Bipolar Disorder

• Do you experience extremely intense mood swings?
• Do you shift from feeling incredibly sad, lonely, hopeless, and drained, to feeling extremely euphoric, indestructible, impulsive, and like you’re on top of the world?
• Are these highs and lows so dramatic that they keep you from functioning normally?

If so, it’s possible that you are suffering from a mood disorder known as bipolar (also known as manic depression).  It’s important to know that you are not alone – over 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, too.

People with bipolar disorder experience dramatic shifts in energy levels, mood, and ability to function normally on a day-to-day basis.  These shifts represent a cycle of “manic episodes” and “depressive episodes,” which I will explain in more detail.

There is much variation in sufferers’ experiences with bipolar disorder.  Some people experience a shift between mania and depression multiple times in a day, whereas others go through the cycle only a few times a year.  Also, there are several types of bipolar disorder depending on the specific degree to which you experience manic and depressive states.  Bipolar symptoms can vary greatly from person-to-person, in both type and severity, but I will list some of the most common ones.

If you believe you may have bipolar disorder, you can treat this symptom list as a checklist to get an idea of whether you’re experiencing some of the components of bipolar.  However, please keep in mind that this is for informational purposes only- it’s not a scientific list or diagnostic tool.  For a proper assessment, you’ll need to consult a mental health professional.

Symptoms of Mania/Manic Episodes:

 Impulsive, risky behavior (such as expensive shopping sprees, spontaneously quitting your job, one night stands with unknown partners, etc.)

 Restlessness

 Easily distracted

 Talking very quickly and jumping from topic to topic

 Racing thoughts

 Feeling unusually outgoing, hyper, energetic, etc.

 Needing less sleep

 Extreme optimism

 Feeling of invincibility (which can lead to dangerous behavior)

 Delusions and hallucinations (in more severe cases)

Symptoms of Depression/Depressive Episodes:

 Feeling unusually tired, drained, and/or sluggish

 Difficulty making choices, concentrating, and performing other mental tasks

 Easily irritated

 Feelings of hopelessness

 Significant increase or decrease in appetite

 Contemplating or attempting suicide

 Feeling empty and lonely

 Less interest in activities previously enjoyed

 Decreased sex drive

Impact of Bipolar

If you have bipolar, you may find that it affects many areas of your life.  Here are some examples:

-   Work (you may find it difficult to concentrate on tasks; you may make impulsive decisions such as quitting or just not showing up)

-   School (you may have trouble completing homework or concentrating on exams)

-   Romantic relationships (you may have difficulty interacting in a healthy, stable way with a partner due to your mood swings; you may get into fights frequently)

-   Friendships (you may have trouble developing close friendships if your mood swings upset others; you may push others away when you’re experiencing depressive episodes)

But What If I Enjoy The Manic Phases?

One of the main barriers in conquering the disorder is that many people enjoy the euphoric feelings that come with manic episodes.  While the experience of mania might be pleasurable in some ways, it’s important to remember that it causes destruction to yourself and those who care about you.  For instance, your impaired judgment, feeling of invincibility, and impulsivity might lead you to make a hazardous decision such as driving far above the speed limit or trying a dangerous drug.

A manic episode might feel good to you in the moment, but it’s NOT a safe mental state, and the crash you’ll feel afterwards when you shift back to a depressive episode will be that that much worse.  It’s worth getting your moods stabilized, and you will be happier overall if you can protect yourself from these extreme highs and extreme lows.

Self-Help Suggestions

Since the individual experiences of those with bipolar disorder can be greatly varied, coping methods that work for one person may not work for another. However, the following suggestions may help you to improve your ability to manage your illness:

• Stick with a routine in regards to meal times, sleep times, etc.  This regularity may help to stabilize your moods.  Along the same lines, ensure that you are taking good care of yourself physically and mentally by exercising, sleeping enough, avoiding high-stress situations, eating nutritiously, spending quality time with loved ones, etc.
• Learn about what may trigger your mood swings, and also get to know your mental or physical warning signs that you’re about to switch into a manic or depressive episode.  This knowledge will give you a greater sense of control, and you may find that you’re able to reduce the severity of your mood swings if you understand what factors influence them.
• Join a support group for people with bipolar disorder.  Meeting others who know what you’re going through will remind you that you’re not alone and you’re not crazy – you’re suffering from a disorder that many others are experiencing, too.  This group can be a great support system for you as you learn to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Seeking Professional Treatment

While the above methods may be helpful in reducing the severity of your suffering, they are NOT meant to replace psychotherapy treatment.  Bipolar disorder will not get better on its own, and if left untreated, it often worsens.

Fortunately, there are qualified mental health specialists who are trained in techniques such cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help you learn how to avoid your triggers, and alter your thought and behavior patterns to lessen the impact of your mood swings.

Plenty of bipolar sufferers have experienced a dramatic reduction in the severity of their symptoms and suffering, thanks to professional treatment.  You deserve the same.  Don’t allow bipolar disorder to consume your daily life and prevent you from living happily and healthfully. For more information, you can contact Mark Dworkin LCSW at (516) 731-7611 or mark@markdworkin.com or check out Mark’s mental health store for helpful videos on topics such as: “Dealing with Depression,” “Control Bipolar Disorder,” “Build Your Teen’s Self Esteem,” and more.

Mark is available for speaking engagements for the general public and professional communities, radio and tv appearances, seminars, webinars, enhancing professional development, workshops and trainings.

Please note: If you (or a loved one) are feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, or for immediate emergency assistance, call 911.