I have a bone to pick with the universe. Simply put, I don’t think it’s fair that people with a mental illness like bipolar disorder have to get your garden variety illnesses like colds and flus. Do you not realize that people with bipolar disorder spend a massive amount of their time sick already? Do you not realize that a large part of a bipolar’s day is devoted to managing the symptoms of an illness they already have?
Do you not get that we have enough on our plate already without coughing, sneezing, an upset stomach, aching muscles and a runny nose?
A Flu or Cold Makes Bipolar Worse
And in my experience, not only do bipolars get the normal job of dealing with everyday cold and flu symptoms but they also get the extra work of dealing with worsening bipolar symptoms. Moods tend to be unstable when you cough yourself awake all night or can’t move from the couch all day. Even a person who was happy before a flu or cold can find themselves unhappy, and possibly even spiralling into depression, thanks to the misery of being ill.
(I have a personal theory that because some of the symptoms between depression and a cold or flu crossover, your brain starts to get depressed because of the responses coming from your body. But that’s just a theory of mine.)
Bipolars Don’t Deserve a Cold or Flu
So basically, what I’m saying is that due to the fact that I’m already sick every day of my life I believe it’s unfair to compound that with ordinary germs floating about in my environment. I think bipolars should get a pass from the ordinary illnesses of humanity. It’s really the only reasonable thing to do.
Yes, I realize that this would suggest there is a big fair-o-meter in the sky, which obviously there isn’t. And I realize that this is completely unreasonable. But still. I want it, damnit.
Reading this was like reading my diary. I was diagnosed with late stage Lyme when I was 17. And bipolar at 19. When I’m sick and flared up like I am now it honestly feeels like the world is ending. I’m also in the middle of a 3x a week ECT regimen. I’m taking my meds but I’m not sleeping. Vomitting sporadically. Fevers chills. The whole nine yards and I feel manic on top of it. It’s like I’m crawling out of my skin but my body is too weak to crawl. No one listens to me. I’m exhausted. Itchy. And pissed off. If there was a fair o meter in the sky. She broke.
Hi Carter,
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through that. It sounds pretty natural to be pissed off at that.
I tend to feel like life isn’t fair either. But then I remember, no one ever said it was. (No, that doesn’t make me feel any better.)
I have no good advice for what you’re going through other than to say this: I’ve been there. I know where you are. I’ve had ECT. I know what that is. I’m so sorry. Please just keep breathing. In and out. That’s what you have to do.
And keep speaking up. It’s okay and important to stand up for yourself, especially in that situation.
I’m thinking of you.
— Natasha Tracy
I was so happy to find this…as I am sick right now and have been thrown into a major depressive episode which happens EVERY time I’m sick, I was curious to see what I could find about others feeling the same! I feel so seen here!❤️
I’m recovering from a cold right now and have been having hypomania symptoms. For a minute, I started being upset with myself because I usually don’t let my bipolar symptoms get to a troubling place am better at managing it. Then I remembered that my psychiatrist once mentioned there is research and a correlation between flu/cold and bipolar/mental illness and I remembered that when I’ve been sick in the past I’ve experienced the same thing. It’s good to know I’m not alone and that there’s an explanation. Thanks for banding together bipolars!
Hi Heather,
You absolutely aren’t alone and while I understand being upset with yourself (we tend to be our own harshest critics), it’s really not your fault. What I say all the time is that bipolar symptoms aren’t your fault, but they are your responsibility. And it seems like you’re taking responsibility just fine.
I’m happy to bring us together when I can.
Thanks for your comment.
— Natasha Tracy
When ever I get a cold or the flu, my mood swings are up and down every 30 minutes. One minute I’m crying, the next I’m happy, then anxious and so on. I just have alot of head fog. I guess my body is in over drive trying to regulate everything and my mind goes out the window. It’s not all that fair for us bipolar people x
Makes sense, as bipolar itself may be viral, even on a genetic level. A weakened immune system would definitely be an expected side-effect.
its not just your “theory”, natashsa, but also recognized by many who do research and ask questions. i cant remember my start point, but i ended up in some decent wikipedia articles, in particularly one with links for G.A.S. general activation system. the crux was that many diseases cause inflamation response, cause the body to subliminally know it is being attacked. the adrenal axis is one part of three in a classic trio of circuits. adrenal overload looks just like other depresdion. apathy, actual lack of get up and go. chronic diseases like lymes can then cause misdiagnosis of depression, for which psych meds do nada. when i was taking hep c meds and feeling stress, they wanted to give me zanax for the night panic claustrophobia. i said no thanks,saw the chinaman for a lver fire dampener and had immediate and colete relief with no “side effects.” so it is not just you, not just bipolars ormentally diagnosed persons who have this issue. its so wide that it is unremarked.
Thank you so much for this…A few days ago I finally got over what was the worst flu of my entire life. I had a fever for five days; hours of freezing then sweating. With the flu I got a huge 1 inch size canker sore in the back of my throat that made swallowing or even drinking water unimaginably painful, so I was malnourished awhile too. And now even though I’m better, I have been so depressed, anxious, and crying still and it is baffling and disturbing me greatly. Before I was sick I was on a momentum of functioning well. Beginning the third day of my flu I began to get very anxious and depressed, and have cried every day since, with suicidal thoughts that persist. My psych doctor was no help. I’m just hoping I get back to normal soon.
Just getting over a nasty outer ear infection. The pain was awful, but has finally subsided. The antibiotics stuffed up my digestive system, which has affected the absorbtion of my psychiatric medication. I was on heavy painkillers (including codiene, to which I am sensitive) too. My sleep was disturbed.
Now I’m depressed, moderately so. This morning my concentration was so bad that I dropped a n expensive and difficult to find glass pyrex jug which was a prize possession of my mother.
It will take a couple of months to really get back on track, provided things don’t get worse.
Can’t we get an exemption from these kinds of illnesses?
It is so good to hear this from other people. I have always complained, that I do not know if I am physically ill or mentally ill. I get terrible sinus headaches that take a few days to slowly creep up on me. I always feel extremely depressed and preoccupied with how miserable I feel.
You’re right we don’t deserve this. Having depression,bipolar. or any mental illness is tough and physical illness is not well tolerated.
I know, I am fifty two years old and have been suffering with this since I was nineteen.
God Bless you all,
Wayne ~
Colorado Springs, CO.
Wow! I just got over the flu. I was doing reasonably mentally well before I got sick but after-so depressed. You may be on to something.
I have had colds since being diagnosed with Bipolar and yes I felt worse. As for the flu, I get a flu inoculation every autumn because I do not want to contract the flu. Thankfully in the last 5 years, I have not had the flu. I highly recommend people get their annual flu shot.
I am very bothered by reading: “Bipolars Don’t Deserve a Cold or Flu”
I do not understand why people continue to call others by their disease/disorder names. People are “people who have bipolar disorder,” not “bipolars.” People are not disorders. They are multifaceted, complex human beings who have many interests, skills and talents… and who also happen to have something called bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (or any other illness they may have) should not define them as people, but when others call them “bipolars” it DOES define them as illnesses. This is just wrong. I hope you don’t take offense to this. I am just get so bothered by the way people use language to label others. I am a person. I also happen to have several medical illnesses. But those are just pieces of me – they do not define me.
Hi Judy,
I do not take offence, not to worry. I have written about this many times because of others who feel the way that you do.
What it comes down to though is that it’s a correct use of the English language. Much like people can be “redheads” people be “bipolar.” That’s the English language for you. No one things a “redhead” doesn’t have other aspects to their personality and I would certainly never think that a bipolar didn’t have other aspects to their personality either.
You can read more here: http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/breakingbipolar/2010/07/are-you-bipolar-or-do-you-have-bipolar-disorder/
http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/breakingbipolar/2010/11/bipolar-by-any-other-name-would-be-as-crazy-bipolar-terms/
– Natasha Tracy
A well-informed and understanding primary care physician (like mine) will ensure that we get a flu shot. He considers those of us w/ bipolar disorder to be “high risk” during flu season just like elderly, infants, and those with respiratory disorders.
Well, on the bright side – I have MDD so I’m allowed to look on the bright side :) At least colds and flu don’t usually last very long (Debra, you have my deepest sympathy, flu that lasts almost a year should definitely be illegal or something). I’ve never had a cold or flu that lasted more than a week or so, but I’ve had depression for over 30 years. I hope you feel better soon, Natasha!
Thank you! Can I get a what whaaaat?!? I was wondering why suicide sounded so great when I was sick again. Having a baby has almost killed me -postpartum psychosis followed by every cold & flu he gets – its been almost a year & I’m quite unstable still. Guess it makes sense!
Hi Courtney,
I know having a child can be very hard on people with bipolar disorder and I know that women with bipolar are at a much higher risk of post-partum psychosis. I’m sorry you’ve had to experience that.
On the upside, I _can_ give you a “what!”
:)
– Natasha Tracy
We’re in the flu season at the moment in Australia. So far I’ve managed to dodge it, but have had a couple of colds. An interesting observation is just how much cold and flu meds (pseudoepherdirne based ones) destabilise me. It’s the first flu season since diagnosis so I’m still learning the finer points of managing myself.
Hi @ar610,
Arg. I should have mentioned that one because it’s very true. Cold and flu meds can wreck havoc with your mood, mind and pretty much everything else. (I’ve gone psychotic from them before.)
I suggest people plain don’t take them, too many unknown interactions.
– Natasha Tracy
Depression and inflammation are related, so it wouldn’t surprise me if having the flu (more inflammation) makes depression worse. Feel better! :(
Hi Marie,
True. I think it’s more along the line of just pretty much anything destabilizes a stability disorder.
– Natasha Tracy
I’ll probably jinx myself but I have not had the flu or a bad cold since my bipolar diagnosis over five years ago. And I can’t remember what it’s like to have the flu and I hope I don’t have to.
Hi Stacey,
Meh. I don’t believe in a “jinx.” I say you’re OK.
– Natasha Tracy
I had to chuckle though I agree. I got the flu one Feb. and it didn’t go away until the following January. The doctor bills were worse than the flu. Immune disorders run in my family which I think should be illegal! So drink plenty of fluids, rest, and chicken soup is the normal prescription. Hope you get to feeling better soon!
Hi Debra,
Well, it’s a little funny :)
I’ll get on that chicken soup.
– Natasha Tracy