Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that is often misunderstood. Approximately 4% of U.S. adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their life. Of this 4%, an estimated 82% had serious impairment with their condition – making it the highest percentage of impairment amongst mood disorders.
With bipolar disorder, early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing it – and even save a life. Signs and symptoms can be hard to spot, but awareness can make all the difference.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is typically known by its extreme mood shifts, affecting energy and activity levels. People with this condition experience intense emotional highs, known as manic episodes and alternating periods of deep depression. These mood swings can be mild but also severe at times, and can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
There are two types of the disorder, bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I is categorized as manic episodes that last for at least seven days or are so severe that an individual needs immediate medical care. Bipolar II is less severe, and the manic episodes are shorter and less intense. Cyclothymic disorder is a milder condition relating to bipolar disorder that includes manic and depressive episodes that are not as intense and do not last very long.
Signs of a Manic Episode
Bipolar disorder is multi-faceted and because of that, there are many different symptoms to look out for. Mania symptoms include:
- Feeling very high up or excited
- Being extremely irritable or touchy
- Feeling jumpy or highly active
- Decreased need for sleep
- Talking rapidly
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling capable of multiple tasks at once
- Excessive pleasure seeking
- Feeling disproportionately important or powerful
Manic episodes will look different depending on whether an individual has bipolar I or II. They will also vary from person to person and each one’s personality. It’s important to note when these symptoms are consistent and heightened for extended periods of time.
Depressive Symptoms to Look For
Depressive episodes can be quite dangerous for people struggling with bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depressive episodes can be harder to spot, especially if the affected person keeps their thoughts and feelings internalized. Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
- Feeling incredibly down, sad, or anxious
- Feeling slowed down or restless
- Issues falling asleep and staying asleep/sleeping too much
- Talking slowly with little words
- Trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Feeling unable to do simple tasks
- Lacking interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
Like manic episodes, depressive states will look differently from person to person. It’s important to remain vigilant and compassionate towards anyone you suspect of struggling with bipolar disorder.
It is also possible to have both manic and depressive symptoms in the same episode. This is called an episode with “mixed features,” and can be complicated and confusing for all. Mixed feature episodes can be harder to spot because they do not show the telltale signs of manic vs depressive states.
Spotting Signs of Bipolar Disorder
If you spot signs of bipolar disorder in a loved one, it’s important to address the issue before it goes untreated for too long. Early intervention could save a life. Before you have a conversation with your loved one, be sure to approach the conversations with care and compassion. You do not want to drive them away by coming across as confrontational or angry. Bipolar disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, and is a mental health condition just like anxiety or depression.
If you or a loved one is in need of bipolar disorder treatment, give the team at Alter Behavioral Health a call. We offer all levels of care for mental health treatment from crisis stabilization to residential programs, and beyond into partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient treatment. No one should struggle alone, give Alter a call and change the course of your life for the better.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
