Living with bipolar disorder is like riding an emotional roller coaster without a seatbelt. For nearly 40 million people worldwide, the disorder shifts between extremes of euphoria and despair, creating a complex reality that often goes unseen, misunderstood, or misrepresented. The term “bipolar” may casually get tossed around in everyday conversation, but for those diagnosed, it is a life-altering condition that requires continuous self-awareness, resilience, and adaptation.

In this feature, we explore the raw, honest experiences of individuals like Martin Hemmann and Becca Brown, who live with bipolar disorder, drawing back the curtain on what it truly means to navigate this unpredictable terrain.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). There are three main types:

Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or requiring hospitalization, often followed by depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by patterns of depressive episodes and hypomania, which is less severe than full-blown mania.

Cyclothymic Disorder: Involves chronic fluctuations between mild depressive and hypomanic symptoms over two years or more.

Though often glamorized or dismissed in pop culture, bipolar disorder is far more than a fluctuation in mood—it’s a serious, often debilitating condition that deeply affects how a person thinks, behaves, feels, and relates to the world.

Martin Hemmann, a musician from Germany, describes his life with bipolar disorder as a delicate dance between opposites. “When I woke up, I felt as if there was a grey fog in my head,” he shares. This haze, a hallmark of the depressive phase, can make simple tasks like getting out of bed or brushing one’s teeth feel insurmountable.

During these lows, Martin grapples with feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, and guilt. “I’ve learned to tell people around me who I am, and how I react,” he says. Open communication and personal routines such as meditation, breathing exercises, and staying physically active help him gain control during darker periods.

But when the pendulum swings in the opposite direction—toward mania—Martin experiences a rush of energy and heightened creativity. These manic episodes, while seemingly productive, come with their own dangers: impulsivity, sleep disturbances, and risky behavior.

Becca Brown, a performer living with Bipolar II, offers a similar yet unique perspective. She describes mania as moments of hyperactivity that can feel like being on caffeine overload. “I would just decide to clean my entire house, rearrange the furniture, stay up all night writing something,” she recalls. But the aftermath is sobering. “The next day I would look at all the things I wrote and be like, none of that makes sense. None of it is good.”

The stereotype of mania as a “fun” or “creative” side of bipolar disorder is misleading. While some individuals channel their manic energy into art or work, the reality often includes dangerous impulsivity, poor judgment, and emotional volatility.

Bipolar disorder doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples out into their relationships, careers, and communities. Martin’s former partner, Verena Heinz, explains the challenge of unpredictability. “The ups and downs, which change so fast… that was the biggest challenge.”

This unpredictability can strain even the strongest bonds. For Martin’s parents, his suicide attempt six years ago was a devastating wake-up call. “It was very difficult to understand, because Martin also has a lot of humor and a joyful side,” they share. Their confusion and guilt underscore how invisible mental illness can be, especially when the individual appears “high-functioning.”

The stigma surrounding mental health—particularly bipolar disorder—can be a significant barrier to diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance. Martin puts it plainly in his speech: “People don’t talk about mental problems. I learned that early on—at school, at the club, at home.”

Both Martin and Becca emphasize the importance of treatment and personal coping strategies. While Martin has weaned off formal medication, he relies on physical activity, cold-water therapy, and structured routines to maintain his balance. “Sport is possibly the most important means of dealing with my depression,” he explains. “It creates a balance between the body and the mind.”

Becca, too, finds healing in creativity. “One of the best things about my life is that I get to get on stage or in front of a camera and play a character or even be myself,” she says.

Their stories reveal an important truth: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing bipolar disorder. Medication, therapy, physical health, creative outlets, community support, and open communication are all pieces of the puzzle—and each person’s journey is deeply personal.

Martin has chosen to speak openly about his journey—not just for himself, but to inspire others. At a recent public event in Germany, he delivered a powerful 18-minute speech recounting his struggles, setbacks, and survival.

“I’m nervous. I’d rather swim under a sheet of ice, climb into the ring, or go climbing without a rope,” he jokes before sharing the core message: “Germany, we have to talk. I suffer from heavy depression… But now I’m talking. I’m not going to stop talking.”

His courage moved an entire audience, many of whom also live with depression or know someone who does. “Martin has given them hope,” his manager Max reflects.

Recovery from bipolar disorder is not linear. There are relapses, side effects, misdiagnoses, and emotional wear-and-tear. Just as Martin planned a 200-kilometer walk to Zwolle to symbolize his healing, he was halted by a sudden joint infection. Life with bipolar disorder is full of such detours—but also full of resilience.

“I think we’re only as limited insofar as we set ourselves limits,” Martin affirms. Even on the hardest days, when depression whispers “you can’t,” Martin insists: “But I can get out of bed. I have arms and legs.”

Why Bipolar Disorder Difficult To Diagnose?

Bipolar disorder remains difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms often mimic or overlap with other mental health conditions, and the cyclical nature of the illness can delay accurate identification. Experts caution against simplistic portrayals or dramatic misrepresentations; understanding the disorder requires nuance. Diagnosis is not about labeling a mood but recognizing patterns over time.

Managing and Recognizing Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Effective management doesn't aim to "fix" moods but to achieve long-term stability through consistent, personalized care. A strategic blend of medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions is often necessary.

Awareness is the first line of defense. Identifying triggers or shifts early can prevent a full-blown episode.

Track Mood Patterns: Use journaling or digital mood tracking apps to observe changes and trends over time.

Sleep as a Signal: Disruptions in sleep—whether insomnia or excessive sleep—can precede mood shifts.

Watch Energy Levels: Notice any significant increases in energy or physical agitation, or conversely, unexplained fatigue.

Daily Life Hacks for Stability

Small, consistent habits can build a powerful foundation for mental health.

Establish a Routine: Regular sleep, wake, and meal times help regulate the body’s natural rhythms.

Build a Support System: Involvement from trusted friends, family, and peer support groups (like NAMI) can be crucial in maintaining emotional balance.

Avoid Triggers: Minimize or eliminate stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs, which can exacerbate mood fluctuations.

Treatment

Professional support is vital. A combination of therapies can offer relief and structure:

Consult a Psychiatrist: A mental health specialist can make a formal diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Engage in Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy are effective tools.

Adhere to Medications: Commonly prescribed medications include mood stabilizers (like lithium), anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics—tailored to each patient’s needs.

Living with bipolar disorder is not about extremes—it’s about everything in between. It’s about learning to surf the waves instead of drowning in them. It’s about telling your story, even when your voice shakes. And most of all, it’s about rewriting the narrative around mental illness—from fear to understanding, from stigma to solidarity.

A recent independent review suggests that staff who help doctors in hospitals and GP offices, who are called Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs), should be renamed "assistants." The review that has been in work since the past year has finally presented its findings and results. The Leng review has been looking into the various aspects of AAs and PAs to understand where there are shortcomings and why must there be changes.

One of the biggest issues that people have with PAs and AAs is confusing them with doctors. The review also recommends that these assistants wear specific uniforms and badges to clearly tell them apart from doctors. Crucially, it states that these assistants should not be the ones to diagnose patients' illnesses.

The UK Department of Health & Social Care called for this review last year due to ongoing debates about the exact roles and duties of these healthcare professionals. When PAs and AAs were first brought into the NHS in the early 2000s, there wasn't a clear plan for how they would fit into existing medical teams. This led to a lot of confusion about what they were supposed to do. Sometimes, when there weren't enough doctors, PAs filled in, even without the extensive training doctors receive, and without proper guidance from supervisors.

The report gives a full picture of the role of Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) in UK healthcare.

Tragic Cases Highlight Confusion

The review heard from families who lost loved ones after they were treated by PAs, mistakenly believing they were qualified doctors. For example, a young woman died from a blood clot after being seen twice by a Physician Associate who thought her calf pain was just a sprain.

Another family shared how their elderly mother died from an infection after a PA treated her in hospital. While these families do not blame the assistants, they stress the need for much clearer identification and roles. They believe that in stressful hospital situations, patients and families might not fully grasp who is treating them.

Scrutiny And Problems Faced By MAPs

However, the College of Medical Associate Professionals also present the value of MAPs and how the public views them needs to get better. News and social media have sometimes created misunderstandings about what MAPs do and how they fit into healthcare teams. Patients sometimes get confused, thinking a PA is a doctor, even when efforts are made to explain the role. There's a need for clear public education campaigns to help people understand and accept MAPs in the NHS.

The report also highlights that MAPs are facing significant stress and negative feelings because of the current environment, which many call an "anti-MAP campaign." This negativity affects their mental health both at work and at home. They point to media stories, social media attacks, and strict new rules as major causes of distress.

Worryingly, bullying and harassment at work are common. Over a third of qualified MAPs reported being bullied, and many experienced online harassments. A large number of student MAPs also faced bullying during their training. These experiences have led many MAPs to consider leaving their jobs or actually leaving. Women MAPs and those from minority ethnic backgrounds were more affected, making up a larger share of those who left their jobs despite being a smaller group overall in the workforce.

The British Medical Association responds to the review highlighted that the report reveals how NHS England allowed these new roles to grow without properly checking if they were safe. They point to a lack of strong national leadership, no clear accountability, and a failure to listen to concerns raised by doctors, patients, and even coroners (who investigate deaths).

The BMA argues that allowing the roles of doctors and non-doctors to become unclear, even with the help of the General Medical Council (GMC), has been a serious problem. Many doctors, they say, will feel that their earlier warnings were justified.

Key Steps Taken to Improve Medical Assistant Roles

While the proposed name change is a positive step, many in the medical community believe more needs to be done to clearly define what these assistants can and cannot do to ensure safe teamwork in the NHS.

This report makes several important recommendations for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs), like Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs), to make their roles clearer and more effective.

Clearer Rules and More Power

The report strongly suggests creating official rules and standards for MAPs. This will help make sure they are held accountable and that the public trusts them more. Since new rules are already being put in place, this should bring more trust and stability to their roles.

It also recommends giving MAPs the ability to prescribe medicine and order certain X-rays. This change would allow them to do their jobs more efficiently and use their skills better. There should also be national standards for their training after they qualify and for how they can move up in their careers. This will ensure that MAPs across the country receive consistent training and development.

Better Teamwork and Support

The report advises putting more money into planning the healthcare workforce. This will allow for the smart growth of MAP roles, making sure there are enough of them to meet the needs of the NHS. MAPs can actually help improve the training of junior doctors, rather than hindering it.

Better teamwork and strong leadership will help MAPs fit in well, creating a unified healthcare team that benefits both medical staff and patients. The report also suggests doing regular checks using anonymous feedback from patients to keep track of how MAPs are performing and their overall impact.

Supporting MAPs' Well-being

Finally, the report highlights that the well-being of MAPs is a widespread issue within the healthcare system, not just about individual toughness. The rules set by medical groups must be made with the input of MAP leaders and checked carefully to ensure they don't unfairly exclude anyone. Feeling respected and safe at work is extremely important for keeping staff, ensuring patients are safe, and providing good care.

As summers progress in the UK, people are planning out vacations, and a restful summer evening as the long days give plenty of room to do things you wish to even after you finish your work. However, these plans can very well come to an end if you do not take the correct precautions.

The NHS has sent out an important alert because cases of norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting bug," are higher than usual. Although norovirus, seasonally, is a bigger issue in winter, the rising number of cases prompted the NHS to warn people. In a social media post on platform X, they explained that this highly contagious illness is causing widespread concern, and the NHS is urging people to be aware of its symptoms. They've noted that while norovirus can spread all year round, current numbers are particularly elevated.

Norovirus: Symptoms and Self-Care

Norovirus typically causes diarrhea and vomiting. While these symptoms are very uncomfortable, they usually get better within a couple of days. The NHS advises that for most people, treating themselves at home is the best approach, emphasizing the importance of drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Common symptoms of norovirus include:

• Sudden nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sometimes a fever, headaches, stomach cramps, and aching limbs

Recent Case Numbers

Recent data from the UK shows a significant increase in reported norovirus cases. Between May 26 and June 29 this year, there were over 16,600 cases, which is much higher than the average for the same period over the past five years.

However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also reported that norovirus cases are now starting to decline and are returning to expected levels after a seasonal peak. Even with this decline, the number of reports in recent weeks was still higher than the five-year average for that same time frame, mainly due to a high number of cases reported earlier in the period.

How Norovirus Spreads

Due to the contagious nature of the virus, one must remember to take correct precautions not to spread them. Even a small, seemingly insignificant move could cause you to become a carrier.

• Don't wash your hands properly after using the toilet.
• Are in close contact with someone who has the virus.
• Touch surfaces or objects that have the virus and then touch your mouth.
• Eat food prepared by someone with norovirus.
• Consume contaminated water or food.

Preventing the Spread

To help stop norovirus from spreading, the NHS recommends some important steps. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, or before preparing or eating food. It's also important to remember that alcohol-based hand gels don't kill norovirus, so soap and water are essential.

If your clothes or bedding get soiled with vomit or feces, wash them at 60°C (140°F) and separately from other laundry. One must remember to regularly clean shared surfaces like toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and bathroom door handles. You must also try to avoid contact with others as much as possible if you feel unwell.

When to Stay Home and When to Seek Help

If you or your child start showing symptoms of norovirus, it's really important to stay home. Do not go to school, nursery, or work until you haven't thrown up or had diarrhea for two full days (48 hours). This helps prevent the virus from spreading further. Similarly, avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes during this time. If you or your child have diarrhea that lasts for more than seven days, or if vomiting continues for more than two days, seek medical help.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force Group Captain is back on Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). What now awaits is a long list of medical examination to ensure that Shukla and the other astronauts from Poland and Hungary are in good health.

What Are The Post-flight Medical Examinations For Astronauts?

The journey back from space marks the start of a whole new phase for astronauts. Just after splashdown, Group Captain Shukla and his fellow crewmates were helped out of the capsule by SpaceX recovery teams. Once aboard the recovery vessel, they underwent initial medical checks to assess their vital signs and general health.

These immediate tests are part of a broader post-flight health monitoring protocol aimed at studying how spaceflight affects the human body. Since astronauts’ health parameters are recorded before launch, comparing them with post-landing data helps scientists understand the impact of microgravity on various body systems.

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As the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla will undergo an extensive series of assessments — from cardiovascular and immune system checks to balance, coordination, and psychological evaluations.

Over the coming weeks, both NASA and the Indian Air Force will monitor his physical and mental recovery closely.

Readjusting to Earth’s gravity is not instant. In space, the lack of gravity leads to muscle weakening, bone density loss, and a fluid shift in the body that can affect circulation and organ function. To counter this, astronauts follow a personalized reconditioning plan designed to help their bodies re-adapt. These programmes focus not only on regaining strength but also on retraining the body’s proprioception — the sensory system that allows us to sense our position and movement, which becomes disoriented in space.

Life in Microgravity: What It Feels Like

Speaking from the International Space Station during the mission, Shukla had shared the strange feeling of disorientation he experienced during his initial days in orbit. “It’s the first time for me, so I don’t know what to expect [upon return],” he said. “The only hope is — I did have some symptoms coming up — so I am hoping that I will not have it going down. Unless and until I get the worst of both worlds and I get it both the times.”

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Many astronauts deal with “space motion sickness” during the early days of their mission. This occurs when the brain receives mixed signals from the inner ear, which is crucial for balance on Earth. Upon return, the challenge reverses — as the body tries to function under the force of gravity again, simple actions like standing or walking can temporarily become difficult.

According to official reports, Shukla and his team will soon be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for further recovery and evaluation, either by sea or air.

Post-Flight Rehabilitation

As per Polash Sannigarhi, Chief Instructor, Aeromedical, Training Center, Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad, there are many rounds of medical checks that an astronaut undergoes. Being a flight surgeon himself, he writes in the paper, "Post-flight rehabilitation of an astronaut after long duration mission in space: Through the eyes of a flight surgeon" published in 2023.

Post-flight Medical Evaluation

Medical assessments begin within a day of landing (R+1) and cover a wide range of investigations:

Laboratory Tests: Conducted per NASA’s MEDB guidelines to assess biochemical and physiological parameters.

Physical Examination: Daily systemic check-ups by a flight surgeon to monitor overall health.

Anthropometry: Measurement of height and body mass to assess fluid shift and skeletal changes.

Psychological Assessments: Conducted privately by a mission psychologist on R+1 and R+10.

Sensorimotor and Vestibular Tests: Includes dynamic posturography and mobility assessments to evaluate balance and spatial orientation.

Ophthalmologic and Audiological Tests: Exams such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, orbital MRI, and audiometry.

Cardiorespiratory Assessment: ECG post-landing and spiro-ergometry on R+5 to assess VO₂ max.

Nutritional, Radiation, and Sleep Assessments: Involves dietary surveys, urine and blood sampling, dosimeter analysis, and sleep quality tracking.

Radiological Imaging: Targeted MRIs and ultrasounds are performed based on clinical indications.

Post-flight Physical Rehabilitation

This begins as early as the first day post-landing and is tailored to individual needs. A multidisciplinary team — including a Flight Surgeon, Physiotherapist, and Exercise Specialist — oversees it.

Initial Days (R0–R+1): Massage therapy for muscle relaxation.

R+2 to R+7: Structured exercise routines, including warm-ups, back and leg activation exercises, gait training, balance drills, and posture work using equipment like resistance bands.

Hydrotherapy (Following Week): Aquatic activities like aqua jogging and ball games mimic microgravity and help recondition muscles in a low-impact environment.

Core anti-gravity muscles such as the multifidus and transversus abdominis are monitored using ultrasound to track structural recovery. Flexibility and proprioception exercises are gradually reintroduced. Astronauts avoid jumping or high-impact activities until deemed fit by the team.

Each day concludes with team reviews to adapt the next day’s plan based on physical response. The program’s primary goal is to return astronauts to their pre-flight physical condition safely, without overexertion or injury.