What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder distinguished by periodic, intense emotional states or mood episodes. Different to mood fluctuations that are part of commonly lived experiences, mood episodes can last a couple of days to several weeks, instead of a few hours. However, rapid cycling can also occur for some, meaning that these mood episodes can shift even within a day. Additionally, these intense emotional states are accompanied by extreme changes in behavior, affecting a person’s mood, energy, and daily functioning. Bipolar disorder does not have a direct cause, but research shows that biological factors and certain environmental factors (i.e. stress, sleep disruption, drugs/alcohol misuse, etc.) can increase the risk of bipolar disorder.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
There are three diagnoses that fall under the bipolar disorder category: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. The major differences between the three are the severity of the symptoms experienced in the mood episodes. Mood episodes can either be manic/hypomanic or depressive. Additionally, the average age of onset is mid-20’s. Below is a brief breakdown of signs and symptoms for each:
Manic/Hypomanic Episode:
- Increased energy despite decreased sleep
- Faster/unorganized speech
- Uncontrollable racing thoughts
- Quickly changing topics when speaking
- Increased restlessness (working on multiple things at once)
- Increased impulsivity (reckless driving, spending sprees, sexual promiscuity)
In severe manic episodes, psychotic features may also be present such as disorganized thinking, false beliefs, and/or hallucinations. For hypomanic episodes, symptoms are less severe and do not cause major problems in daily or social life.
Major Depressive Episode:
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep (increase or decrease)
- Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Slowed speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Ways to Cope & Resources
Bipolar disorder may seem daunting and impossible to manage, but there are ways to cope with this disorder that allow people to lead healthy lives. Below are some coping strategies that may be helpful:
- Having a steady routine
- Build a consistent sleep schedule (i.e. waking up and going to sleep at the same time)
- Eat well balanced meals (try avoiding drugs and alcohol)
- Exercise regularly
- Relaxation Skills (i.e. deep breathing, meditation, self-care, etc.)
- Grounding Skills
- Mood Tracking
This is helpful to become aware of patterns in mood episodes. For instance, is there a specific time or day or year where the mood episodes get better/worse? Do the mood episodes come regularly, like every 2 weeks? Knowing these patterns can help in planning appointments (i.e. therapy or medication management) or incorporating other coping skills to avoid going into a manic or depressive episode. - Build a support system
- Trusted friends/family
- Professionals
- Faith/Spiritual Groups
If the techniques above are not enough, and symptoms are very severe, and/or there is suicidal ideation, seeking professional help in mental health therapy and medication can be very beneficial in managing bipolar disorder.
If you, or anybody you know, is struggling with bipolar disorder and need help please reach out to our office at 305-722-5380 and schedule an appointment! We are here to help you and your loved ones. Below are some resources you can print out to get you or a loved one started on managing bipolar disorder:
- Sleep Tips: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/waking-up-refreshed
- Relaxation Skills: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/relaxation-techniques
- Grounding Skills: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/grounding-techniques
- Mood Trackers:
- Bipolar Mood Log: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/bipolar-mood-log
- Daily Mood Tracker: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/daily-mood-chart
- Weekly Mood Tracker: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/weekly-mood-chart
Written by Ivanna Guzman
References
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders#:~:text=Bipolar%20disorders%20are%20mental%20health,weeks%2C%20are%20called%20mood%20episodes.
