Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme changes in your mood, energy, and activity levels. Moods range from feeling very “high” or energized (manic) to feeling low or hopeless (depressive).

Bipolar disorder is usually seen in adults, but teenagers can have it, too. It is less common in children.

Treatment Helps
If bipolar disorder goes untreated, it usually gets worse. But a good treatment plan and early identification of symptoms can help you recover from bipolar disorder to live a healthy, productive life.

Symptoms
Symptoms are not the same for every person. Some people have clear manic or depressed periods but can go a long time, even years, without symptoms. You can also experience manic and depressed states at the same time.

Mania
A “high” or elevated mood. A person having a manic episode might hallucinate or have other psychotic symptoms. People often do things without thinking and make irresponsible decisions during mania.

Depression
People experience such terrible lows with bipolar disorder that they cannot get out of bed. Some people have trouble sleeping during depressive periods, while others sleep a lot more than normal. Depression gets in the way of a person’s ability to function, which can last for weeks at a time.

Treatment for bipolar disorder might include:

  • Medicine
  • Psychotherapy
  • Education
  • Self-management
  • Supports – family, friends, and support groups

Treatment can help you or a loved one with bipolar disorder. Call us if you need help finding a treatment provider or if you have any questions.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose conditions or to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you might have a behavioral health condition, please seek help from a medical professional.