Understanding Bipolar Disorder
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a mental health condition that is defined by extreme mood episodes that include episodes of mania or hypomania (high energy and mood) and depression (low energy and mood).
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can last for several days, weeks, or months. Extreme mood swings can negatively affect your quality of life and activity levels.
For example, the symptoms can negatively disrupt your daily life and make the following challenging:
- Thought processes
- Having stable relationships
- Staying or being interested in hobbies or activities you like
- Managing energy levels
Trained mental health professionals provide evidence-based, effective treatment that includes a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
Yes, studies show that there is a genetic influence linked with bipolar disorder.
If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, you have a higher chance of also being diagnosed with the mood disorder.
Can Life Events Trigger Bipolar Disorder?
Yes, major life events can trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms in those who are already at an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder.
For example, the following significant events can trigger symptoms:
- Traumatic events (in childhood or adulthood)
- Stress
- Major life changes
What Are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?
There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
With bipolar I disorder, episodes are described as severe episodes of depression and mania. Manic episodes in bipolar I disorder can become so severe that hospitalization is required.
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by severe depression and hypomanic episodes, but the mood levels are milder than those of bipolar I disorder. Those with bipolar II disorder can go for periods between episodes and often can maintain a good quality of life. However, an individual experiencing a hypomanic episode can progress into manic episodes.
Individuals with cyclothymic disorder have mood fluctuations, but instead of extended periods of depression or hypomanic symptoms, the episodes alternate at a shorter rate.
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility provides both acute inpatient and outpatient care to help you recognize and understand the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
What Does Bipolar Disorder Feel Like?
If you have bipolar disorder, you will experience extreme mood shifts that can feel like you are on a rollercoaster ride.
The shifts between high energy and euphoria during the mania phase and the deep sadness and low self-esteem during the depressive phase often disrupt daily functioning.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder include severe mood swings between a manic phase and a depressive phase, which can leave you feeling out of control.
Manic and depressive symptoms include the following:
- Negative thoughts
- Impulsive behavior
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities
- Cognitive distortions
There are a multitude of other symptoms that you may experience with bipolar disorder, which can lead to unstable relationships in your personal and professional life.
What Triggers Bipolar Episodes?
The common factors that can cause a bipolar episode include:
- Stressful Life Events
- Significant life changes ( job changes, getting married, moving)
- Loss of those you care about, like a spouse or loved ones
- Breakup of a relationship
- Money issues
- Sleep Disruption
- Lack of or a decreased need for sleep can lead to mania or hypomania
- Sleep issues or disturbances can also deepen depressive phases and symptoms
- Substance Use
- Drugs or alcohol can worsen or trigger bipolar episodes
- Substance abuse is often a co-occurring disorder for individuals with bipolar disorder
However, triggers of bipolar episodes will vary from one individual to another.
Often, these triggers can lead to an acute psychiatric episode, which requires acute mental health services.
At Ocean View, we provide comprehensive, private, and comfortable care. Our focus is on meeting you where you’re at and providing the skills needed to transition smoothly back into your daily life.
What Are the Symptoms of Manic Episodes?
Manic episodes are marked by periods of intense feelings of high energy, mood elevation, and euphoria.
If you are experiencing a manic episode, you may have symptoms that include:
- Risky behaviors
- Increased activity
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsive behavior (impulsivity)
- Grandiosity
- Judgment impairment
What Are the Symptoms of Depressive Episodes?
If you have depressive episodes, you experience depressive symptoms for periods that can last two weeks or more, during which you may experience:
- Persistent low moods
- Lack of interest in activities they enjoy
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling worthlessness
The severity of depressive symptoms can vary and can be improved with evidence-based therapies and antidepressants.
At Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility, our medical and mental health professionals work together to stabilize, monitor, and maintain your clinical improvement.
If you have suicidal thoughts or urges to perform acts of self-harm, contact help immediately. You can call or text 988 to talk with someone.
How Do Mood Swings Feel to Someone With Bipolar Disorder?
The mood shifts between mania and depressive phases can be overwhelming and extremely distressing, with a significant impact on your physical and mental well-being.
The symptoms of mania and depressive phases can be challenging to manage and can lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness. However, with proper treatment that includes psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication like mood stabilizers, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be managed.
Bipolar Disorder and Thought Patterns
How Does a Person With Bipolar Disorder Think?
During bipolar episodes, your ability to think and reason is affected, especially during manic, hypomanic, or depressive phases.
The way you feel during episodes can affect behavior and reactions to events.
For example, during manic episodes, you may experience:
- High energy levels
- Impulsivity
- Racing thoughts
In a depressive phase, you may experience:
- Slowed thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
Are There Shifts in Thought Patterns?
Yes, whether you are experiencing a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode, you will have a shift in your thoughts and behaviors.
How Do Mood Changes in Bipolar Disorder Influence a Person’s Thoughts?
The mood changes associated with bipolar disorder affect how you act and interact with others.
For example, during a manic episode, you may find yourself experiencing the following symptoms:
- Inability to “shut off” thoughts
- High mental energy, which can increase the ability to think, potentially leading to an increase in ideas and creativity
- Difficulty with remembering or concentrating on things
- Increasing the chances of making irrational or acting on impulsive decisions or behaviors
If you are going through a hypomanic episode, you may have the same symptoms, but less intensely.
A depressive episode with bipolar disorder also affects how you think.
Often, you will experience:
- Decreased or low mental energy
- Trouble making decisions
- Find it challenging to concentrate
- Memory issues
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Thoughts of death and suicide
It’s not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to have cognitive distortions or errors in thinking or judgment during a depressive episode.
How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Memory?
Changes during a bipolar disorder episode (mania, hypomania, or depression) affect your prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which makes it challenging to concentrate, encode and retrieve memories or information, and maintain attention.
These cognitive changes can have a negative impact on your life.
Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Decision-Making?
Yes, bipolar disorder, during a manic or depressive phase, can have a negative impact on decision-making.
Often, during a manic phase, you are at a higher risk of engaging in risky situations because you’re acting impulsively or irrationally. During a manic phase, action is the goal, leading to failure to consider the consequences of decisions. The sense of urgency and the need to act immediately stem from impulsivity, not from a rational or logical decision-making process.
Conversely, during depressive episodes, you may find it challenging and lack the motivation to make decisions. One of the key emotions that creates the challenge in decision-making is hopelessness. Hopelessness can strip away the thoughts of a future. In addition, the weight of fatigue leaves little motivation or energy to think about or plan for the future.
Additionally, when you are going through euthymia, the time between a manic or depressive episode, cognitive function can still be affected.
At Ocean View, our mental health and recreation therapy professionals guide you to understand and recognize the phases of bipolar disorder. Our team members will work with you to identify ways to monitor and maintain your mental health improvement.
What Are Some Daily Challenges and Common Triggers That Affect Bipolar Disorder and Thoughts?
The daily challenges that people with bipolar disorder can encounter vary from person to person, but most will experience unpredictable mood swings that:
- Have a negative impact on relationships
- Disruption of daily functioning
- Difficulty maintaining stability in their work and personal life
- Finding it hard to socialize with loved ones
- Getting the proper amount of sleep
- Managing energy levels
- Regulating emotional responses or feelings
One reason regulating thoughts and behaviors is challenging is that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can trigger symptoms.
The following issues often trigger symptoms:
- A family history, usually a close relative like a parent or sibling, of bipolar disorder
- Childhood abuse or another traumatic experience
- Lack of sleep
- Major life changes
- Substance abuse
These challenges and triggers can be managed with evidence-based therapies and, if beneficial, medication. The benefits of psychiatry and medication are an improved sense of self and your physical and mental well-being.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
When Should I Seek a Mental Health Professional?
It may be time to seek help from a mental health professional if you experience the following:
- Marked changes in eating, sleeping patterns, or personality
- An inability to cope with daily life or problems
- Feeling a lack of interest or social isolation from participating in your everyday activities
- Abnormal or “magical” thoughts
- Extreme anxiety
- Thoughts of or making statements about suicide, self-harm, or harming others
- Extreme mood swings
- Persistent feelings of apathy, depression, or sadness
- Substance abuse
- Uncontrollable or irrational hostility, anger, or violent patterns of behavior
It’s easy to miss the difference between common emotions and those that may signal something more; however, following these general guidelines can help you determine whether you should seek help.
Understandably, you may be scared to seek help for these symptoms. However, if you think there’s something going on with your mental health, you should talk to a mental health professional. You can begin by talking with your doctor or making an appointment with a mental health professional.
You can also contact Ocean View if you think your symptoms are severe and require acute mental health care.
What Are Effective Treatments for Bipolar Disorder?
The most common and effective treatments for bipolar disorder are a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
For example, treatment plans may consist of:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics
- Lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet, a regimented sleep routine, and regular exercise or physical activity
Treatment for bipolar disorder is effective if you work with a trained professional who is trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as a psychiatrist. Your mental health care team can also include a psychologist, social worker, recreational therapist, and psychiatric nurse.
What If Mental Health Symptoms are Severe?
If your mental health symptoms are severe, you should seek help immediately.
You can contact your medical doctor, psychiatrist, mental health provider, or call or text 988 to speak with someone. You can also seek help at an emergency room if necessary.
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility provides acute psychiatric care, including stabilization of your symptoms and medication management. Once you’re stabilized, you will receive medication monitoring and mental health care that includes life and coping skills, education about bipolar disorder, and aftercare support.
Are There Ways to Manage or Alter Bipolar Thinking Patterns?
Yes, effective ways to change or manage bipolar thought patterns include medication, lifestyle changes, and talk therapy.
You can also do the following:
- Chart your moods
- Form and maintain a routine
- Avoid events or circumstances that trigger your symptoms
- Practice stress management skills like deep breathing, guided meditation, or an activity you enjoy
When you incorporate healthy habits and routines into your daily life, they can support your well-being.
Will I Need Medication to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Medication for bipolar disorder is often required to stabilize your mood and manage the symptoms.
A combination of talk therapy and lifestyle changes, in addition to medication, can also support your goal of maintaining your mental health.
Some individuals can manage their symptoms without medication, but it is, in general, necessary to take medication. You can talk with your medical or mental health provider about medication and its benefits.
Comprehensive Care for Bipolar Disorder at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility can help you stabilize the acute symptoms of bipolar disorder during a crisis with medication.
Once inpatient psychiatric care is completed, you can learn the tools necessary to cope with the symptoms of bipolar disorder through our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP).
FAQs
What is it like living with someone who has bipolar disorder?
The extreme mood swings, unpredictable behavior, and emotional challenges associated with bipolar disorder can make it challenging to live with someone who is diagnosed with the disorder.
If you live with someone with bipolar disorder, you must take care of yourself. Take time to socialize with loved ones, participate in activities you enjoy, and seek out groups that include others caring for or living with someone with bipolar disorder.
How can you calm someone down with bipolar disorder?
Calming someone down with bipolar disorder includes several techniques, including:
- Active listening (listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and create a supportive environment)
- Encourage them to participate in activities that help calm them
- Respect their need for space if they ask for it
- Stay calm
- Use clear language
- Decrease and control visual and noise stimuli
- Help with tasks
- Support and encourage professional mental health
How can you tell if someone is manic?
You can tell if someone is manic if they show the following symptoms:
- High energy levels
- Euphoria
- Rapid speech
- Decreased need for sleep
- Impulsive thoughts and behaviors
- Racing thoughts
Can people with bipolar disorder live a normal life?
Yes, people with bipolar disorder can live a normal life when they have effective treatment and support from their loved ones.
Can you recover from bipolar disorder?
There is no cure for bipolar disorder.
However, the symptoms can be successfully managed and remain stable over time.
Can bipolar disorder be treated without medication?
While some can manage their bipolar symptoms without medication, it is generally recommended that individuals combine medication, lifestyle changes, and talk therapy to maintain and manage their symptoms.
Before you decide not to take medication, talk with your doctor, psychiatrist, or mental health provider.