How Do You Know If You Have Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that can be confusing to deal with. Bipolar used to be called manic depression, but it is now referred to as bipolar based on the shifts from emotional highs (manias) and lows (depression).
Are you unsure if have bipolar disorder? These are some of the symptoms that indicate you should seek treatment for bipolar disorder.
You Experience Mania
Mania, sometimes in the form of psychosis, is a feeling of jumpiness or upbeatness. This often comes with increased physical and mental activity, including agitation or exaggeration. This can come with the feeling of being talkative, distracted, and unable to make good decisions. This may be followed by periods of depression, but the mania can last weeks or months.
You Experience Depression
Do you ever find yourself dealing with major depressive episodes that impact your daily routine? Are you often hopeless, tearful, or irritable? Do you lose interest in activities? Do you feel fatigued or restless for long periods of time followed by periods of mania? All of this indicates you could experience periods of depression.
You Experience Both at the Same Time
In some cases, people experience both mania and depression at the same time. This can be confusing and appear in confusing ways, which can make you feel confused about what is actually happening.
You Experience Anxiety
Anxiety is also extremely common in people with bipolar disorder. Anxiety can include more than just worries. In fact, it can also include jittering, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and preoccupation with worrying stimuli. Anxiety can lead to physical and emotional symptoms.
You Have Substance Abuse Disorder
Substance abuse disorder is also linked to bipolar disorder. Substance abuse can accompany either mania or depression, worsening the symptoms of either condition. Often, the two issues are comorbid with each other.
You Have an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders, including binge eating and bulimia, are also often comorbid with bipolar disorder. Treatment for bipolar disorder can also often treat eating disorders.
You Are Worried
If you are worried about yourself and your future, it is reason enough to discuss treatment with a professional. You may find that you do not have bipolar disorder but something else that presents similarly. You can treat this issue with counseling and even medication.
Consult With a Professional
A professional can help you find bipolar resources that help you find the tools you need to address the symptoms you experience. Consult with a professional at a center like Bipolar Links LLC to learn more about your options for treatment moving forward.