What is Bipolar 1?
Chances are, you’ve heard of bipolar disorder. You might even know some of the basic signs and symptoms. But, only knowing a bit about mental health conditions can be dangerous and damaging to the people dealing with them. It can create misconceptions and false assumptions, leading to stereotyping and even discrimination.
When it comes to understanding bipolar disorder, it’s important to note that those with the condition can have either bipolar I or bipolar II.
Let’s take a closer look at bipolar I, including some of the common symptoms and what you can do if you’re experiencing those signs. The more you understand bipolar disorder yourself, the sooner you can get the help you deserve.
Manic-Depressive Disorder
Bipolar I is often referred to as manic-depressive disorder. If you’ve had at least one manic episode, you’re likely to receive this diagnosis.
A manic episode occurs when you experience an extreme swing in your mood. You might feel like you have endless energy and you’re overly excited. Manic episodes can make people feel invincible, leading to risky behaviors and ideas.
When you’re in the middle of a manic episode, you might also speak quickly or loudly and sleep less. Unfortunately, these episodes can sometimes last for days, and they’re typically followed by depressive episodes.
As you might expect, depressive episodes are basically the opposite of the manic experience. You might feel extreme sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness. Your energy decreases, you might have a hard time concentrating, and you might withdraw from people and things you love. Again, this episode can last for days at a time, wreaking havoc on your well-being.
Signs of Bipolar I
Bipolar I causes a person to cycle between these two types of episodes. You’ll experience extreme highs and lows. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the episodes typically don’t happen all of the time. You’ll likely cycle through a few of them each year, but when they last for days or weeks at a time, that’s enough to take a toll on your mental health.
If you’re still not sure whether you’re dealing with bipolar I or something else, consider some of the common signs, including:
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Extreme mood swings
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of self-harm
Strong feelings
Restlessness
It’s important to note that people with bipolar disorder are often at a greater risk of committing suicide. Sometimes, it’s due to taking dangerous risks. Other times, the depression comes on so strongly that it might seem like the only option to find peace. If you’re experiencing any thoughts of self-harm, it’s essential to reach out for help right away.
What Is Bipolar II?
The main difference between bipolar I and II is the severity of symptoms. While bipolar II can still feel overwhelming, the manic and depressive episodes you experience likely won’t completely take over your mind. You typically don’t experience mania with bipolar II, though you can still experience hypomania and depression in less severe states. We’ll dive deeper into bipolar II in the next blog post.
What Can You Do?
Bipolar I can be scary and overwhelming for the person dealing with it. Thankfully, you don’t have to let the condition define you forever.
One of the best things you can do to manage bipolar I is to work with a therapist. Therapy, in addition to mood stabilizers and potentially other types of medication, can make a big difference in understanding your condition. It can also help with symptom management, especially during a manic or depressive episode.
If you haven’t received an official bipolar I diagnosis or you’re ready to take control of your life again, don’t hesitate to contact me to set up an appointment for anxiety therapy.