Imagine feeling on top of the world—completely happy and able to achieve anything you want. You are the absolute best. And then, without a moment’s warning, you feel sad, overwhelmed, and absolutely hopeless. These extreme mood swings could be a sign of bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing these symptoms or other early signs of bipolar disorder, it is time to reach out for help. A bipolar disorder treatment program will help you understand your mental health condition and receive the appropriate help to live a productive life.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is marked by extremely high and low moods. During the high period, you will experience mania or hypomania. However, when you shift to low periods of depression, you will feel extremely sad and overwhelmed.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition that will occur several times a year or with rarity. However, it is essential to note that treating bipolar disorder is important to allow a person to live a life where their mental health concern is managed but does not consume them.
Bipolar disorder is often treated with antidepressants by a medical professional, along with various therapeutic services.
What Are the Early Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder typically shows up in adolescents between the ages of 15 to 19. However, an emotional trigger can also make bipolar disorder present. In addition, there are signs of bipolar disorder in both manic and depressive states.
When people are in a manic state, they will often have difficulty sleeping because they will experience tremendous energy that keeps them from resting. In this state, they will have so many thoughts that they have difficulty concentrating even on completing small tasks.
On the other hand, depression will make a person feel sad with less energy. Often, they will experience fatigue and hopelessness. In addition, a person in a depressive state might overeat or experience a loss of appetite. Finally, it is not uncommon for someone to experience suicidal thoughts.
The early signs of bipolar disorder should never be ignored, as the condition will not disappear on its own. Instead, working with a mental health and medical professional will help someone manage their mental health condition appropriately.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Answering the question, “what is bipolar disorder,” is not so easy because it is often hard to diagnose bipolar disorder as its symptoms can be similar to signs of depression. There are four known types of bipolar episodes. They include:
- Bipolar I – Manic episodes include either appearing emotionally stable or depressed. To be diagnosed with bipolar I, a person will have to experience mania for at least one week or require hospitalization.
- Bipolar II – Characterized by hypomania or cycles of depression. Hypomania will appear to be a state of appearing agitated and irritable or happy. Experiencing at least one hypomanic episode is enough to be diagnosed with bipolar II.
- Cyclothymic disorder – Although these symptoms are not as extreme as bipolar I and bipolar II, they are not to be ignored. With cyclothymia, a person will experience mania and depressive cycles but with more moments of stability. The symptoms often last for at least eight weeks before another episode will occur.
- Other or bipolar IV – A person will experience extended mood swings, but they do not meet the symptoms associated with bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymia. However, this type of bipolar disorder is often triggered by other medical conditions or substance use disorders.
The type of treatment that will be most effective for you will depend on your diagnosis.
Find Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder at Greater Boston Behavioral Health
If you are experiencing early signs of bipolar disorder, there is no reason to avoid seeking treatment. At Greater Boston Behavioral Health, we support our clients through various levels of care.
In addition, our commitment to providing an array of therapeutic services, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy, will support our client’s ability to manage their mental health.
Are you ready to get the help you need? Contact us at 888.365.6392 or reach out online today.
