.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Practices like mindfulness and meditation can promote a greater sense of self-awareness and help you manage and navigate your emotional world more effectively.
Medication
Finally, while therapy and behavioural changes can help manage the symptoms, some people might need medication. It’s a personal choice and should be made in consultation with professionals.
Finding balance may not always mean achieving a flat line of emotions but rather managing the highs and lows effectively.
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Living with Cyclothymic Disorder
Living with cyclothymic disorder is no easy feat, but by gaining an understanding of the disorder and embarking on a journey of acceptance and balance, you can effectively manage it.
Remember, you are not alone. There is a vibrant community of individuals, therapists, and support groups ready to help and guide you through your journey. It is okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to need support.
Let us normalize talking about cyclothymia, let’s break down the stigma around bipolar disorders. Though the journey to balance may indeed be long and at times rocky, remember, navigating the sea becomes more manageable with every wave you conquer. Here’s to strength, resilience, and finding balance.
