Bipolar disorder is a mental health challenge in which common emotions become intense and unpredictably magnified. Someone with Bipolar Disorder may swing from extremely happy emotions and energy, to sadness and confusion. These shifts can be stressful, unpredictable and overwhelming for the sufferer and those who love him or her.
If someone has Bipolar Disorder, they likely demonstrate manic behavior, depressive behavior, or a mix. Here are a few characteristics:
Manic Behaviors
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Intense energy (fast speaking, pressure to keep talking)
- Racing thoughts
- Anxious distress
- Extreme and exaggerated behaviors
- Extremely high self-esteem or belief in abilities (complete a project in hours, not days etc)
- Reduced need for sleep and not feeling fatigued despite not sleeping
- Poor judgement and risky behaviors (dangerous stunts, lavish spending)
- A stark contrast to previous behaviors exhibited above
- Fatigue
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Pessimism
- Potential recurring thoughts of suicide or death
Similar to most mental health, Bipolar Disorder can stem from a combination of things, but a family history of mood disorders can can be a predictor of the disorder.
How can I Help Myself or Someone I Love Who May Have Bipolar Disorder?
Like most mental health, Bipolar Disorder becomes concerning depending on how long someone is exhibiting manic behaviors, how persistent the extreme, energized feelings are, and the impact that such feelings have on his or her ability to function in everyday life. If the manic behaviors last more than one week, take note.
Here are some tools you can use to address Bipolar Disorder:
- Keep a daily record of your mood: Tracking your mood, symptoms and sleep patterns can help you see how often you are feeling manic or depressed.
- Seek Professional Support: A doctor or therapist can help you understand concerning moods or extremes in behavior. A therapist can also provide cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy or group therapy to help you manage and cope with this disorder.
- Consider mood stabilizing medicine: As you work with a doctor, he or she may recommend mood stabilizing medication to help you better manage your mood and curb the extremes you feel. Though medicine helps, it does not likely eliminate symptoms.
- Keep a consistent schedule: Predictable daily routines may help ease symptoms.
The unpredictable symptoms and behaviors of a person experiencing Bipolar Disorder can be startling and at times, scary for partners, family and friends of the individual. Partners, friendships, co-workers or parents/children may feel helpless or overwhelmed during episodes. Communication is vital to managing your mental health. Speak often with those around you. Discuss your symptoms, feelings and what others may be noticing about you. Help others recognize when you need help or space. Consider couple’s or family therapy to better solve problems around symptoms, and work together as a team. A counselor at Renew Relationship Counseling is available to answer questions or set up an appointment to help you assess your experience and develop strategies to cope with this difficult, but possible challenge.
Hayley Jensen holds a B.A. in Journalism and a Masters Degree in University Administration and is a contributor to the Renew Relationship Counseling blog. Renew Relationship Counseling is a therapeutic clinic that specializes in relationship- focused services. For more information, visit: www.RenewRealationshipCounseling.com
About The Author: Hayley Jensen holds a B.A. in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in University Administration and is a contributor to the Renew Relationship Counseling blog. Renew Relationship Counseling is a therapeutic clinic that specializes in relationship- focused services. For more information, visit www.RenewRealationshipCounseling.com
Sources:
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-bipolar-mania-how-is-it-diagnosed-38031
- https://www.apa.org/topics/bipolar/index
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195640/
- https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2017/Loving-Someone-with-Bipolar-Disorder
- Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash
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This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition, nor to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical, mental health, or relational condition. Never disregard professional medical or mental health advice, or delay in seeking it,
because of this article.
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