Spotting the Signs of Bipolar Disorder

What are the symptoms and signs of bipolar disorder?

Very few people know that bipolar disorder and manic depression are the same disease. Come to think of it, few people know much about the disease at all, even though it affects close to six million adults in the US alone.

It is only recently that the disorder has gotten more attention, after a handful of well known celebrities like Britney Spears battled it publicly.

Bipolar disorder is something that often goes untreated for several reasons - the sufferer may not know that they have it and are often too embarrassed to admit there is a problem, while others simply don’t know what signs to look for in loved ones. The signs of bipolar disorder are often chalked up to someone ‘being moody’ or having ‘a bad case of PMS’, but irregular mood swings are very much a red flag that needs to be acknowledged.

While bipolar disorder is often described as an illness that causes the person suffering to flip between a state of depression and extreme elation, there is actually much more to the disorder than just the erratic moods and behavior.

Even though it is a ‘mental disorder’, it can cause some very real physical symptoms in the person suffering. It is a disorder that can wreak havoc on all aspects of a person’s life and, when not treated, can result in suicidal thoughts and even a suicide attempt, which is why knowing how to spot the signs of bipolar disorder is so important. By knowing the signs, you can help yourself or a loved one get the help needed before it’s too late.

Here are some of the signs of bipolar disorder to look out for if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering:

• Deep depressive episodes: The person may feel very down and sad and not understand why. There is often a sense of doom that is felt during a depressive episode as well.
  
  
• Frequent crying spells that don’t appear to have a just reason.
  
  
• Fatigue and an overall feeling of malaise without a notable source, meaning that the patient may feel ill and have flu-like symptoms even though no illness is found.
  
  
• Unusual sleep patterns that can include insomnia or oversleeping.
  
  
• Unusually high sense of elation and bursts of energy that appear out of nowhere are more than just a typical ‘good mood’.
  
  
• Episodes of exaggerated self-esteem where the person suddenly feels as if they are invincible and above all else, and in some cases may even suggest that they have special powers or are messengers of god and such.
  
  
• Using poor judgment, where the person may make rash decisions that don’t make sense or are possibly even risky.
  
  
• Racing thoughts or the inability to concentrate are common signs of bipolar disorder.
  
  
• Being in a ‘mixed state’, which refers to being euphoric and depressed at the same time.
  
  
• Suicidal thoughts or constant talk of death, the afterlife and references to ‘when they’re gone’ can be signs that someone is suicidal and in need of immediate intervention.
  
  
• Anxiety and restlessness are also signs of bipolar disorder.
  
  
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.

These are just a few of the signs of this very complex disorder, but they are also the most common. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to a professional right away to get the necessary help and back on the road to your old self.

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