Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). By understanding the symptoms of an episode, you can take action quickly and take control of it in the midst of it. It is easy to spot what we consider typical depression symptoms: crying, sadness, restlessness, brain fog, insomnia, decreased energy, lack of interest, paralysis, fatigue, and a general sense that life is essentially not worth living. These feelings come on rapidly decrease over time, but if left unchecked they can have disastrous effects. Let's examine the symptoms of mania and depression.
Bipolar disorder and symptoms can often co-occur. When one type of mood disorder is present another can frequently take its form. When feeling particularly irritable or restless, you might find yourself unable to sleep. Insomnia is a common companion.
Similarly, mood swings are often accompanied by insomnia, which can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A manic episode can bring on feelings of euphoria, whereas a depressed person will usually be self-conscious about being depressed. You may find yourself having racing thoughts and feeling incapable of making decisions. This symptom can increase anxiety and frustration levels. If left untreated, these feelings can grow to the point where you feel like you are losing control.
If you have experienced symptoms of depression, then you are likely to experience sleep disturbances such as fatigue, restlessness, irritability, sleepiness, and sleeplessness. A major change in sleep habits, especially if it lasts for at least two weeks, may indicate a condition called sleep apnea. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, sleepiness during the day, waking up many times in the night, feeling tired or having no energy, waking up early in the morning, and not being able to get back to sleep after a long night's sleep.
Another condition that has symptoms of mood disorders is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by a major shift in mood from one episode to another. Bipolar disorder occurs when one or both of your moods are extremely positive and highly reactive to different events in your environment. This disorder can lead to significant changes in your life. The manic episodes can cause extreme reactions to everyday situations while the depressive episodes can cause deep sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
Manic episodes can include an elevated self-esteem along with more intense emotions, increased thoughts of sexual pleasure and/or impotence, grandiose ideas, grandiose plans, and irritability. On the other hand, a depressive episode can include feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, social withdrawal, difficulty making transitions in life, decreased interest in everyday activities, and feelings of hopelessness or a lack of motivation. When these symptoms of mania include racing thoughts, poor concentration, and a decreased sense of time, this is considered a manic episode. When they are less severe, this is referred to as hypomanic disorder.
Other symptoms of mixed mania and depression include hyperactivity, insomnia, extreme optimism or hopelessness and irritability. When they are more severe, these can have negative effects on your work, relationships, and health. Someone who suffers from mixed disorder may be overly talkative and talk at times when they should be sleeping. They may also experience physical symptoms such as jaundice, weight gain, increased hunger, blurry vision, nausea, restlessness, hyperglycemia, tremor, and muscle twitching.
Symptoms of these disorders need to be treated if you want to have better quality of life. Manic episodes can be treated with professional counseling and medication. However, it is important to note that you should not self-medicate and you should consult your doctor about the possibility of using antidepressants or anti-depressants. If you suffer from depression and/or bipolar disorder, it is very important that you seek professional help at the soonest possible time. Remember that untreated depression and bipolar disorder can result in severe health complications and in some instances, suicide.
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