Signs You Might Have Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder or loving someone who experiences this mental health disorder is never easy. Finding the right mental health provider to partner with can make the experience easier to navigate. 

For many residents of Houston, Texas, the team at Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center is a valuable resource for managing this complex condition. 

What is bipolar disorder, and how does it develop?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of intense emotions that swing from one extreme to another. People who experience bipolar disorder go through times of remarkable highs and dramatic lows. Very often, periods of relatively stable moods fall between these swings. 

We all move between various moods as we go through the joys and troubles of life. But for people with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, these mood swings are incredibly pronounced and often interfere with normal routines. 

Researchers don’t know the precise cause of bipolar disorder. It seems that some people with the condition have different physical structures in their brains as compared with individuals who do not show symptoms. There also appears to be a genetic link, and people with a close family member with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop it. 

How can I tell if I have bipolar disorder?

Mood is subjective. It’s not something that can be easily measured or quantified. However, we can understand what is considered to fall within a range of “normal” by observing others and gathering information on how various moods affect individuals. 

Most of us know what it’s like to feel the effects of elevated or depressed moods. But in people with bipolar disorder, these highs and lows are more extreme, to the point that they get in the way of success in relationships, at work, and in other social settings. 

Sometimes, people with bipolar disorder are not fully aware of the intensity of their highs and lows. Often, it’s friends and family who notice that there may be a problem. 

The elevated mood side of bipolar disorder creates episodes of mania. Some of the things a person might feel during manic episodes include:

• Feelings of invincibility
• Talking more than usual and faster than usual
• Racing thoughts
• Reduced need for sleep
• Poor decision-making
• Increased impulsivity
• Engaging in high-risk activities

Hypomania is a less-severe form of mania. You might have the same feelings, but at a less intense level. 

The depressed mood side of bipolar disorder leads to periods of deep emotional lows. Some of the feelings associated with depressive episodes include:

• Feeling intensely sad or hopeless
• Feeling fatigued
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Losing interest in hobbies or favorite things
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Losing or gaining weight

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is shaped according to the specific type of symptoms you experience as well as their severity. Symptoms can develop at any age, but many people are diagnosed during their teens or in early adulthood. 

Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated

Treating bipolar disorder involves taking steps to help manage emotional highs and lows. There are various ways to treat the issue, and many people benefit from a combination of treatment efforts. 

Medication is a front-line treatment option that can help regulate moods quickly. This is especially important for people with bipolar disorder who are at risk of self-harm, are intensely distressed, or are engaging in high-risk behaviors. 

There are multiple medications to choose from, and each individual responds to drug therapy in a unique way. It may take time to find the best fit for you, so try to be patient as you move through the process. 

Various forms of talk therapy can also be beneficial. You’ll work with a highly skilled therapist to stabilize your daily routines and learn more about bipolar disorder. These steps can help you feel more in control of your mental health. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another form of talk therapy that teaches you how to identify negative or problematic thought patterns and replace them with healthier thoughts that better align with reality. 

When you’re ready to look into treatment options in more depth, feel free to schedule a consultation at Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center. We offer both online and phone scheduling options.