Mood swings can happen to anyone, as it is human nature to feel an array of emotions throughout the day. Some individuals are more sensitive to life’s events and feel things more intensely. Others may have a calmer attitude and not be affected so deeply by occurrences. But there is a disorder where moods fluctuate so drastically that it is very hard to live normally. Bipolar Disorder is this debilitating condition.
Bipolar symptoms can run the gamut from euphoria and feelings of high energy to despair, hopelessness and depression. This condition is also known as manic depression, and it can affect men, women and children. When men are afflicted with Bipolar Disorder, they tend to have more manic episodes, while women are more prone to depression.
During a manic episode, the individual will feel very happy and full of high energy. In fact, the energy level may be so high that there will be no sleep. Impulsive behavior can easily occur during one of these episodes, and decisions may be made that can have very negative consequences on the person’s life, such as compulsive shopping that adds up to high bills and debt. A manic episode may include distorted ways of thinking. The person who is experiencing one of these episodes may feel that he or she can do no wrong and is capable of anything. Speech will be very rapid, and thoughts may race. Concentration levels will also be low, and delusions can occur if the condition is severe.
When an episode of depression occurs, the person will feel hopeless, helpless and very sad. There may be weight and sleep problems, and irritability may also occur. The mind will be sluggish, as well as the body. Concentration levels will be low, and nothing seems worthwhile or enjoyable. The memory will also be affected, with forgetfulness becoming more of a problem. Restlessness may add to the negative feelings that are part of a depression episode. Psychotic depression, where the individual loses touch with reality, is a possibility. There may also be thoughts of suicide. There is a greater chance of suicide with bipolar depression than there is with bouts of regular depression.
Bipolar symptoms can also include a mixed bag of both mania and depression, where energy levels may be high but the general mood will be low. The individual may have racing thoughts, insomnia, be easily distracted and feel anxious and irritable. This type of episode can run an especially high risk of creating suicidal thoughts.
Since Bipolar Disorder is a chronic condition, it needs to be treated with effective forms of therapy in order to be controlled. This disorder will not go away by itself, and those who suffer with bipolar symptoms will find their lifestyles being severely hampered by the fluctuations of emotions that they are assaulted with from one day to the next.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder can include a combination of therapies. Medication plays a part in the treatment of this disorder, but it will take more than drugs to help an individual who has this condition. Forms of behavior therapy will also benefit the sufferer of Bipolar Disorder, as will changes in lifestyle habits. A healthy diet, a regular exercise routine, learning ways of managing stress, and getting help and support from others, such as loved ones and a support group, are all ways of working through bipolar symptoms and obtaining relief from this disorder.
The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can control a person’s life and deeply affect his or her relationships with others. The condition is treatable, but treatment needs to be long-term.