Describing Bipolar Behavior

What is typical bipolar behavior?

Everyone has their ‘ups and downs,’ but those with bipolar disorder experience these ordinary changes in mood to a pathological extent.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called “manic depression,” is characterized by the cycling of one’s mood from extreme depression to severe mania. Bipolar disorder is highly treatable, but unfortunately, many people do not recognize the symptoms and get the help they need to function properly.

People afflicted with bipolar disorder experience serious deviations in their thought patterns, moods, energy, thinking, and behavior. This includes very ‘low lows’, which are depressive periods where a person may be unable to function due to their low energy, depressed state.

Conversely, the opposite “pole” of bipolar behavior consists of a manic state marked by extreme behavior in regard to impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, and extremely unclear thinking. While in this state of bipolar behavior, it is not uncommon for people to spend thousands of dollars compulsively shopping, or to impulsively leave a spouse whilst experiencing a manic episode.

Moreover, mania of bipolar behavior is distinguishable from other psychological states by the fact that it is accompanied by a significantly reduced need for sleep - it is not uncommon for a bipolar person to feel rested after only two hours of sleep whilst manic.

Other notable symptoms of bipolar in general are hypersexuality, suicidal ideation, a tendency to self-injure, and extreme changes in behavior or disposition during relatively short periods of time.

There are four stages that encompass bipolar disorder, although not everyone who is bipolar will experience all four stages. They are: severe mania, hypomania, mild to moderate depression, and severe depression. People tend to think of bipolar as being very erratic in terms of the stages it causes one to go through, but there are in fact “middle” states and mixed states of bipolar behavior that are experienced by those with bipolar disorder.

Mania

It is important to know and recognize manic behaviors so that severe manias or hypomanias (mild to moderate manias) can be recognized in oneself or a loved one. Some aspects of mania are the feeling of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria.

In terms of observable bipolar behavior, this can manifest itself by causing a person to appear very hyperactive, talk a mile a minute, or to seem as though they have the idea that they are all-powerful and / or invincible. It is not uncommon for compulsive behaviors to accompany manic episodes.

Additionally, psychosis is occasionally a part of mania - that is, a person may become delusional or start having hallucinations. Although mania may be pleasant at first, it often spirals out of control and causes irritable, inappropriate behavior.

Depression

Depression is the opposing aspect of bipolar, and though it is similar to clinical depression and other major depressive disorders, there are certain symptoms that are distinctly indicative of bipolar depression. Those who are experiencing depression due to bipolar disorder are likely to experience feelings of irritability, guilty, and restlessness.

They are also more likely to move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight. Other symptoms to look for include feelings of worthlessness or guilt, suicidal ideation, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness.

Mixed Episodes

Another facet of bipolar disorder is that which pertains to the phenomenon of mixed episodes, which are essentially episodes where aspects of both depression and mania are present. These are marked by high energy and low mood, racing thoughts, distractibility, and anxiety.

Conclusion

Discerning bipolar behavior in oneself or a loved one is a monumentally important step on the road to stability. There are numerous ways to treat bipolar disorder, and no one needs to suffer with the difficulty of such extreme mood swings.

If these behaviors or symptoms are present in an individual, it is essential to seek help in the form of a qualified professional. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be alleviated, allowing the afflicted individual to experience a balanced, healthy life.

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