21 Warning Signs Someone Is Bipolar
What is Bipolar? Many people have the misconception or make assumptions and immediately go into a big conversation about how you shouldn't be near that person, that the person is bad, etc. So I want to explain to you what is bipolar. Before you judge another person with Bipolar or any other illness or disease, research or be informed.
Bipolar Disorder, formerly called manic depressive, is a mental illness that involves that the sufferer having at least one manic (overly excited or irritable mood) or nearly manic (hypomanic) episode. The mood swings of this condition can last for weeks at a time and can cause significant work and relationship problems.
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder,
is a disease of the brain that affects 5.5 million Americans. It causes unusual
shifts in mood; sufferers can swing from incredible highs of manic energy to
gut wrenching lows of depression. It can also make everyday life much more
difficult, as it can be trouble at work, relationships, and school. Left
untreated it can even lead to suicide. Bipolar Disorder can be treated, but you
need to know its main characters to identify it.
Extended Periods of
Energy:
There are two abnormal phases when one suffers from bipolar
disorder, a manic phase and a depressive phase. In a manic phase, a feeling of
heightened energy is common. They’ll seem hyperactive and sleep a lot less than
normal. These periods are often accompanied by euphoria and feelings of
confidence and invincibility.
Depression:
On the flip side of manic is the low period, depression.
When someone is in a depressed state, you may notice the following signs: prolonged
sadness, pessimism, loss of appetite, unexplained aches and pains, loss of
energy and feelings of guilt.
People with bipolar disorder usually experience the
depression more often than then mania (the highs). It’s usually during these
stages that most people seek professional help.
Irritable:
Not everyone who is irritable is bipolar, but irritability
is a common indicator when combined with other symptoms. Everybody is irritable
at some point but people with bipolar disorder it becomes so severe that it
interferes with their relationships.
Difficulty at Work:
Working can be especially difficult with bipolar disorder.
Both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder can and will make for
difficulties at work. People with bipolar disorder most often thrive in
structured environments with regular schedules. Bipolar disorder sufferers
should also learn coping techniques to help them manage their different phases.
Alcohol Abuse:
Bipolar disorder and alcoholism often go hand in hand. About half the people who suffer bipolar
disorder also struggle with alcoholism. There’s also some research that
indicates that there is a genetic link between bipolar depression and a
propensity for alcoholism.
Bipolar sufferers often drink to ease the symptoms
especially when in a depressive phase. Drinking may seem to help, but in the
long run it makes symptoms much worse. In a manic phase, the loss of
inhibitions and feelings of invincibility do not make a good combination with
alcohol.
Drug Abuse:
Just as with alcohol, drug abuse and bipolar disorder are
also linked as up to 60% of bipolar sufferers also abuse drugs. Most drug abuse
occurs when bipolar sufferers are attempting to self-medicate themselves to
better manage their highs and lows.
Hallucinations:
Hallucinations, though rare, can occur, especially during a
severe manic phase. And although rarer, hallucinations can also occur during a
depressive state as well. In either case, if hallucinations do start to occur,
they need to be taken very seriously, as they reflect an extreme serious episode
and likely indicates need for hospitalization.
Unable to Finish
Tasks:
One of the hallmarks of bipolar disorder is a house full of
half completed projects. Often times when a sufferer of bipolar disorder is in
their manic phase, they’ll start a flurry of new projects. But they’ll end up going from task to task
planning grand unrealistic projects. But too often, they’ll end up moving to
something else before completing any one project. Even though a manic person has
a lot energy, they’re often to easily distracted to finish anything.
Rapid Speech:
Rapid or “pressured” speech is one of the most common
symptoms of bipolar disorder. This occurs because the person really isn’t
really in a two-way conversation. The person will talk rapidly and if you try
to them, they will talk over you. They’ll also just jump around to different
topic s.
Erratic Behavior:
Erratic behavior for a bipolar depressive usually occurs
during a manic phase. In the manic phase, bipolar suffers often have feelings
of invincibility and often make bad decisions. Two of the most common behaviors
are unusual sexual behavior and spending sprees.
Difficulty Sleeping:
Bipolar disorder may affect sleep in many different ways.
One may get insomnia in many different phases. While the opposite may be true
during the depressive stage as sufferers may sleep far too much. Bipolar
Sufferers often also suffer from sleep apnea, irregular sleep schedules and
when they do sleep, they find they are lacking in the deep sleep of REM and
dreams.
Mind is always Racing:
Racing thoughts are a
symptom of manic health. It’s more than just thinking fast though. They are
thoughts that just won’t stop constantly either in the background and sometimes
even taking over a person’s consciousness. People who suffer from a racing mind
have problems with concentration and focus. They’ll also have difficulty going
to sleep. Other symptoms including a pounding heart, or pulse or and a drumming
in the left ear. “You know who you are!” They also have difficulty
Self-confidence is usually a good thing. But in a manic
state manic stake it goes well beyond normal self-confidence. In a manic state,
sufferers often feel they can accomplish anything and everything.
Unrealistic Beliefs
in One’s Abilities:
There’s a downside to this feeling though. Often, this will
lead to reckless behavior and taking unnecessary risks. This can lead to
spending sprees, drug abuse, and ill-advised business decisions or
Impulsive sexual indiscretions
Feelings of hopeless
and sad:
Depression can be much worse than
just feeling mentally than just feeling mentally and physically work. Extreme
sadness and hopeless not can also be a symptom.
Feeling guilty, anxiety,
indifference, disinterest, and indecisiveness are all are all symptoms of
depression. This can all lead to suicidal thoughts. (Thank God you don’t battle
with this) If you or someone else starts having suicidal thoughts, see a Doctor
immediately.
Physical and Mental Sluggishness:
Mental and Physical sluggishness
are a symptom of a depressive phase of bipolar disorder. When one is depressed
everything takes much more effort. Even small tasks take extra effort.
If you feel depressed you should see a doctor
to get treatment. Drugs such as lithium and other mood stabilizers can help
manager of attacks of depression.
Slow Speech:
The flip side of mania is a
depressive phase, the depressive phase usually lasts much longer than manic and
it can be quite a bit more damaging.
In a depressed state, the mind
starts slowing down and feeling and the body becomes lethargic. Both of these
will cause speech to slow.
Unexplained Aches and Pains:
Some people in a depressive phase
also experience unexplained aches and pains. The most common complaints are
headaches, back and shoulder pains, chest palpitations, and chest pains.
Change in Appetite:
In a depressed state, a loss
appetite is very common. Food becomes tasteless and uninteresting. Although in
some cases the reverse is true, as some people turn to comfort eating to cope
with their depression.
