Conditions Of Bipolar Disorder

When you hear the term “bipolar disorder,” your first thought might be mood swings. While that’s partially true, this mental health condition is far more complex than the occasional emotional highs and lows.

Instead, it can disrupt daily life and affect work and relationships. What makes bipolar disorder particularly challenging is that its symptoms can be subtle or easily mistaken for other issues. So, it is often necessary to seek a professional diagnosis, just as you would for other causes of mental illness.

But before then, there are certain tell-tale signs of bipolar disorder. To make things clearer, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about bipolar disorder—its symptoms, challenges, and when to seek help—so you can take informed steps toward managing it effectively.

Bipolar disorder used to be previously known as manic-depressive illness. It is defined as a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood changes. These mood shifts range from intense emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression).

Everyone experiences ups and downs. It comes with life. However, bipolar disorder takes it a step forward. The mood shifts are more severe and even interfere with everything in a patients life.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder according to their levels.

1. Bipolar I Disorder:This is defined by one episode minimum of mania that lasts at least seven days or is so severe it requires hospitalization. Depressive episodes occur as well.
2. Bipolar II Disorder:This represents a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full-blown mania.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia):cyclothymia involves having periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that go on for at least two years (or one year in children and adolescents). But the symptoms don’t meet the full diagnostic criteria for hypomania or depression.

• Feeling unusually elated or irritable
• Having more energy or being extremely active
• Racing thoughts or talking faster than usual
• Taking on multiple projects or activities with little sleep
• Engaging in risky behaviors, like impulsive spending or reckless driving

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
• Low energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

While mood swings are a hallmark of bipolar disorder, the condition also affects energy levels, sleep patterns, and even decision-making. People often describe mania as feeling invincible or euphoric, but it can also include irritability or anger.

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. So it can be tricky to identify. Some people see hypomanic episodes as productive or creative periods because they feel energetic and focused. However, these episodes are often followed by depression, making it clear that something deeper is happening.

Bipolar disorder is frequently mistaken for depression, anxiety, or ADHD because of overlapping symptoms. For example, depressive episodes might lead someone to seek help, but without discussing past periods of high energy or risky behavior, the bipolar aspect could be overlooked.

Many people with bipolar disorder turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their mood swings. Unfortunately, this can make diagnosis and treatment even more complicated. At NuLife, we address both mental health and addiction because they’re often closely connected.

People who suffer from bipolar disorder find that there is a stigma surrounding mental health. Too often, stereotypes or misunderstandings make it harder to seek help. This is why services like NuLife have a holistic approach for conditions like bipolar disorder.

The process is also seamless. All you need to do is inform us of the services you need, and we will take care of it from there. Let NuLife come along on your journey to better mental health together.

Don’t let bipolar disorder control your life. NuLife Behavioral Health offers specialized bipolar treatment programs in:

• Framingham, Massachusetts
• Worcester, Massachusetts
• Fishers, Indiana
• Buffalo Grove, Illinois