Bipolar Disorder, Symptoms, and Living with it

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves extreme mood swings. These mood swings involve phases of mania and phases of depression. These mood swings can cause disruption in almost every area of a person’s life. This includes personal relationships, academics, socializing, their job, and daily life.

Mania

Mania is an extreme mood that can consist of sleeplessness, restlessness, irritability, and hyperactivity. While experiencing mania, some people can feel happy and like they can do anything. In this state a person can be very talkative, distracted, and have racing thoughts. They may also indulge in reckless behavior such as gambling or substance abuse, spend money freely, and be more sexually driven than usual. If the mania is severe enough, it may require hospitalization.

Depression

The other phase of bipolar disorder is deep depression. Bipolar depression symptoms include: pervasive sadness, lack of interest in daily life, fatigue, disturbed sleeping and eating patterns, lack of concentration, impaired focus and memory, suicidal thoughts, inability to feel pleasure, hopelessness, bouts of crying, and feeling empty and worthless.

How Often Do Mood Swings Occur?

A person struggling with bipolar disorder can have mood swings a few times a year.

Who is At Risk for Developing Bipolar Disorder?

Though it can manifest at any age, this mental health condition usually starts in the teenage years through to the early twenties. It rarely develops in someone past their 40s.

What Does Bipolar Disorder Feel Like?

Having bipolar disorder means that you cycle between periods of mania and depression at least a couple of times a year. It can be disorienting, as you may not remember all that you do during the period of mania you experienced.

Living with bipolar disorder can result in strained relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.

Some people feel that they lack a sense of identity.

It can be exhausting for you if you are constantly managing your wellness and trying not to relapse. Combined with the pressures and stresses of life, work, or academics, it can be overwhelming.

It can cause other underlying conditions such as anxiety.

People may also feel the stigma of a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder.

Others feel a lack of control over their moods, emotions, and life. Some also have a fear of when their next relapse will be.

Why Does Bipolar Disorder Happen?

While there is not one definite cause of bipolar disorder, it is thought to be triggered by genetics, your environment, and past trauma.

How to Treat Bipolar Disorder and Can it be Cured?

Bipolar disorder is a condition that does not go away. It has to be managed throughout a person’s life through medication, therapy, and a healthy lifestyle. The medication must be continued even during times when you are feeling well. Along with medication, therapy is highly recommended for someone who has this mental health condition. A combination of talk therapy and medication can enable you to live a healthy and productive life.

Getting Help

Having bipolar disorder not only creates disturbance in your life, but also in the lives of your loved ones and those that live with you. With the proper treatment from a mental health professional, you can manage your symptoms. This will enable you to maintain your quality of life and that of your loved ones.

The right medication, therapy, and a commitment to keeping yourself well, can enable you to have a fulfilling life living with bipolar disorder. Do your research, talk to your mental health caregiver, learn more about this condition, and find a support group to join. Eating right, sleeping well, and physical activity is crucial to the healthy management of this condition.

FAQs

I think I could use the support of a mental health professional. How do I start therapy?

Talk to someone you trust, like your primary care physician. They should be able to recommend a therapist to you. You can also talk to a trusted friend or family member who may also know someone. These days, many mental health professionals offer therapy sessions online, via telehealth. This is a convenient option if you have do not have the time or flexibility to regularly commute to and from therapy sessions.

Some clinics also offer free initial consultations, to best assess your therapeutic needs. For example, at Trust Mental Health we offer a free 15 minute consultation to help you get started.

Finally, think about why you are looking to start therapy and what your ultimate goals are for yourself. Your first session will usually consist of your therapist asking you this very question, along with asking about your background. To get the best out of your treatment, be open to and engaged with your therapist, and always be honest.

Will therapy help me?

The benefits of therapy are many. It can help you identify the behaviors and thought patterns that are not serving you. Therapy can help you process, work through, and heal from past trauma and difficult life events. Through treatment, you will develop a greater level of self-awareness. You will learn tools to cope with your symptoms. You will learn to identify your triggers, practice meaningful self-care, and hold space for yourself. The skills you learn in therapy will last you in the long-term. In time, you will be able to find joy in your life and relationships.

Will therapy help my relationship?

Couples counseling can help improve your relationship. Through this type of therapy you will learn better communication, which is essential in any relationship. You will also learn how to effectively manage conflict and disagreements. When you are able to better communicate your needs, your dynamic with your partner will improve. Couples counseling gives each partner the tools they need in order to feel heard and to express themselves productively. Therapy will improve your emotional connection, and help you understand each other better. It will allow both of you to relate to each other in a healthy way. Relationship therapy also helps people identify their patterns of behavior that add to dysfunction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder or any other mental health condition, Trust Mental Health is here to help. Contact us for a free 15 minute consultation to get matched to a therapist.