Bipolar disorder symptoms are complex. Personality disorders, emotional disorders, depressive disorder and manic disorders are all tied into the process of a diagnosis when bipolar disorder is being treated or considered as a diagnosis. Between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder; many people often mistake one for the other. This is especially difficult to diagnose when there is a substance use disorder in play. Defining the symptoms of bipolar disorder classify symptoms into two major categories; manic and depressive. Through professional evaluations and dual diagnosis, finding the right diagnosis can help make recovery a success that lasts a lifetime. Bipolar disorder is especially misunderstood because of the range of symptoms. Understanding the manic and depressive symptoms can help lend some understanding to this complex diagnosis.
Manic Moments in Bipolar Disorder
The manic side of bipolar disorder can often mimic the symptoms of other disorders. The periods of mania include increased irritability, insomnia, reduced sleep, paranoia, rapid speech and weight fluctuations. Another thing to note with bipolar disorder is that there isn’t a rhythm, pattern or an order to the fluctuations in mood. One is not manic one day and depressed the next. Each time some one experiences one set of symptoms it can last days or months before any other symptoms are experienced. Those that experience bipolar disorder are easily distracted in the manic state.
One explanation of the high feeling of bipolar disorder from WebMD describes the hyper-manic state:
At first when I’m high, it’s tremendous … ideas are fast … like shooting stars you follow until brighter ones appear… All shyness disappears, the right words and gestures are suddenly there … uninteresting people, things, become intensely interesting. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Your marrow is infused with unbelievable feelings of ease, power, well-being, omnipotence, euphoria … you can do anything … but somewhere this changes.
This feeling is often fleeting or shorter lived when it is escalated and those with bipolar disorder then feel too hurried, anxious, overwhelmed and distracted. They can’t keep up with the manic symptoms after a while. This is often the catalyst for depressive polarization in the symptoms. Feeling the failure to keep up with the manic state that was previously so invigorating can explain why depression can follow.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms : Depressive Phase
As mentioned before, there is not an order to what happens next in bipolar disorder behaviors. Each person is unique and different; which makes this disorder not only complex but often confusing for everyone. Bipolar Disorder has also been linked to the diagnosis of manic depression because of the severity of the depressive state. Those with bipolar disorder become extremely self critical to the point of not being able to get out of bed or perform daily tasks.
The most devastating aspect of the depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder is the extreme intensity of the depression. Suicidal thoughts or self harm behaviors may be present in these cases. These phases of overwhelming sadness can be scary for not only the person experiencing them; but also the support system that surrounds the person with bipolar disorder. It’s important to address these symptoms and seek professional help to ensure that the right therapy can be used to help in these times. There is great hope and power that is obtained when seeking help. Not only do you gain the insight of professionals to help understand the symptoms and correct treatment; but you also gain more allies in the battle to regain your life!
There is Hope in Every Stage of Bipolar Disorder
With the great strides in technology and medical research, those that have the diagnosis of bipolar do not have to live in despair. There are a variety of medical options from prescription medications to therapies of all kinds. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder may be hard to swallow at first but for many people it can actually make a lot of sense out of behaviors over their life time. Those that have a family history of mental health concerns or have suffered through traumatic events earlier in their lives may be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Knowing what you are combatting can make the battle easier to fight. Maintaining a diligent treatment plan can help those involved learn the right skills to cope.
Residential treatment can be very advantageous for those with bipolar disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorders. Those that suffer from the symptoms like the ones seen with bipolar disorder often use substances to help self medicate and cover up the symptoms they experience. As with many substances, the effect may be highly addictive. Many times it can quell symptoms so much that those that abuse substances don’t think they have a problem because they seem to be getting along fine. They have a difficult time seeing the areas of life that they are damaging. Often relationships suffer, they become more isolated from friends and family members.
Finding treatment takes a great deal of strength because the road to recovery is never easy. If one could simply ‘get better’ without professional assistance then there would be no need for therapy or residential treatment programs. The fact that these evidence based treatment programs show results and have been proven to give those living with mental health conditions a voice outside of their negative symptoms makes it’s own argument.
Many of the graduates at New Roads Behavioral Health keep their sobriety and maintain their mental health extremely well after treatment. The secret to their success is in our diverse and talented team of professionals with years of experience. Learning the right skill set for each individual case directs clients towards success that can truly lead to a lifetime of happiness. If you or some one that you know could benefit from a free evaluation, please don’t hesitate to call New Roads. We are here to help: 888-358-8998