Bipolar Disorder

What are some bipolar disorder symptoms?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that entails extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder often experience very intense ups and equally intense downs, which can be incredibly disruptive to the person who is going through these mood swings and to their loved ones. 

The condition is named manic depression because it includes periods of both mania and depression. 

Some of the changes you might notice during periods of mania include:

• Feeling unusually talkative
• Racing thoughts or difficulty sticking to one topic
• Making poor or impulsive decisions
• Being much more physically active than normal
• Feelings of invincibility or being overly confident

Some of the changes you might notice during periods of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness   
• Having little to no energy
• Inability to concentrate
• Losing interest in many activities
• Losing or gaining weight

While everyone can experience these symptoms, for people with bipolar disorder, they tend to be more pronounced. 

Can treatment help manage bipolar disorder?

Medication is a standard treatment for bipolar disorder. Drug therapy can provide more stability in your everyday life by balancing mood swings. 

Working with a skilled counselor for talk therapy is a critical part of treating bipolar disorder. It’s also essential to come in for periodic medication management visits to ensure your medication is working as it should. 

Alcohol and drug misuse are common among people with bipolar disorder. Many people use substances to try to combat their symptoms. If this is the case, addiction therapy is also an essential part of managing your bipolar disorder. 

How can I support a loved one who is living with bipolar disorder?

Living with or caring about someone with bipolar disorder is not easy. The extreme shifts in mood and behavior can take a toll on relationships. If you’re trying to provide support for someone who has bipolar disorder, take the time to look after your own mental health needs. 

Very often, treating bipolar disorder includes working with friends and loved ones who are affected. You can explore healthy ways to manage your stress, and how to better understand bipolar disorder and what your loved one is going through. 

If you’d like more information, call the office to book a visit, or spend a few moments online to find a time that fits your schedule.