Understanding Bipolar Disorders
In life, ups and downs are inevitable. But sometimes, those ups and downs can start interfering with daily life and your relationships. That’s when it stops being just part of life and something more serious. Bipolar disorder is a severe and long-term illness that can cause those ups and downs – not to mention shifts in moods and energy – to become more extreme.
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings that are usually divided into two types: manic episodes and depressive episodes. During a manic episode, individuals can feel “high” or irritable and during depressive episodes, they may feel the complete opposite – sad and hopeless. Drastic changes in energy and behavior can accompany these extreme changes in mood.
The following symptoms are signs and indicators of bipolar disorder:
During the manic phase:
- Increased energy and activity
- Restlessness
- Excessively “high” euphoric mood
- Extreme irritability
- Racing thoughts that jump from one idea to another
- Talking extremely quickly
- Distractibility, lack of concentration
- Little sleep needed, followed by the use or abuse of sleeping medications
- Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
- Poor judgment
- Spending sprees
- Lasting period of behavior different from the usual
- Increased sex drive
- Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine and alcohol
- Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
- Denial that anything is wrong
During the depressive phase:
- A lasting sad or empty mood
- Heightened anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Decreased energy, a feeling of being fatigued or “slowed down”
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Restlessness or irritability
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Change in appetite or an unintended weight loss or gain
- Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that aren’t caused by illness or injury
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Having bipolar disorder isn’t a lifetime sentence. It is treatable and manageable. Take a step towards recovery by contacting Brookhaven Hospital today at 888-298-4673.
