Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can be difficult to identify. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. Many people who suffer from bipolar disorder go for years without being properly diagnosed. This can lead to a lot of problems, both personal and professional. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how to get help if you think you may be suffering from it.
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How To Identify If I Am Bipolar?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by extreme mood swings. These swings can range from feeling extremely elated and happy to feeling very depressed and hopeless. If you think you may be bipolar, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional about your symptoms.
Because this condition is characterized by such extreme mood swings, it can be difficult to diagnose. Often, people with bipolar disorder will only seek help when they are experiencing a depressive episode. This is because mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania) can feel good at the moment, even though it can be destructive in the long run.
So, here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that you are bipolar:
Irritability
It is one of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder. You may find yourself feeling more irritable than usual, and your patience may be shorter. This can be especially true during a depressive episode. Because the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can be so debilitating, many people with the condition may feel angry that they are not able to function normally.
Changes in sleep patterns
Another common symptom of bipolar disorder is changes in sleep patterns. This can manifest as either insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much). During a manic episode, you may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. In contrast, during a depressive episode, you may find yourself wanting to sleep all the time.
Changes in appetite
This might seem like a small thing, but changes in appetite can be a sign of bipolar disorder. If you’re not eating as much as usual or if you’re overeating, it could be a sign that something is off. And appetite changes can lead you to major weight fluctuation, which is another symptom of bipolar disorder.
Fatigue
If you’re feeling abnormally tired, it could be a sign of bipolar disorder. This fatigue can’t be alleviated by rest and can interfere with your daily life. For example, you may find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, even if you’ve had a full night’s sleep.
Racing thoughts
People with bipolar disorder often experience racing thoughts. This means that their mind is going a mile a minute, and they can’t seem to focus on anything. They may feel like their thoughts are out of control. This can make you feel very agitated and restless at times.
Anger outbursts
Finally, a key symptom of bipolar disorder is angry outbursts. These can be directed at others, or may simply be expressed as feelings of anger and frustration. If you find that you are struggling to control your temper and that your anger is impacting your relationships or work life, it may be a sign that you are dealing with bipolar disorder.
So you can see some of the key symptoms of bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing any of these, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional for help. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, but it can be managed with treatment. With the right help, you can live a happy and healthy life.
What Are The Causes And Risk Factors?
Bipolar disorder can be caused by many things, and it is important to get the proper diagnosis so that you can begin treatment. There are many risk factors for bipolar disorder, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can get the help you need. Some of the common ones are listed below:
- Having a family member with bipolar disorder
- Experiencing trauma or abuse
- Having another mental health condition
- Taking certain medications
- Having problems with substance abuse
These are just some of the common causes and risk factors for bipolar disorder. If you think you may be suffering from this condition, it is important to talk to your doctor so that you can get the help you need. With the right time intervention, bipolar disorder can be managed successfully.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made by a mental health professional after taking a comprehensive medical and psychological history and conducting a clinical interview. The professional will also consider any other possible causes of the person’s symptoms, such as substance abuse or another medical condition.
There is no single test that can diagnose bipolar disorder. Instead, the diagnosis is based on a pattern of symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have had at least one episode of mania or hypomania.
An accurate evaluation is essential for proper treatment. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and because it often occurs with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or substance abuse.
What To Do If I Am Bipolar?
Now, if you think that you might be bipolar, it is important to seek professional help. This is a mental illness that can be very serious, and it is important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a professional will be able to give you a definite answer as to whether or not you are bipolar.
For now, here are some ways that you can do to manage your bipolar:
Calm yourself
It is important to learn how to calm yourself when you feel like you are getting too stressed or worked up. This can be difficult, but it is important to try. Some ways that you can calm yourself down include:
- Taking deep breaths
- Counting to 10
- Visualizing a peaceful scene
- Listening to calming music
Talk to someone you trust
It is important to have someone to that you can talk about what you are going through. This person can be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else to who you feel comfortable talking. This person can help you to talk through your feelings and thoughts and can offer support and advice.
Keep a mood journal
One way to help you understand you’re bipolar is to keep a mood journal. In this journal, you can track your moods, thoughts, and behaviors. This can help you to see patterns in your mood swings and can help you and your doctor to better understand your condition. You can start a mood journal by simply writing down how you are feeling each day.
Get plenty of sleep
It is important to get enough sleep when you are bipolar. This can be difficult, as many people with bipolar disorder have trouble sleeping. However, it is important to try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. You can also talk to your doctor about medications that can help you to sleep better.
Create a routine
A routine can be helpful for people with bipolar disorder. It can help to provide structure and stability in their lives, which can be beneficial during periods of mania or depression.
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a routine:
- Make sure it is realistic and achievable. Creating unrealistic goals will only lead to frustration and can make the condition worse.
- Be flexible. There will be times when the routine needs to be changed, such as during periods of illness or stress.
- Stick to it as much as possible. Even if it is not possible to stick to the routine 100% of the time, following it as closely as possible can help to minimize the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
- Get help from others. If possible, enlist the help of family and friends to make sure the routine is followed.
- Seek professional help. Finally, if the symptoms are severe, it is important to seek professional help. They can help to create a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to the individual.
All in all, these are just a few tips on how to manage if you feel like I am bipolar. And do not forget, you are never alone. There are plenty of support groups and hotlines available to help you through tough times. So, do not be afraid to ask for help!
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are feeling like I am bipolar then do not take this lightly. Because bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can seek professional help if you or someone you know is displaying them. And this is something that should not be ignored or left untreated.
For more information and guidance, do not forget to speak with a healthcare professional at Therapy Mantra. The earlier you seek help, the better it is for your condition. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
