The Darkness Drops Again; But Now I Know

The darkness drops again; but now I know

My bipolar episodes work in cycles. The cycles of bipolar disorder can vary greatly among individuals in terms of duration, frequency, and intensity. Some may experience rapid cycling, where they shift between mania and depression several times within a year, while others may have longer periods of stability between episodes. Despite these variations, the cyclical pattern of bipolar disorder remains a defining feature. The depressive phase, of bipolar disorder, which this artwork demonstrate, is characterised by profound sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or interest in daily activities. I experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms are debilitating, leading to significant impairment in personal, social, and occupational functioning.

During depressive episodes, I often struggle to perform basic daily tasks and withdraw from social interactions. This phase can last for weeks, months, or even longer, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely.