January 13, 2016 Saskia Carelse

Are You Bipolar? Understanding Symptoms, Treatments, and Self-Help Strategies

Are your moods swinging from high to low? It's normal to experience fluctuations in mood, but if these changes are severe and impact your daily life, you might be dealing with bipolar disorder. This condition is marked by extreme mood swings that can affect your social, emotional, and work life.

Bipolar disorder involves intense mood changes, from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows. Fortunately, with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, it's possible to manage the condition effectively.

Read on to find out what Feelgood Health can do to help YOU cope with Bipolar Disorder and mood swings.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterised by significant mood swings between high-energy states (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes.

During a manic phase, you might feel euphoric, overly energetic, and impulsive, with racing thoughts and rapid speech. This can lead to risky behaviours, such as excessive spending or substance use, and a distorted sense of self-importance.

Conversely, depressive episodes involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. These periods may also include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and thoughts of self-harm..

Types of bipolar disorder

There are different types of bipolar disorders and these include:

• Bipolar 1 Disorder

People with bipolar 1 disorder experience at least one manic episode which may be followed by major depressive episodes. Their behaviour will go from extreme elation and then quickly spiral out of control.

Symptoms are severe and can also be dangerous. It is common in both men and women, with men often experiencing mania first and women, major depression first. In many cases, if left untreated the person may need to be hospitalised.

• Bipolar 11 Disorder

With bipolar 11 disorder, people experience less manic symptoms and instead major depression which lasts about two weeks. They will experience at least one episode of hypomania instead of mania.

Hypomania usually lasts about four days. During an episode of hypomania, the person will be highly energetic, excitable and impulsive.

While the mood is unpredictable, it is not as extreme as mania. It tends to be more common in women with an increase in the number of depressive episodes.

• Cyclothymic Disorder

This type of bipolar disorder is milder than full-blown bipolar 1 and 11. The symptoms are not as severe as hypomanic and major depressive episodes.

• Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder

In rapid cycling bipolar disorder, the person experiences mood changes quickly. The person may have four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, major depression or mixed symptoms in one year.

In some cases, people with this disorder experience more than one episode in a day or a week.

In most forms of bipolar disorder, moods alternate between elevated and depressed over time. But with mixed bipolar disorder, a person experiences both mania and depression in rapid sequence.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder can include the following symptoms:

Bipolar Mania

1. Feeling euphoric, excited and on a high for long periods of time
2. Racing thoughts and talking very fast and loudly
3. Being impulsive, very restless and fidgety
4. Feeling agitated and tense
5. Poor judgement
6. Feelings of exaggerated self-confidence and unrealistic in one’s powers and capabilities
7. Engaging in reckless and risky behaviour, such as going on huge shopping sprees, impulsive sex and doing drugs

Bipolar Depression

1. Feeling depressed, sad and hopeless for long periods of time
2. Withdrawal from interaction with friends and family and loss of interest in hobbies and activities that once were found enjoyable
3. Feeling extremely tired all the time, sleeping too little or more than usual and lacking energy
4. Severe loss of appetite or increase in appetite
5. Difficulties concentration, memory and decision making
6. Think and speak slowly
7. Suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide, or being preoccupied with death

How to get help and treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Many people with bipolar disorder may not realise they have it, as symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. A thorough mental health evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Family members can provide valuable insights to help with the diagnosis..

There are many symptoms that have to be ruled out first as well as many conditions such as anxiety disorders or ADHD that go hand in hand or may need to be distinguished from Bipolar Disorder.

Conventional treatment

Bipolar disorder treatment typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Medications like lithium are often prescribed to stabilise mood, while therapy helps individuals understand their condition and develop coping strategies. Consistent treatment is crucial for maintaining stability. It is imperative that treatment is ongoing for the person to lead a healthy life.

Natural Remedies for Bipolar Disorder

Psychiatric drugs for Bipolar Disorder often come with unwanted side effects and many people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder look for natural alternatives to conventional drug treatment.

All decisions regarding medical treatment must be made by weighing up the benefits and disadvantages of treatment before making a decision.

In the case of Bipolar Disorder, the consequences of not using prescription psychiatric drugs may be severe and one should never stop prescribed medication for Bipolar Disorder without consulting your prescribing doctor and initiating a well-monitored and professionally assisted treatment change.

This is especially important because diminished judgement may be a symptom of this psychiatric illness and a professional or objected opinion is always a good idea when making any changes.

In many cases, people with Bipolar Disorder are able to use selected herbal or homeopathic remedies along with their prescription drugs. This can help to achieve a reduced dosage or minimise the need for the prescription drugs, thereby reducing the negative side effects while still maintaining stability.

Get plenty sleep which is an important component of managing mood and emotions. If you are struggling to fall sleep, take Serenite Plus, a natural remedy which helps to induce drowsiness.

Use Rescue Synergy and Essential Oils for Emotional Balance to ease anxiety, stress, and tension when you're feeling overwhelmed.

People with Bipolar disorder often look for natural and safe remedies that can be taken together with their medication.

Living with bipolar disorder

Managing bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and self-care. Reducing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can be helpful. Ensuring adequate sleep and incorporating relaxation techniques, such as listening to soothing music or getting a massage, are also important.

By maintaining a balanced lifestyle and adhering to treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives.

Reduce stress levels by taking up meditation, yoga, Thai Chi, practicing deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, going for long walks or having a relaxing massage.

Exercise regularly to work off pent up energy and emotions and keep your mood stable and balanced.

Coping with Bipolar disorder is challenging but by paying attention to the warning signs and getting treatment as early as possible will help to make the difference.

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

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