A Guide from Envision Medical Care
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood swings can significantly impact daily functioning and relationships. At Envision Medical Care, we understand the complexities of mental health, and we are committed to helping our patients identify, understand, and manage conditions like bipolar disorder.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms that may be related to bipolar disorder, it is crucial to seek professional guidance. In this article, we will explore the key symptoms of bipolar disorder, how they manifest, and how we can help at Envision Medical Care.
Symptoms Of Bi-Polar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that involves significant mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood changes are more extreme than the typical fluctuations in mood that everyone experiences from time to time. Bipolar disorder can affect your ability to think clearly, control behavior, and function in social or work environments.
There are different types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Involves manic episodes lasting at least seven days or manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes usually last at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents), but the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
1. Mania and Hypomania: Manic and hypomanic episodes are the emotional highs in bipolar disorder. Mania is more severe than hypomania, and can cause significant issues in a person’s life. However, both can manifest in similar ways:
- Increased energy and activity: People may feel an overwhelming sense of energy or drive.
- Elevated mood: The person may feel unusually euphoric, overly confident, or irritable.
- Racing thoughts: The mind may jump from one idea to another rapidly, making it difficult to concentrate or complete tasks.
- Poor judgment: This can lead to risky behaviors, such as spending sprees, reckless driving, or engaging in unsafe sexual practices.
- Decreased need for sleep: Individuals may feel well-rested after only a few hours of sleep or may not feel the need to sleep at all.
- Talkativeness: People may talk faster than usual, with speech becoming pressured or difficult to understand.
- Impulsivity: A tendency to act without thinking, making decisions on a whim.
2. Depressive Episodes: Depressive episodes are the emotional lows that contrast with the high energy of mania. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness: Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or despair that do not go away.
- Loss of interest: A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, such as hobbies, socializing, or work.
- Fatigue and low energy: Even after rest, people may feel extremely tired and lacking the energy to perform daily tasks.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleeping can occur.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: The individual may have negative thoughts about themselves and their abilities.
- Difficulty concentrating: People with bipolar depression often find it hard to focus or make decisions.
- Thoughts of death or suicide: In severe cases, individuals may have thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide. It is critical to seek immediate help if these thoughts arise.
How Envision Medical Care Can Help
Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and with the right care, individuals can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. At Envision Medical Care, we offer compassionate and comprehensive mental health services. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans for individuals living with bipolar disorder, which may include:
- Medication management: Prescribing mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and antidepressants to help regulate mood swings.
- Therapy and counseling: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches to help patients cope with emotional challenges and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Lifestyle support: Creating strategies to improve sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, Envision Medical Care is here to help. We offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment where patients can receive the care and treatment they need to manage their condition effectively.
Contact Us
For more information about bipolar disorder or to schedule an appointment with one of our mental health professionals, please contact Envision Medical Care at:
Phone: (304) 372-1030
Address: 111 Court Street South, Ste B, Ripley, WV 25271
Website: www.envisionmedicalcare.com
Seeking help is the first step toward feeling better. Let us support you on your journey to mental wellness.
