Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood. It’s a serious condition that not many people may get the help they need because of negative stigmas surrounding this condition. However, treatment for bipolar disorder is available and effective for people living with this condition. So, understanding more about this condition is imperative so that people can get the professional help they need to manage symptoms of this mental health issue.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition that’s characterized by both manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes are periods in which individuals experience high energy and other characterizing symptoms. Depressive episodes in relation to bipolar disorder are often characterized by periods of sadness and other behaviors and feelings. In between periods of manic and depressive episodes, people living with bipolar disorder may feel normal and experience no intense shifts in mood. Plus, people with bipolar disorder may not have any set amount of time between episodes. So, it’s a disorder that involves different experiences and symptoms from person to person.

Understanding Manic Episodes

Manic episodes are commonly mistaken for moments in which a person is experiencing high energy. But, while that’s often a characteristic of manic episodes, this isn’t always the case. Manic episodes can have a number of symptoms including:

• not feeling the need to sleep
• speaking quickly and more than usual
• being easily distractable
• an increase in production or ongoing projects
• uncontrollable thoughts or ideas
• an uptick in risky behaviors (gambling, sex, and/or substance use)

Understanding Depressive Episodes

Like manic episodes, depressive episodes are often a characteristic of bipolar disorder. But, they’re more than just feeling sad and lonely. Some other symptoms of a depressive episode brought on by bipolar disorder may include:

• exhaustion and constant fatigue
• sleep issues (sleeping too much or too little)
• eating issues (eating too much or too little)
• loss of interest in past hobbies or previously enjoyed activities
• feelings of hopelessness, shame, guilt, and despair
• suicidal thoughts or actions

The Different Types of Bipolar Disorders

Many don’t know that there are actually different types of bipolar disorders. Different characteristics and symptoms are what differ from the forms of bipolar disorders. The types of bipolar disorders include:

Bipolar I: This type of bipolar disorder includes characteristics of both manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar II: Like bipolar I, this disorder includes both episodes of mania and depression. However, these episodes seem to be less severe than those that accompany bipolar I disorder, so they may be more challenging to notice and diagnose.

Cyclothymic disorder: This type of bipolar disorder also includes periods of manic episodes and depressive episodes, but the length of time experiencing the symptoms of each episode is shorter than with other forms of bipolar.

Mixed: With this type of bipolar disorder, those diagnosed experience symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes simultaneously.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Since bipolar disorder symptoms can differ from person to person, there are different types of bipolar disorder, and society has placed negative stigmas surrounding these disorders, it may be difficult for individuals to come to terms with the fact that they may be experiencing a bipolar disorder. However, those that do reach out for help and a diagnosis can get assistance through psychiatric medications and psychotherapy. Yellowbrick offers treatment services for individuals living with bipolar disorders so that they can learn to effectively manage symptoms and live lives of mental wellbeing.