Understanding the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

by J. L.
(Arizona)

Bipolar disorder affects many people. The symptoms of bipolar differ for each person depending on the type of bipolar disorder the person may be diagnosed with. There are two poles included in a bipolar cycle. The two poles of bipolar include mania and depression. The two poles include many differences.

During mania racing thoughts occur, irritability may occur, and it's hard for a person to stop the thought process. Overexcitement and being very happy is also a symptom included during the mania stage. A lot of anxiety is common during mania as well. Bipolar symptoms such as anxiety are generally treated during both the mania and depression poles.

Eating habits may also differ during the mania and depression stages. An increase and decrease in eating habits can cause health issues that in return can make the episode worse. All symptoms should be tracked and monitored to ensure appropriate nutrition is being provided to the body. Bipolar symptoms can also affect the body physically and even cause insomnia or tiredness during both stages.

Mania may also lead to quick behaviors that may include overspending and actions such as sexual actions or making rash decisions that affect career changes. During the mania stage the suicidal rate increases as well. It is common for a bipolar person to be codependent on another person. The codependency can cause issues and increase the symptoms of mania due to being over sensitive.

During mania and depression bipolar symptoms include being over sensitive. Being over sensitive can cause the mood changes rapidly and increase the effects of the symptoms. This can create problems in establishing and keeping relationships with others.

Depression is the opposite of mania but some of the same symptoms may still be present during the depression cycle. Depression includes feeling sad and down. Feeling hopeless, helpless, and very empty inside is also some of the symptoms of depression.

Insomnia is a symptom along with lack of energy being created from bad sleeping habits. During depression a person may feel they are not able to think or even make decisions. This is due to a lack in the ability to concentrate. It may be hard to concentrate for long periods of time.

Irritability can also occur along with anxiety during depression and may also be present during the mania stage. During depression is can also be hard to remember what happened during the mania stage of the disorder. Memory loss is also a symptom during the depression and mania stage.
Both stages of bipolar mania and depression present themselves with different symptoms the individual has to cope with. Bipolar can be treated in time. It is important a person be diagnosed appropriately and be put on a treatment plan to help relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder.