Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar I
Over 5 million people in the United States alone deal with bipolar disorder. Because of that commonality, many people believe they understand what the condition looks like, what to expect, and common symptoms that can impact someone diagnosed with it.
But that’s not always the case.
Bipolar I is defined as a mental health condition involving manic episodes. These episodes include extreme mood changes and heightened energy, which might not always seem negative but can greatly impact your quality of life.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of bipolar I. The more you recognize what to look for, the easier it will be to determine if you’re dealing with some of these symptoms yourself.
What Causes Bipolar I?
Before understanding the physical signs of bipolar I, you might be wondering what causes it. Is there a specific trigger that leads to certain symptoms? Can it be avoided? Because it’s such a serious condition, it’s normal to have questions about why it’s affecting you in the first place.
Unfortunately, the cause of bipolar I is unknown. There likely isn’t just one thing that contributes to it. Rather, a variety of factors come into play.
Genetics might play a part, increasing your risk of developing the disorder if another family member already has it.
Changes in your brain can also trigger the disorder if you experience fluctuations and imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin.
Many experts believe environmental factors can play a big part in contributing to bipolar disorder. Things like stressful life events might trigger symptoms or make them worse.
So, while there isn’t a concrete cause, it’s important to pay attention to things like family history, as well as any changes that have occurred in your life. Sharing those things with a mental health professional or your doctor can make it easier to receive a diagnosis and get help.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
If you feel like you’re an at-risk individual for developing bipolar I, understanding the common signs is essential.
The biggest things you’re likely to notice are extreme changes in mood. People with bipolar I go through manic episodes that can last a week or more. During these episodes, you might experience symptoms like:
Talking rapidly
Shifting ideas quickly
Increased energy
Difficulty concentrating
Decreased need for sleep
Reckless behaviors
Again, on paper, these episodes might not seem all that bad. But, because they last so long and can affect the mind and body so much, they can be harmful to your overall well-being. Your body can become seriously impacted by a lack of sleep. Your relationships and career might suffer. You might even do things you wouldn’t normally do because of a boost of self-confidence.
Unfortunately, these episodes often alternate with extreme depressive episodes. Feelings of guilt, emptiness, irritability, and sadness are common. You’ll experience less energy and more fatigue and might lose the motivation to do just about anything. Many people in these episodes start to feel worthless and might even consider self-harm.
Is Bipolar I Treatable?
Bipolar I can make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, and it’s important to step off of the ride as soon as possible.
Thankfully, it’s a manageable condition with the right help. A combination of medication and therapy is often the best way to deal with symptom management. Therapy can help you recognize some of the warning signs of upcoming symptoms and teach you healthy, effective ways to manage them.
While bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it’s not something that needs to define you. If the symptoms here sound familiar, you’re not alone. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment for anxiety counseling.