Bipolar Disorders are affective disorders that can present differently in each individual. Sometimes referred to as manic depression, these psychiatric disorders can cause extreme mood swings and unpredictable changes in temperament that easily leave people feeling out of control over their lives.
At Mental Health Haven, we can help you through the beginning of your symptoms and during the scariest moments by providing a safe, stigma-free environment to receive treatment. Whether you’re experiencing episodes or feel the onset of a mood change, we’re here for you and can provide the best treatments we can to help you live life more fully and positively.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Its Impact on Mental Health
While bipolar disorders often appear alongside other mental health conditions, including ADHD and OCD, they are chronic conditions with unique symptoms and can impact people’s lives in numerous ways. Signs of bipolar disorder include periods of hypomanic, depressive, and manic episodes, depending on the type. However, it’s important to understand the signs of bipolar disorder and understand what occurs with its symptoms. These include:
- Manic Episodes: Manic episodes refer to moments of euphoria, increased speech, racing thoughts, loss of sleep, and loss of appetite. Manic episodes can lead to risky behaviors that are unusual according to others.
- Hypomanic Episodes: Hypomanic refers to less severe symptoms of mania but are typically the shifting point for depressive episodes.
- Depressive Episodes: During depressive episodes, feelings of sadness, emptiness, and slowed speech will often appear like a crash. These depressive episodes can also cause little interest or pleasure in activities, restlessness, agitation, and increased thoughts of suicide.
Some people with bipolar disorder experience a mixture of these episodes, and the cycles of these episodes depend on the type of bipolar disorder they experience and the triggers they’re vulnerable to. According to the DMS-5, there are three types of diagnosable forms of bipolar disorder, which include:
- Bipolar Disorder I: Bipolar I is diagnosed by a single manic episode, with features such as hallucinations and delusional thinking occurring. People with bipolar I often experience relationship difficulties, financial problems, work related issues, and others because of their condition’s threat to their well-being.
- Bipolar Disorder II: Bipolar II is characterized by hypomanic episodes but also contains at least one depressive episode in a person’s life. However, due to the variety of episodes, diagnosing professionally cannot be easy.
- Cyclothymia Disorder: In other cases, cyclothymia can occur, where episodes of hypomania and minor depression happen over two years in adults and one year in children. It is often the precursor to either bipolar I or II, especially in younger people.
Most of all, bipolar disorder can greatly affect how you perceive yourself and affect your quality of life in various ways. Receiving treatment can provide you with the hopeful venture you need to manage your symptoms and experience a fulfilling, happier life.
How Mental Health Haven Can Help With Bipolar Disorder
At Mental Health Haven, we can provide treatments for bipolar disorder, including medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. We’re dedicated to working with the Treasure Coast community to aid those struggling with bipolar disorders. To learn more, contact Kristen Chambers to schedule your first appointment toward recovery.