Bipolar disorder is associated with severe mood fluctuations that will take you by surprise.
Thought knowing what will actually happen during such episodes will help you better cope with these occurrences.
Manic Episodes
The onset of mania is gradual. At first, you are in a very good mood and feel energetic!
Here’s what happens:
- Your brain won’t stop generating new thoughts
- You’re running on two or three hours of sleep
- You’ve got five different projects going at once
- You’re buying things without thinking them through
- Your words come out fast and you switch topics constantly
- You are irritated by everything more than you should be
- You genuinely believe you can handle anything
The tough part is that mania feels great. You believe that all you’re doing is being productive. Your friends and family see something different and start worrying.
Depressive Episodes
Depression is more than just being in a bad mood. It may also have an impact on the way your body and mind operate.
You’ll probably notice:
- Being constantly exhausted and tired
- Not caring about things that used to feel important
- Your brain feels foggy when you try to think
- Guilt creeping in over things that aren’t even your fault
- Either eating way too much or barely anything
- Your body feels heavy and slow
- Everything seems pointless
These episodes stick around for weeks or even months if you don’t get help.
How to Handle Episodes
Don’t Cut People Off
When things become tough, speak with someone. Your physician, a therapist, a relative, a friend. Hiding yourself only makes things worse.
Stick to What Your Doctor Really Says
Treatment only works if you actually do it:
- Take your medications every day
- Go to therapy sessions
- Express your emotions
- Avoid both drugs and alcohol
Have a Routine
Your body likes predictability:
- Wake up at the same time
- Eat all your meals on a schedule
- Try to move around a little bit each and every day
- Go to bed at the same time
Identify Your Warning Signals
Everyone’s different. Maybe you clean obsessively. Maybe you stop answering texts. Maybe you drain your bank account.
Whatever signals your episodes, write them down. Tell people close to you so they can spot what you miss.
Related: What Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Bipolar Disorder in Later Life?
If You Need Help Right Now
Dial 988 in case you are contemplating suicide.
Contact a professional in case:
- The frequency of your episodes is increasing
- Your medicine quit working
- You cannot complete basic activities
- You participate in risky behavior
Getting the Right Support
Bipolar disorder isn’t something that goes away. The positive aspect is that it can be managed with assistance.
Xtra Care Clinic develops the treatment plans based on what you really need. We do not apply a uniform method because each situation is unique.
Contact Xtra Care Clinic to discuss which treatment options may be best for you!
FAQs
What’s really the duration of a bipolar episode?
Hours to months. Treatment tends to make them shorter in duration.
Can bipolar disorder ever be cured?
No, it’s something you will always have. But many people lead what appears to be a normal life with proper treatment!
What triggers bipolar episodes?
- Stress is usually the main concern
- Poor sleep
- Forgetting to take your meds
- Alcohol and drugs
Everyone has different triggers, though.
Can someone work if they have bipolar disorder?
Yes, people with bipolar disorder have jobs. It is much more helpful to lead a full and effective life if the right treatment is provided.
Do the symptoms of bipolar disorder get worse as people grow older?
Not really! But many people, with continuous treatment, have fewer episodes over time.
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