The Sixth Episode: Bipolar

Bipolar I disorder. This involves experiencing manic episodes for 1 week or longer. Some people also experience depressive episodes for at least 2 weeks. You don’t have to have depressive episodes to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder — one episode of mania is enough for this diagnosis. Bipolar II disorder. This involves experiencing hypomanic episodes for 4 days and depressive episodes for 2 weeks. Hypomania is less intense than mania, while the depressive episodes in bipolar II tend to be incredibly debilitating. During an episode of mania, bipolar symptoms can include: inflated self-esteem or the belief that you’re more important, talented, or powerful than others endless energy talking very quickly racing thoughts seeming or feeling easily distracted feeling like you can accomplish anything intense irritability or acting aggressively not needing much sleep acting impulsively and finding yourself in riskier situations, such as unprotected sex, overspending, or reckless driving During a hypomanic episode, people experience milder symptoms of mania. During a depressed phase, bipolar symptoms can include: feeling sad or hopeless losing interest in pleasurable or usual activities trouble sleeping exhaustion or feeling lethargic feeling guilty or worthless trouble focusing negative thoughts about the future gaining or losing weight suicidal thoughts or actions Keeping yourself on track With knowledge comes power — the power to stay on track with your treatment plan and play an active role in making decisions regarding your health. This means you can do two important things: recognize your triggers monitor your moods Remember, things change. What was true for you a few months ago might no longer be the case. Keeping track of your symptoms will allow you to acknowledge changes and measure your progress. This is a process. The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to apply to managing your bipolar disorder. https://www.dbsalliance.org https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/ https://psychcentral.com/disorders/hypomanic-episode-symptoms#how-to-manage-an-episode