A person with bipolar disorder may experience extreme emotional ups and downs. These mood swings can cause problems at home, work and school.
Encourage your loved one to see a therapist and get treatment if they are having depression or mania episodes. It's important to never stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor or therapist.
1. Mood Swings
Mood swings are common, but they can also be a sign of bipolar disorder. If your mood changes are extreme and interfere with your everyday life, you should visit a psychiatrist or psychologist to get the proper diagnosis.
Mood changes may also be a sign of other medical or mental health conditions, such as ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which affects some women; or alcohol or drug abuse. Mood fluctuations can also be a side effect of some medications.
To help identify the cause of your mood changes, you can start by keeping a daily diary of your symptoms and their intensity. Then, ask your doctor about medication and other treatments. A regular routine of healthy eating, sleeping and exercise can also help reduce symptoms.
2. Difficulty Concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is common in people with bipolar disorder. It can be caused by many different factors, including depression, sleep disorders, certain medications, and anxiety. It can also be a sign of other mental illnesses, such as ADHD or schizophrenia.
Practicing concentration exercises and avoiding distractions can help you improve your ability to focus. Try making to-do lists and separating tasks into small chunks. The brain is better able to retain information when it is organized into smaller parts. It’s why phone numbers are separated into three and four digits, for example.
Build structure into your day by sticking to a regular schedule of sleeping, eating, working, and socializing. Exercise and relaxation can also improve your mood and concentration. Lastly, make sure you have a support network and educate your family members about bipolar disorder so they can recognize early symptoms.
3. Insomnia
When people with bipolar disorder are in a depressive episode, they often have trouble sleeping. This is because depression interferes with the normal production of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.
Keeping up with a daily routine can help stabilize mood swings and keep depression, mania and hypomania at bay. Try scheduling regular times for sleep, eating, exercise and work. Set aside time for relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi or meditation.
Reach out to family, friends and support groups. Spending time with people who understand what you’re going through can help ease symptoms and boost your mood. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan, like setting up a Power of Attorney, in case you find yourself at crisis point and need someone to step in.
4. Anxiety
If you or someone you know is dealing with debilitating anxiety, it's important to see a mental health professional. This is especially true if those symptoms are accompanied by bipolar disorder.
Anxiety is often a symptom of bipolar disorder, which may come on suddenly. It is characterized by an overwhelming sense of unease that can be directed toward any situation, including daily activities. It is a common symptom of mania, as well as a symptom of depression.
In some cases, anxiety is misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. This can lead to improper treatment and exacerbated symptoms. Getting the right diagnosis is critical to improving your life. Dave M., for example, struggled with anxiety before he got the correct diagnoses. He remembers a moment in high school when his hands began to shake as he stood at the chalkboard trying to write an equation.
5. Anger
Anger is a very common emotion that can range from mild irritation and annoyance to outrage and violent rage. Being able to express anger in the right way and at the right time is important. However, if you often feel frustrated or angry and can't seem to calm down then it might be time to talk with your doctor.
Anxiety, depression and lack of sleep can make it difficult to control feelings of anger and irritability. Try to get enough sleep and be physically active to help reduce stress.
Recognizing the situations that trigger your anger is the first step in being able to manage it. Identifying your triggers can help you find ways to avoid them or view them differently so that they don't cause your blood to boil.
