Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition once referred to as manic depression, can be incredibly disruptive to daily life. This disorder is most well known for the extreme highs and lows it imparts, making it difficult for a person to experience stability in their work and personal lives. World Bipolar Day, celebrated on March 30th each year, is the perfect time to bring awareness to this challenging condition, reduce the stigma and stereotypes surrounding it, and encourage everyone to get the mental health treatment they deserve to find peace and balance in their lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing extreme emotional turbulence, it’s time to get a proper diagnosis. You can find treatment for bipolar disorder and other mental health concerns at Promises Brazos Valley.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can be particularly disruptive to one’s life because of the extreme fluctuations between manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes refer to periods of high energy and elation, while depressive episodes are what you would typically see in someone with depression: sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar I
The most common and most severe type of bipolar disorder, bipolar I, involves episodes of mania lasting at least one week and depressive episodes that last for two or more weeks. However, some people diagnosed with bipolar I experience only manic episodes.
Bipolar II
Bipolar II is considered to be less severe than bipolar I. Those with this condition have what are known as hypomanic episodes, a milder version of manic episodes. Depressive episodes are also a part of bipolar II, but they are less severe than those experienced with bipolar I. To be diagnosed with bipolar II, a person would need to experience one or more hypomanic episodes of at least four days and one or more depressive episodes that last more than two weeks.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder includes hypomanic and depressive episodes that are milder than those found in bipolar I and II. The key difference is that these episodes tend to be shorter—a few days to a week—and a person typically has to experience these milder episodes for at least two years to be diagnosed.
What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms can be divided between those involved in manic episodes and those that occur during depressive episodes.
During Manic Episodes
Manic episodes may include the following symptoms:
- Elevated mood
- High energy
- Feeling less need for sleep
- Speaking very quickly
- Being easily distracted
- Increased confidence
- Racing thoughts
Those experiencing manic episodes may become highly motivated and hyper-fixated on whatever it is they wish to accomplish at the time. While this increased productivity may seem very positive, there is a downside. Manic episodes can also make a person very impulsive, so they might make poor decisions that can lead to problems at work and home. Some people may be drawn to addictive behaviors like gambling or shopping during these episodes, which can land them in financial trouble.
During Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes can involve the following bipolar disorder symptoms:
- Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time
- Feeling tired or run down
- Unintentional changes in weight
- Loss of interest in activities
- Having difficulty focusing
- Low sense of self-worth
The severity of depressive episodes can vary, but in extreme cases, a person might experience suicidal ideations, which is why it is so crucial to get a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Schedule an Assessment for Mental Health Treatment at Promises Brazos Valley Today
While World Bipolar Day helps shed light on the challenges experienced by those with this condition, it is essential to dispel stigma and show compassion every day. If you think someone you care about may be dealing with bipolar disorder, encourage them to reach out to Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 or through our online contact form and schedule an assessment.