Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. It’s devastating to see someone you love suffering from any mental health condition, and early intervention can sometimes be essential. The following article will outline some of the signs of bipolar disorder and what to do about them.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
The most significant bipolar disorder sign is a cycle of heightened mood swings, ranging from deliriously happy to severely depressed. People living with bipolar disorder experience phases of intense irritability, overwhelming sadness, and mania or hypomania.
In young people, the signs of bipolar disorder can be harder to spot. Bipolar disorder can often be confused for depression, ADHD, or anxiety, especially in children or teenagers. Young people tend to display anger and general rebelliousness due to bipolar disorder, but this is common among young people, making bipolar disorder difficult to diagnose. Children tend to cycle more quickly and experience more irritability. They may even suffer from angry outbursts in class.
Bipolar disorder also involves ‘rapid-cycling,’ having four or more episodes over a single year. It is more common in women, but men can experience ‘rapid-cycling,’ too.
Some other signs of bipolar disorder include:
- Suicidal thoughts (depressive phase)
- Lethargy (depressive phase)
- Aches and pains (depressive phase)
- Happiness or joy (manic phase)
- Spending large amounts of money on things they don’t need (manic phase)
- Delusions and hallucinations (manic phase)
How to Support Someone With Bipolar Disorder
There are many things you can do if a loved one has bipolar disorder. The most important thing you can do is be patient and understanding. Your loved one can’t help having bipolar disorder, and they can’t control it.
During a depressive episode, pay attention to the person’s safety and general well-being. It’s crucial to know if they are experiencing any suicidal thoughts, or whether they’ve eaten or showered. In other words, eating proper meals and maintaining personal hygiene are excellent ways to manage depression, and they do make a difference. However, it’s essential not to nag or shame your loved one, making the depression worse. Regular exercise also helps, as well as getting them out of the house.
On the other hand, during a manic episode, patience is critical. Keeping your loved one safe is vital as, during this phase, they are likely to behave recklessly or attempt dangerous things they wouldn’t usually try. You may want to ignore demands for money and ensure they’re eating and sleeping.
It is always crucial to check that your loved one has taken their medication correctly. Missed doses can play havoc on managing the condition and lead to ‘rapid-cycling’ or more intense episodes. Nevertheless, substance abuse is common in bipolar patients.
Depression Treatment at the Oceanfront Recovery Center
The Oceanfront Recovery Center is located two blocks away from the Pacific Ocean. This stunning location is the perfect place for you or your loved one to receive mental health treatment. We offer a wide range of treatment programs such as:
- Depression treatment programs
- OCD treatment
- Schizophrenia treatment programs
- ADHD treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment programs
Our highly-trained staff is friendly and happy to help. For instance, we have an excellent intake team designed to ease the way through admissions. The Oceanfront Recovery Center believes in treating patients with compassion and determination. We offer stylish facilities with the most up-to-date technology and run several alternative therapies, such as equine therapy. We also offer yoga, mental health treatment, and drug and alcohol treatment.
Bipolar disorder can be hard to spot and distressing to see. If you or your loved one need to discuss the signs of bipolar disorder, call the Oceanfront Recovery Center today at 877.296.7477.
