Bipolar Disorder
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar
Bipolar is known as a manic-depressive illness. Individuals have shifts in moods, energy, activity levels, and these impact a person’s ability to complete daily tasks. These mood shifts are different than the typical person may experience.
People having a manic episode may:
- Feel very “up” or elated
- Have a lot of energy
- Have increased activity levels, more active than usual
- Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
- Sleep trouble
- Talk really fast about a lot of different things
- Be agitated or irritable
- Feel like their thoughts are racing or going very fast
- Think they can do a lot of things at once
- Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex
People having a depressive episode may:
- Feel very sad, down, empty, or hopeless
- Have very little energy
- Have decreased activity levels
- Sleep trouble, they may sleep too little or too much
- Feel like they can’t enjoy anything
- Feel worried and empty
- Trouble concentrating
- Forget things a lot
- Eat too much or too little
- Feel tired or “slowed down”
- Think about death or suicide
A trained mental health professional should evaluate the person and make the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Bipolar
Treatment for bipolar can help individuals address their symptoms and gain control of the mood swings.
Treatment can help many people, even those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. An effective treatment plan usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder have more mood stability, while others still experience lingering symptoms. Long-term, continuous treatment helps to control these symptoms.
At Arbor Place, we have professionals in our outpatient clinic who can work with you to treat bipolar. Don’t wait – things can get better.