I Think I’m Bipolar. What Should I Do?

“I think I’m bipolar.” Have you ever had this thought? Or perhaps you mentioned the possibility to a friend? Then you must have questions about how to confirm your suspicions and handle the situation.

Below you’ll discover what this disorder is, how you can get clarity on whether you have it, and the steps and treatments you can consider for the future if necessary.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

This is a mental health condition recognized by the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). It’s classified as a mood disorder which causes extreme highs and lows for the individual.

Bipolar Disorder affects these areas:

• Your mood
• Your thoughts
• Your behavior

People’s emotions fluctuate daily, but with this disorder, these changes are quite magnified. They can be so severe that it becomes debilitating, even resulting in psychosis for some people. However, each person’s symptoms are unique.

No specific cause has been identified for this disease. Though it tends to run in families, research has not shown a specific genetic link.

If you’ve said or thought the words, “I think I’m bipolar,” some insight on the condition may help. These questions may bring some clarity, so ask yourself:

• What is the intensity of your mood swings?
• How often do the mood swings come and how long do these episodes last?
• Do these mood swings affect everyday life and your ability to function?

Let’s see what Bipolar Disorder looks like.

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II

Two types of bipolar disorder have been identified:

• Bipolar I: This diagnosis is made when the individual has experienced at least one manic episode
• Bipolar II: The person has never had a manic episode and the individual has had hypomanic episodes instead of manic episodes.

What do the general symptoms look like of these episodes?

• Higher energy levels than normal
• Restlessness
• Low need for sleep
• Feelings of grandiosity
• Being talkative
• Racing thoughts
• Distracted easily
• Attempting multiple projects without finishing any of them
• Increased sexual behavior
• Engaging in risky (out of the ordinary for you) activities such as gambling, sex, drugs, etc.

When an individual is manic he or she will showcase these symptoms more excessively compared to someone who is hypomanic. Therefore mania is the more severe case, can have serious consequences and even lead to hospitalization. In extreme cases, it leads to psychotic symptoms including paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.

Timelines:

• Manic episodes: The symptoms last for a week or sometimes longer
• Hypomanic episodes: Last for a few days and chances of landing in the hospital are slim

What is a Major Depressive Episode?

Bipolar Disorder also includes depression. These depressive episodes include these symptoms:

• Depressed feelings for most of the day, on more or less a daily basis
• Low energy levels
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Unhealthy sleeping patterns (too much/too little)
• Feeling worthless
• Feeling lonely
• Low concentration
• Recurring suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying

These symptoms tend to make one feel isolated and suicide is very common among people suffering from Bipolar Disorder. Most sufferers attempt it at least once.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the US with 44,965 Americans dying each year because of it. This is an important aspect to discuss even in general society as suicide becomes more prevalent.

Let’s Explain More

Apart from Bipolar I and Bipolar II other types of bipolar disorder have also been identified. One example is rapid cycling which takes place when someone has constant and severe bipolar episodes. This is not a diagnosis in itself but it’s a specifier. In the DSM the criteria for this specifier is to have four or more manic or depressive episodes in one year.

Another example is Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). This is used for cases where the person comes very close to meeting the Bipolar Disorder diagnosis criteria but falls just short of the full criteria mentioned in the DSM.

The purpose of this is so doctors can use the diagnosis in order to stay conservative and not over diagnose. The term is necessary however to indicate that the person isn’t dealing with simple depression only. When this is your diagnosis it’s vital you monitor yourself and take any surfacing symptoms very seriously.

Another similar diagnosis is Cyclothymia Disorder which manifests as ups and downs but is not as severe. Every day functioning is still possible and therefore it’s classified as a milder mood disorder.

Mixed episode is a final option. Here the individual will experience both mania/hypomania and simultaneously go through depression. While feelings of high energy, extreme fatigue, and racing thoughts are there, the person also has to cope with hopelessness, agitation and feeling suicidal. A mixed state carries a higher risk of suicide.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you have Bipolar Disorder, finding the right provider is vital in terms of treatment. People are often misdiagnosed as having another mental health challenge before the provider realizes a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis applies.

One of the reasons for this is that Bipolar Disorder symptoms present in many ways and forms, possibly leading to leads a diagnosis of:

• Major depression
• ADHD (Attention Deficit-hyperactivity Disorder)
• Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder.

So how can you ensure you get to the right diagnosis in the shortest amount of time?

• Find a psychiatrist
• Monitor your own symptoms
• Ask your friends or family for insight

“I Think I’m Bipolar. What Should I Do?”

Fortunately, there are various treatment types available for this disorder. It’s vital you find professional help so you can find peace again and start the restoration of your life. Professional treatment can lead to fewer episodes and less severe episodes.

Here are a few examples of treatments that patients find very helpful

Medication Management

Firstly you can benefit from medication management. You must find a Medical Doctor who specializes in Psychiatry however because not all MDs are as knowledgeable on this subject as psychiatrists. It’s ideal to consult someone with vast knowledge of psychiatric medications, of which these are most often prescribed:

• Mood stabilizers
• Anti-depressants
• Anti-psychotics
• Anticonvulsants

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Along with other treatments, therapy can improve chances for recovery immensely. Common therapy types for Bipolar Disorder are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These approaches provide the individuals with symptom management tools and healthy coping mechanisms.

Support Groups and Group Therapy

It’s wise to join support groups and consider group therapy. Support groups for mental health patients are offered by the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) so all you have to do is find your local NAMI affiliate and research available support groups at NAMI.org.

Mental health agencies and therapists also provide group therapy for individuals facing Bipolar Disorder. These are powerful tools and resources to ensure the individual doesn’t feel alone in the struggle. This is important since this condition leaves people feeling isolated especially during depressive episodes. If you can at least speak to others who understand the situation, it’s a powerful tool to counter symptoms and negative feelings.

Alternative Options

Some people may be medication resistant which means various medications have been tried but nothing has brought relief of the symptoms. Luckily, in our time, new medications and medical interventions are developed all the time so a medication that works may be available at some time in the future.

For the time when medication doesn’t offer a solution patients can consider other options. Note that this is never the first line of defense and will usually be considered only after no medication seems to work:

• ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy): This has been around for a long time, ever since the 1930s, but is still used more often than you may think. The therapy has evolved and is now more humane. You’ll be placed under general anesthesia instead of being awake. While you’re under small electrical currents will run through your brain which results in a seizure. This process causes the brain chemistry to adjust. Although it’s unclear why this method works, it has improved some treated patients’ quality of life and even remedied aspects of their Bipolar Disorder. However, it is still not the first option for treatment. You need medical documentation that other medication trials were not effective before you’re allowed to try this treatment. Note that there are possible, serious side effects such as memory loss.
• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): This is used as opposed to ECT, it’s a newer treatment and it’s a non-invasive procedure. It can be administered without anesthesia and there aren’t any serious side effects. A magnetic pulse is used (This will feel as if something is tapping on your scalp) which stimulates nerve cells. It’s administered to the part of the brain where your mood originates.

You can see you live in a time where a variety of treatment options are available. You should talk to your healthcare provider to discover the best treatment for your unique situation. The benefit of having options is that you don’t have to opt for a treatment you don’t feel comfortable with. You can even attempt a variety of therapies. The choice is yours.

Where to Find Help for Bipolar Disorder

So now you know about the disorder, the types, and the treatments. Now you can visit your health care provider and make informed decisions about his or her help with your diagnosis and treatment.

Many people face these challenges alone these days. Is that you? Perhaps you don’t experience relief because you have deviated from the road you once followed. Has depression taken hold of you to the point that you even consider hurting yourself? If you’ve thought of suicide at all we urge you to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (or 1-800-273-8255).

You can also talk to a licensed mental health therapist who is able to offer treatment that works, learning new coping skills, and moving down the road to recovery. Some people face this alone without seeking help or even talking to trustworthy people about the symptoms they face each day. These conditions are serious and need attention and treatment. Will you take that step?

People who suffer on this journey often turn to suicide simply to find relief, but that doesn’t have to be your story because hope and treatment are within reach.

Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

God’s will for you is to recover and he wants to give you hope. What you need to do is trust him and lean on his strength in difficult times. This doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Reach out. Make that choice today.