Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depression; it is characterized by periods of mania, followed by periods of depression. It causes extreme mood swings which interfere with a person's ability to function, and can ruin personal relationships. According to Sunshinefromdarkness.org, 20 percent of people who believe they suffer from depression actually have bipolar. Due to the common delay in diagnosis, it takes, on average, 10 years for treatment to begin once symptoms are recognized. The symptoms of this disease depend upon the episode, or mood, the person is experiencing at the time; once these episodes and their symptoms are identified, help can be sought.
Mania Symptoms
A manic episode is characterized by feelings of euphoria and unstoppable energy. It makes the person feel good in the beginning, but then his mood spirals quickly downward. HelpGuide.com states that periods of mania may cause one to do something foolish such as gamble away money or become sexually promiscuous. Other signs of mania include feeling extremely optimistic or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, extremely irritable. The sufferer may also get little sleep, yet be full of energy. He may talk so fast you can't understand him, have problems concentrating or, in severe cases, suffer from delusions or hallucinations.
The Depressive Episode
Once the mania has passed, the depression generally sets in. The movement from episode to episode is known as cycling. During the depressive episode, the sufferer may begin moving and speaking very slowly, experience feelings of hopelessness and sadness, sleep more than she is awake and gain weight. The energy she had during her manic episode is now gone and sluggishness has taken its place. She may begin to feel guilty and have suicidal thoughts. In some cases, psychotic depression sets in. This condition causes a person to lose touch with reality, which interferes greatly with work or school.
Recognizing Hypomania
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. While the person may still experience feelings of euphoria and appear to have boundless energy, he doesn't lose his grip on reality. He is generally able to function normally, but may still make poor decisions which can affect his relationships with others, such as lashing out when criticized. According to HelpGuide.org, hypomania typically turns into either a full-blown manic episode, or an episode of depression.
Know the Signs of a Mixed Episode
A mixed episode is just as it sounds. It is a combination of two of the above-mentioned episodes. It is either a mix of mania and depression, or hypomania and depression. During this time, the person is generally agitated or irritable. She suffers from insomnia and thoughts race through her mind. She may also suffer from anxiety and be easily distracted. It is during this time that the risk of her committing suicide is at its greatest because of the high energy/low mood combination.
