Many people with bipolar disorder, have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that produces dramatic swings in mood, energy, activity levels, and may affect your ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. It is more than a temporary feeling of being depressed when you are stressed out, or feeling great when something goes really well.
The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t completely understood, but it often appears to be hereditary. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder, usually occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms can be subtle and confusing; many people with bipolar disorder are overlooked or misdiagnosed, resulting in unnecessary suffering. But with proper treatment and support, you can lead a rich and fulfilling life.
Living with bipolar disorder is challenging, but with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can live life fully, while managing your symptoms.
There are two types of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar type 1 disorder means you get bouts of mania and bouts of depression.
Bipolar type 2 disorder also means you get bouts of mania and bouts of depression. But the mania is milder. It is sometimes called hypomania. It’s slightly more common than type 1.
A person with bipolar disorder will alternate between periods of mania (elevated mood), and periods of depression (feelings of intense sadness). In between these two extremes, a person will have periods of normal mood.
Common signs and symptoms of mania include:
- feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or extremely irritable and unrealistic
- grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
- sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic
- talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up
- racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
- highly distractible, unable to concentrate
- impaired judgment and impulsiveness
- acting recklessly, without thinking about the consequences
- delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases).
Certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression.
Bipolar depression is more likely to involve:
- irritability
- guilt
- unpredictable mood swings
- feelings of restlessness.
If you spot the symptoms of bipolar depression in yourself or someone else, seek support and help from a professional. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Living with an untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in all aspects of your life, your career, your relationships, and your health.
- be patient: Don’t expect an immediate and total cure. Have patience with the treatment process. It can take time to find the right program that works for you
- communicate with your treatment provider. Your treatment program will change over time, so keep in close contact with your doctor or therapist
- talk to your provider if your condition or needs change, and be honest about your symptoms and any medication side effects
- taking your medication as instructed. It is important not to skip or change your dose without first talking with your doctor
- getting therapy. While medication may be able to manage some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, therapy teaches you skills you can use, in all areas of your life. Therapy can help you learn how to deal with your disorder, cope with problems, regulate your mood, change the way you think, and improve your relationships.