Everyone experiences mood swings – one minute we may be feeling happy and content, and then a few minutes later we (and maybe those around us) are experience the aftermath of a bad mood. Agitation, fatigue, sadness and more may suddenly take over, leaving us to wait it out or take part in a self-care activity such as taking a nap or reading a delightful book to help us move our mood along. Bipolar disorder (BPD), however, is a mental illness that makes mood swings much more intense and unpredictable than typical mood swings, making the difference a big one. If you have BPD, your moods could have a significant impact on your daily life – affecting school, work, family, social relationships, finances, and much more.
As emphasized by the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), manic episodes occur in BPD in many ways, including:
- Feeling “high”, “jumpy”, or “wired”
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Talking very quickly about different things
- Feeling “agitated”, “irritable” or “touchy”
- Racing thoughts
- Believing they can do many things at once
- Acting impulsively (through spending, gambling, sex, dangerous acts, etc.)
Depressive episodes in BPD occur through:
- Feeling “down”, “worried”, or “hopeless”
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Forgetting things
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Eating too much or too little
- Suicidal ideation
Upon reading these symptoms, you may feel that individually, many of these are quite “normal” – with BPD, however, episodes often involve many of these symptoms at a time, and can last for weeks or months compared to a “typical” person’s mood swings. Treatment for BPD is necessary because they have difficulty regulating emotion, which can ultimately affect their ability to function properly in school, work, family, and social interactions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with BPD, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about several types of programs and which one may be right for you. It’s never too late to seek the help you need, and with medication and treatment, you can better manage the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Therapy is a primary component of treatment for rehabilitation from a substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder. Attending treatment with certified clinicians and counselors is critical for a full recovery. At one of New Vista Behavioral Health’s treatment providers, you are receiving exceptional care, held to a higher standard. Our programs result in better outcomes, ensuring a better recovery. For information call us today: 888-316-3665.
