World Bipolar Day is a time to spread awareness about the effects and signs of bipolar disorder. By increasing awareness, understanding, and sharing information about effective treatment options, we can eliminate the stigma associated with bipolar disorder.
If you think you may have bipolar disorder, it’s important to see a mental health specialist as soon as possible to begin an assessment and necessary treatment.
Those with bipolar disorder have 10-30 times the risk of suicide compared to the general population (Suicide Risk in Bipolar Disorder: A Brief Review). While all psychiatric patients are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, patients with bipolar disorder have the second highest risk of suicide, only slightly behind those with psychotic disorder (Comparison of Suicide Risk by Mental Illness).
The good news is that bipolar disorder can be managed with medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle modifications. If you or someone you love may have bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Request an appointment to be assessed for a possible bipolar disorder diagnosis and get started on your bipolar disorder treatment.
Request an appointment with our mental health specialists.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness defined by extreme variations in their mood and energy. These extreme highs (manic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes). These shifts greatly affect a person’s concentration and activity level.
Signs of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by sudden and dramatic changes in mood. During an episode – which typically lasts for several days – individuals with bipolar disorder experience more extreme high and low moods compared to the average person.
Some individuals may alternate between manic and depressive episodes. However, it is common for individuals to experience both mania and depression at the same time, also referred to as a ‘mixed episode’.
Signs of a manic episode:
- High-energy mood which may look energetic or irritable
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased need for sleep
- Hyperactive thoughts
- Sudden impulsivity
- Overconfidence
Signs of a depressive episode:
- Low-energy mood that may look depressed, slow, or lonely
- Loss of interest
- Feeling tired or lethargic, often requiring more sleep than usual
- Changes in weight
- Feeling guilty
- Indecisiveness
- Suicidal thoughts
How can bipolar disorder affect you if untreated?
In addition to the dangers of an increased suicide risk described earlier, bipolar disorder can have a big strain on relationships. This can affect your romantic relationships, familial relationships, friendships, as well as relationships with teachers, classmates, coaches, bosses, and co-workers, making it hard to develop support systems that we need in virtually every aspect of life. Quick and dramatic changes in mood and impulsive decision making can leave those around you confused and frustrated, and can often lead to a loss of trust which is needed for nearly all relationships.
Strained relationships combined with other common symptoms of bipolar disorder – such as difficulty focusing or thinking clearly and changes in energy – greatly affect your ability to excel at work or school.
In a study of 9886 participants with bipolar disorder, a staggering 81.32% were unemployed (Predictors of Employment Status for Persons with Bipolar Disorder).
Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Bipolar medications commonly include mood stabilizers such as lithium or an anticonvulsant. Patients may begin feeling an improvement in symptoms within 2 weeks of beginning a bipolar medication, and can expect their medication to take full-effect within 6 weeks.
Patients who also participate in psychotherapy and healthy lifestyle modifications while taking medication for bipolar disorder see the most improvement in their symptoms. Seeing a therapist to talk through the ups and downs and learn coping strategies can help you reduce the intensity and frequency of mood swings. Plus, a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting stress, practicing meditation, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule can all help reduce bipolar disorder symptoms.
Get Help With Bipolar Disorder in Minneapolis
If you think you may have bipolar disorder, seek help as soon as possible. Our mental health providers located in Golden Valley can assess if you have bipolar disorder or a similar mental illness, and will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help manage your bipolar depression.
See our list of accepted insurances and complete our appointment request form.
Advanced Brain + Body Clinic Ketamine TMS is a holistic treatment-resistant depression clinic in Minneapolis-St. Paul specializing in TMS, ketamine and esketamine (Spravato) treatments. Our two founding psychiatrists are board-certified MDs and many years’ experience in practicing psychiatric medicine combined with holistic brain health best practices. AB+BC is the only clinic to offer all four routes of ketamine administration prescribed by mental health doctors.