Bipolar Symptoms

A balance in a person’s mental health is very important. It lets them function properly in society, make sound decisions, and lead healthy, normal lives, amongst many others. But what if that balance is disrupted? What if moods start changing abruptly in the absence of possible triggers? What if sudden feelings of extreme highs and extreme lows become uncontrollable? They could be bipolar symptoms, and getting treatment from a mental professional should be a priority.

 

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness where a person experiences dramatic changes in mood and energy levels. At one end of the spectrum is the elevated mood or mania, and on the other end is depression. Before one could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, two scenarios must be considered: first, when a person has had episodes of clinical depression, and second, when the mood is more hyper than usual.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. It could highly affect a person’s relationships, lifestyle, career, physical wellbeing, and life in general.

 

Manic Symptoms

• Extremely energetic. A person becomes chattier than usual and makes hasty decisions. Many can see this as normal behaviour, like someone is just being sociable.
• Rapid speech. Talks faster than usual, jumping from one topic or idea to another.
• Heightened creativity. Having crystal clarity and heightened senses, a sudden courage to create bold expressions of art.
• Inappropriate behaviours. Quick to engage in sexual activities, chase adrenaline rush, abuse drugs and alcohol, break the law, etc.
• Difficulty sleeping. High energy levels make it hard for a person to relax and doze off.
• Irritability. Quick to anger and show aggression. A person is more likely to argue and challenge beliefs and opinions.
• A phenomenon where an individual has sensory experiences of things that do not exist; lost touch of reality.
• Delusions and hallucinations. Some might have mystical experiences by seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
• Lack of insight. A person does not recognise that their behaviour is not normal.

 

Depressive Symptoms

• Overwhelming sadness
• Social withdrawal. Withdrawing from friends and avoiding social activities due to fear of judgement.
• Extreme guilt. Depression makes the conscience exaggerate feelings of guilt because of having low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
• When a person suddenly loses interest and pleasure in activities they enjoyed before.
• Difficulty making decisions. Decisions made in a depressive episode are usually risk averse, often to avoid anxiety.
• Forgetfulness. Depression is linked with short-term memory loss.
• Poor hygiene. A depressive episode could mean disregard in proper hygiene, such as not taking a bath, not changing clothes, etc.
• Problem sleeping. Lying awake at nite and unable to sleep, or, sleep for longer periods of time and find it hard to get out of bed.
• Change of weight or appetite. Some people overeat when depressed as a coping mechanism, while some may not eat food as disregard for physical well-being.
• Catatonic depression. When person is unable to move, talk, or take any action.
• Inflicting self-harm. This is done purposefully as a way of dealing with emotional pain and traumatic experiences.
• Suicidal thoughts. Happens when overwhelmed with painful emotions and seeing death as the only solution.

 

Are you experiencing Bipolar Symptoms? The team at Ubuntu Medical Stafford can help you. Call us today on (07) 3857 3777.

At Ubuntu Medical we also offer Bipolar Therapy.