Life isn't meant to be super smooth. So, while there are the hitting lows in our lives, the ups are what make life worthwhile. However, if you are struggling mentally, you might start looking at your life in black and white.
Severe mood swings are a major symptom of bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing severe mood swings, changes in energy or your sleeping patterns, there are chances that you might be bipolar.
In a nutshell, bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that can cause extreme shifts in your moods. Typically, a person with bipolar might have highs (mania) or lows (depression). The length, severity and frequency of manic episodes differ from person to person. These high-low episodes can last only a few hours or even days.
The problem is the severity of depressive and manic episodes in a person with bipolar varies. In some cases, you might only experience them for a brief time, like a few minutes. This is why most people who might have bipolar never get diagnosed with it.
And, if you are struggling, here are five warning signs you might be suffering from bipolar disorder.
Depression & dipolar: How are they different?
Before we get into how different they are, let's take a look at similarities. To start with, both depression and bipolar are mood disorders. They affect a person's mood and may cause severe mood swings.
However, unlike depression, bipolar disorder is more about the highs and lows.
The highs, also called mania, are identified by having an outburst of energy. While the term "mania" seems serious, a manic episode is not that easy to spot. You might be feeling confident, active or adventurous during your manic episode. This manic episode can last from a few hours to even days.
Followed by a manic phase comes a low phase or depressive episode. People experiencing symptoms of bipolar depression might feel sad for a prolonged period of time, move or talk slowly or experience restlessness.
In short, bipolar is experiencing the highs and lows in an extreme manner.
Below are some bipolar symptoms you might be experiencing during your manic episode:
1. Abnormal burst of energy
Feeling good or active is not manic. During a manic episode, you might feel overly excited, frantic or hyperactive. And if something triggers you, you might experience uncontrollable anger.
Moreover, if you find something interesting, you'll be beyond thrilled to know about it. In short, the energy level is abnormally higher compared to other people.
2. Racing speech & thoughts
During a manic episode, your thought or speech speed is so fast that it is pretty hard to make sense of what you're saying. You might also experience fast and slurred speech, which even you might not be able to comprehend. Moreover, it might be very hard to concentrate due to racing thoughts.
3. Grandiose thinking
One of the primary bipolar symptoms is you might experience having exaggerated self-worth during a manic episode. Note that grandiose thinking is not positive self-worth. In fact, it is more about thinking you are the god, for instance.
Plus, you might think that you can take up any activity or task. This is why most people with bipolar disorder participate in multiple activities they never finish.
Bipolar affects people differently. You can either take up too dangerous a task, go on a shopping spree or just think about how great you are. The crux is people with bipolar chase manic feelings.
4. Increased insomnia
During a manic episode, you might stay awake for several hours and still not experience any need to lie down. Sometimes, people with bipolar can go days without sleeping. However, during depressive episodes, the person might sleep several hours daily.
5. Hypersexuality
When going through a manic episode, you might become hypersexual. In short, you might experience a high sex drive and make inappropriate advances or unusual demands.
Again, This is related to grandiosity, where you might have elevated self-worth clubbed with poor judgment.
The wrap up
Bipolar disorder isn't something new. It affects roughly 7 million people in the US every year. But, despite it being common, proper treatment is recommended. Bipolar can often get in between your relationships or affect your productivity at work.
Moreover, if things get worse, you might start showing suicidal behavior.
A proper diagnosis is required for bipolar disorder. The above symptoms are just a general assumption of what you might be feeling. However, because every personality is different, it is possible you might not tick any of the above symptoms but still test positive for this illness. In short, a proper and professional diagnosis is recommended.
