Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness that at the present time has no cure. We all suffer from ups and downs; days when we are low or feeling happy but for bipolar these feelings are disturbingly acute and recurring. For the depressed Bipolar there sometimes seems to be no other option than to try to take their own life. On the flip side of the coin the euphoria is so intense that they can have delusions, hallucinations and threatening life problems.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can endanger your job and school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt daily life. And although bipolar disorder is treatable, many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get help. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms are. Control can only come with treatment and spotting the danger signs when in the early stages is the only way to treat it and recover. There are the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. Two poles whence the term bipolar. The cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function.
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During a manic episode, a person might quit a job, spend countless money on credit cards, and feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, they are too tired to get out of bed and full of dejection and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.
The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t completely understood, but it often runs in families. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in early adulthood. The symptoms can be decieving, so many people with bipolar disorder are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. But with proper treatment and support, you can lead a qualitative life.
Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t get better or lead a normal life.
Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can manage your symptoms.
Some people alternate between episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized called hypomania. People with bipolar disorder can go for long stretches without symptoms. The average is 10-15 episodes a lifetime.
Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Bipolar disorder can coexist with anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure.
Medication is the first step of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and having supportive people to assist you when needed.
Bipolar symptoms vary in different people. The symptoms pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are experience just depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood upheavals, while others show signs and symptoms only a few times over a lifetime.
In Bipolar Disorder there are: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has its own set of symptoms.
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a manic episode often talk continiouslly, sleep very little, and are hyperactive. They may also feel all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness; called delusions of grandeur.
In the beginning, mania feels good, but it has a tendency to get out of control. People often behave recklessly during a manic episode: spending savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments. They may also become angry, irritable, and aggressive when others don’t go along with their plans, and with no regard to other people’s opinion of their behavior. Some people can become delusional or start hearing voices.
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. In a hypomanic state the person feels euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they are able to carry on with their day-to-day lives and they never lose touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if people with hypomania are merely in an unusually good mood. Hypomania can cause bad decisions effecting relationships, careers, and reputations. Hypomania can often turn into full-blown mania and be followed by a major depressive episode.
Certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression. Bipolar depression signs are usually irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. People with bipolar depression also move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight. Bipolar depression can develop into psychotic depression; with hallucinations and loss of touch with reality. The person can experience major disability in work and social functioning.
A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode are depression with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts. The person is a high risk for suicide because of the high energy and low mood.
There are 3 different types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar I Disorder; mania or a mixed episode The classic form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Bipolar II Disorder hypomania and depression; the person doesn’t experience fullblown manic episodes. There are episodes of hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia; hypomania and mild depression; a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings which are less severe than fullblown mania or depression.
Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your career to your relationships to your health. Diagnosing the problem as early as possible and getting into treatment can help prevent these complications. Seek out help if you see signs of Bipolar Disorder in yourself or someone else.
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, recurring illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom free.
There is more to treatment than medication. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
Medication need to be closely monitored. A psychiatrist can help you manage your symptoms, side effects of the medications and your overall mental health. A therapist can help with leaning coping skills for living with Bipolar Disorder. it is a lifetime commitment to making yourself healthy and finding recovery of your life.
Bipolar disorder has no single cause. It appears that certain people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder. Yet not everyone with the genetic background develops the illness.
In order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make the right choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits have a significant impact on your moods. With treatment there is the chance for recovery.
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