As with other mental health disorders, often those suffering with Bipolar Type 1 are unaware that their wild mood swings, bursts of manic energy and precipitated crashes into depression are outside the normal human experience. Many times it is a loved one who identifies the abnormalities which indicate a person may be struggling with bipolar disorder. Let’s examine some of the classic warning signs that you or someone you are close with may have developed bipolar type 1 disorder.
One of the hallmarks of bipolar type 1 is periods of mania. These present as episodes of extraordinary energy accompanied by an altered mood, usually quick to anger or confrontation. This anger operates on a hair trigger, and is frequently brought on by those around the afflicted individual pointing out their erratic behavior. It is therefore not a good idea to confront your loved one during a manic episode, as you do not know if they could turn violent or destructive. Instead, do whatever you can to mitigate any serious damage they could do to themselves or those around them phsyically, mentally, and financially and wait for the manic episode to pass.
Another common symptom of bipolar type 1 is the reverse side of the coin: periods of deep depression. These often come right on the heels of a manic episode, as the affected individual comes out of their manic state and is faced with the reality of their situation. Instead of returning to reality those with bipolar type 1 instead continue to spiral downward into debilitating depression. Often this manifests as an inability to function in daily life, and indeed those with bipolar type 1 who are experiencing a depressive state often find themselves unable to get out of bed for days at a time. If you or a loved one find yourself in such a depressive state, especially following a period of extreme energy, this is a strong indicator that bipolar type 1 may be interfering with your mental health.
Bipolar disorder invariably has a significant impact on an afflicted individual’s ability to function in their daily life, especially during times of extreme mania or depression. Paradoxically, the altered mental state of the person suffering from bipolar type 1 usually blinds them to the reality of their mental instability. For this reason, those who believe a loved one may be suffering from bipolar disorder should take action in order to bring professionals into the situation. At Evolutions Treatment Center, our clinical team have years of experience helping those dealing with mental illness stabilize and establish a treatment regimen which keeps their disease in check. Call our Admissions Counselors today at 833-818-3031 so we may help your loved one return to a healthy mental state and live a happy and balanced life!