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Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar?

Bipolar Disorder (previously referred to as manic depression) is a mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels. It can cause your mood to swing from very high (mania) to very low (depression). Bipolar Disorder usually first develops in late teens or early adulthood.

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behaviour and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.

Although Bipolar Disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. Most people with Bipolar Disorder require some sort of lifelong treatment. While medication is one key element in successful treatment, psychotherapy, support, and education are also essential components.

Symptoms of Mania

Increased energy levels

Feeling very happy or positive even if things are not going well for you

Being more irritable than usual

Extremely talkative

Uncontrollable excitement

Uncontrollable spending

Risk taking behaviour

Being argumentative, pushy, or aggressive

"If you are struggling today, remember this; you have survived everything up to this point. The best day of your life is yet to come"

Along with symptoms of mania, you will also experience, Symptoms of Depression

Low mood, feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters

Loss of hope and confidence

Lack of personal hygiene

Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy or meeting people

Lack of interest in sex

Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort

Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness

Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame

Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things

Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts

When several of these symptoms occur at the same time, last longer than two weeks, and interfere with your daily life, go, and speak with your Doctor as professional help is needed. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 999 or your local emergency number immediately.

"Sometimes you need to be alone, not to be lonely, but to enjoy yourself.
Self-discovery is a gift, treasure it"

Disclaimer

By means of this website, KPSN provides information concerning Mental Health Recovery, Education and General tips and advice on Mental Health & Wellbeing.
While KPSN makes every reasonable effort to provide information that is as comprehensive, accurate and clear as possible, the information provided on this site is necessarily of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of a particular individual. If you wish to find out what your particular position is in your own particular circumstances Please consult your doctor.

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