Monday, March 25, 2024

How Does Someone With Bipolar Act

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Here Is How This Young Man Describes The Middle

What It’s Actually Like To Live With Bipolar Disorder

This is what I imagine its like for everyone else you know, normal people. I wake up in the morning and I feel fine. I dont dread going about my day. I go to work, get things done, and have plenty of energy throughout the day.

I can roll with the punches the average day gives me. Im not freaking out over small problems, I enjoy the little things, and Im not loathing the future.

I feel normal and its how I see myself. Im not some lunatic running around or some mopey, lazy slug.

I honestly wish I could stay in this mindset all the time, but I know that wont happen. Ive accepted that my moods will change on their own, so I enjoy the calm more when its there.

Keep in mind that symptoms of bipolar disorder in children differ from symptoms in adults. Symptoms in children may include:

  • a change in sleep pattern

These behaviors dont always point to bipolar disorder, but you should see a doctor if your childs moods become episodic and frequently shift between happiness and sadness.

Coping With Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are ways to help yourself, as well as your friends and loved ones.

  • Get treatment and stick with it. Treatment is the best way to start feeling better.
  • Keep medical and therapy appointments and talk with your health care provider about treatment options.
  • Take medication as directed.
  • Structure activities. Keep a routine for eating, sleeping, and exercising.
  • Try regular, vigorous exercise like jogging, swimming, or bicycling, which can help with depression and anxiety, promote better sleep, and is healthy for your heart and brain.
  • Keep a life chart to help recognize your mood swings.
  • Ask for help when trying to stick with your treatment.
  • Be patient. Improvement takes time. Social support helps.

Remember, bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but long-term, ongoing treatment can help manage symptoms and enable you to live a healthy life.

Do Narcissists Enjoy Kissing

Kissing is a deeply intimate act, and although in popular culture it is often classed as only being worthy of first base, it does in fact go way beyond that toxic evaluation. Weve no doubt all had at least one lingering kiss that well never forget one which left all of our senses tingling and hungry for more. Well, that memorable smooch left us reminiscing because it was sincere and meant something. In short, it encapsulated love and romance, which are two things that narcissists are quite simply incapable of feeling.

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Cait Agrees With Tanya

For 13 years, I took medication, but I’ve been trying to cope without it for the past six months. So I have to be super careful, and alas, super boring. I don’t drink a lot. I have relatively early nights when I can.

Bipolar can also be triggered by trauma or other life events, and sometimes part of therapy is addressing underlying concerns to get someone to a point where they can start to see a life worth living.

Information For Family Carers And Friends

Bipolar and Addiction

How can I get support?

You can speak to your GP. You should be given your own assessment through NHS mental health services to work out what effect your caring role is having on your health. And what support you need. Such as practical support and emergency support.

These are some other options for you:

  • Join a carers service
  • Join a carers support group
  • Ask your local authority for a carers assessment
  • Read about the condition
  • Apply for welfare benefits for carers

Rethink Mental Illness run carers support groups in some areas. You can also search for groups on the Carers Trust website:

How can I support the person I care for?

You might find it easier to support someone with bipolar disorder if you understand their symptoms, treatment and self-management skills.

You should be aware of what you can do if you are worried about their mental state. It can be helpful to know contact information for their mental health team or GP.

You could find out from your relative if they have a crisis plan. You could help your relative to make a crisis plan if they dont have one.

As a carer you should be involved in decisions about care planning. But you dont have a legal right to this. The medical team should encourage the person that you care for to allow information to be shared with you.

You can find out more information about:

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Symptoms Of A Mixed Episode

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode include depression combined with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts. This combination of high energy and low mood makes for a particularly high risk of suicide.

Its Similar To Other Mental Health Conditions

People with bipolar disorder usually get diagnosed with something else firstdepression and ADHD are some of the most common. Depression is a part of bipolar disorder, and most people are more familiar with what depression looks like than mania. ADHD can also look very similar to bipolar disorder, especially in children.

Once a person discovers they have bipolar disorder, that might replace any previous diagnosisor they might have multiple mental health conditions at once. If you know someone who is being treated for a mental illness, but they still struggle with symptoms of bipolar disorder, its worth considering that there may be more going on.

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How Do Doctors Diagnose Bipolar Disorder

Theres no blood test or medical test for bipolar disorder. To diagnose bipolar, a mental health doctor meets with you. They ask questions about your moods, thoughts, feelings, and health. They ask about how youre doing in your life and problems youre having. They listen and talk with you, and with your parent. They also check for other conditions that can cause mood symptoms. This can take a few visits.

If a doctor finds that you have bipolar, they will talk more about it with you. They will explain the treatment plan that can help you.

Are There Clinical Trials Studying Bipolar Disorder

Can You Be Too Old To Get Bipolar Disorder?

NIMH supports a wide range of research, including clinical trials that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditionsincluding bipolar disorder. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge to help others in the future. Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct clinical trials with patients and healthy volunteers. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit the NIMH clinical trials webpage.

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How Would You Describe An Episode Of Manic Behavior

A manic episode aka mania is a period of feeling full of energy. You might talk faster than usual, notice your thoughts racing, take on lots of activities, and feel like you don’t need as much sleep. A manic episode is a period of extremely energetic, happy, or irritable moods that last for at least a week.

Manic And Hypomanic Episodes

Manic and hypomanic episodes or mania and hypomania both mean feeling high.

Manic and hypomanic episodes have similarities in how they may make you feel or act. But there are some key differences:

  • Severity of symptoms. Severe mania is very serious and often requires hospital treatment. Hypomania can noticeably change your mood or behaviour, but it’s less severe than mania.
  • Impact on your life. Manic episodes can impact your ability to do your daily activities often disrupting or completely stopping them. Hypomanic episodes can disrupt your life, but you may still feel able to work or socialise.
  • Length of episode. For a mood episode to be classed as mania, it needs to last for a week or more. For hypomania, it needs to last for 4 days or more. But both manic and hypomanic episodes can last much longer than this.
  • Types of symptoms. You may be more likely to experience severe symptoms with mania, such as more extreme risk-taking behaviours. Manic episodes can sometimes include psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations or delusions. Hypomanic episodes never include these.

Both mania and hypomania can be really tough to experience and manage. Whether you experience mania or hypomania, or if you’re not sure what you’re experiencing, it’s always OK to seek support.

The hardest thing to explain is the racing thoughts when I’m manic. It’s like I’ve got four brains and they’re all on overdrive… it can be scary but also euphoric at the same time.

Feelings

Behaviours

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Is Mania Always Happy

Mania goes beyond normal mood and energy changes. The symptoms of mania are so intense that they can affect a person’s relationships, job, or well-being. Having mania does not always mean that the person feels happy. While mania can cause a feeling of euphoria, it can also cause extreme irritability.

The Keys To Bipolar Disorder Self

Best Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Ludhiana, Punjab

Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better youll be at assisting your own recovery.

Get moving. Exercise has a beneficial impact on mood and may reduce the number of bipolar episodes you experience. Aerobic exercise that activates arm and leg movement such as running, walking, swimming, dancing, climbing or drumming may be especially beneficial to your brain and nervous system.

Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

Seek support. Its important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it wont mean youre a burden to others. In fact, most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it will only strengthen your relationship.

Stay closely connected to friends and family. Nothing is as calming to the nervous system as face-to-face contact with caring supportive people who can just listen to you talk about what youre experiencing.

Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping and eating habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important.

Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.

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How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated

Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. An effective treatment plan usually includes a combination of the following therapies:

  • Psychotherapy .
  • Self-management strategies, like education and identifying the early symptoms of an episode or possible triggers of episodes.
  • Helpful lifestyle habits, such as exercise, yoga and meditation. These can support, but not replace, treatment.
  • Other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy in cases that are poorly responsive to medication or where rapid control of symptoms is necessary to prevent harm.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, so treatment is a lifelong commitment. It can sometimes take several months to years before you and your healthcare provider find a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you. Although this can be discouraging, its important to continue treatment.

Episodes of mania and depression typically come back over time. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder dont have mood changes, but some people may have lingering symptoms. Long-term, continuous treatment can help manage these symptoms.

Again, even though it may be difficult to treat these conditions, its not impossible. Be sure to stay committed to finding a treatment plan that works for you.

What Are The Side Effects Of Bipolar Disorder Medications

Side effects of bipolar disorder medications are common and vary by medication. Its important to talk with your healthcare provider about what you can expect when taking certain medications. Its also important to tell them if youre experiencing side effects.

Never stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Abruptly stopping medication can cause severe side effects and trigger severe episodes.

The most common side effects of bipolar disorder medications include:

  • Akathisia feelings of restlessness and agitation with a compelling need to move, rock or pace.

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Brain Structure And Function

Research shows that the brain structure and function of people with bipolar disorder may differ from those of people who do not have bipolar disorder or other mental disorders. Learning about the nature of these brain changes helps researchers better understand bipolar disorder and, in the future, may help predict which types of treatment will work best for a person with bipolar disorder.

My Experience With Bipolar

My Life Living with Bipolar Disorder

I was diagnosed with bipolar in my late teens, in my first year at university. The diagnosis have shaped my adult identity and experiences.

People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.

Bipolar disorder has been associated with genius and with creativity. It is certainly true that several contemporary high achievers and creatives have spoken of their experiences. Throughout history, it is possible to recognise bipolar-type traits in the artistic, political and academic spheres. But what is it actually like?

I was lucky enough to speak to a range of people with bipolar to demonstrate the range of experiences out there and some of the things that help. Read on to learn more about their experiences with bipolar.

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Cinde Stewart Freeman Rn Mac Ladac Ii

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Cinde Stewart Freeman is Cumberland Heights Chief Clinical Officer and has been with Cumberland Heights for 30 years. During her tenure, Cinde has served in nursing, clinical management, and administrative roles.

Cinde is a bachelors prepared Registered Nurse and a masters prepared Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, Level II. She holds NAADACs Master Addiction Counselor credential and is a Qualified Clinical Supervisor as well.

Cinde has a love for the places where opposites touch. This has led her to clinical explorations of somatic and spiritual healing of the things that wound us, as well as explorations of how the lived wisdom of the 12-step tradition informs and brings color to clinical education and experience. It also leads her to the beach as much as possible!

Cinde regularly trains on topics ranging from 12-step based Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Spiritual Care principles to ethical practice and clinical supervision. Her core belief is that love is more powerful than the wounds we have experienced, and, in fact, can cause us to become our strongest at those places.

Get Involved With Treatment

Ask if you can be involved with your partners treatment, which may include occasionally going to the psychiatrist together. Being a part of your partners treatment has multiple benefits, including:

  • Gaining a better understanding of the illness.
  • Providing additional insight for the psychiatrist.
  • Learning to spot signs of impending episodes.
  • Alerting the psychiatrist about mood changes.

Even if your partner hasnt signed off on you exchanging information with their psychiatrist, you can still report worrisome signs . This gives the doctor a chance to make quick medication changes that may help your partner avoid being hospitalized.

Medically Reviewed By: Aaron Dutil

Are you or someone you know affected by mood swings that seem extreme or out of the ordinary? Do those changes in mood affect your ability to stay focused or complete tasks? While occasional changes in mood are normal, when those changes occur often, or without obvious reason, they may be a reason for concern. For some, these could be signs of a mental health disorder known as bipolar disorder. Because not everyone who has bipolar disorder has been properly diagnosed or is receiving treatment, it is important to understand the symptoms and know when to seek help.

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Does Someone With Bipolar Know When They Are Manic

A person with bipolar disorder may be unaware theyre in the manic phase. After the episode is over, they may be shocked at their behaviour. But at the time, they may believe other people are being negative or unhelpful. Some people with bipolar disorder have more frequent and severe episodes than others.

Bipolar Disorder Risk Factors

Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

When someone develops bipolar disorder, it usually starts when theyre in late adolescence or young adulthood. Rarely, it can happen earlier in childhood. Bipolar disorder can run in families.

Men and women are equally likely to get it. Women are somewhat more likely than men to go through rapid cycling, which is having four or more distinct mood episodes within a year. Women also tend to spend more time depressed than men with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder usually develops later in life for women, and theyâre more likely to have bipolar disorder II and be affected by seasonal mood changes.

A combination of medical and mental issues is also more common in women. Those medical issues can include thyroid disease, migraine, and anxiety disorders.

Some things that make you more likely to have bipolar disorder include:

  • Having a family member with bipolar disorder

  • Going through a time of high stress or trauma

  • Drug or alcohol abuse

  • Certain health conditions

Many people with the condition abuse alcohol or other drugs when manic or depressed. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have seasonal depression, co-existing anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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