Rehab Educates on the Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Georgetown, DE - SUN Behavioral Health Delaware recently published a blog post educating the community on the signs of bipolar disorder. This mental health disorder involves people experiencing shifts in their concentration, mood, energy, and activity, which make it challenging to accomplish daily responsibilities. Bipolar disorder has 3 main types: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic. The shifts are described as periods of “ups” or manic episodes and “downs” or depressive episodes.

“Hypomania is a less severe type of mania. Typically, it does not create a significant challenge for a person to perform functioning, and it will last shorter than mania. Hypomania will never require hospitalization. Suppose someone requires hospitalization due to their mania symptoms. In that case, it will not be classed as hypomania, even if the symptoms have existed for less than a week. Mania may result in a need for hospitalization if the symptoms are severe enough. Only people who experience mania may sometimes have hallucinations or delusions. Not everyone experiencing a manic episode has these symptoms. Hypomania is not severe enough to cause hallucinations or delusions,” the blog post states.

Mania and hypomania often come with many symptoms that include elation, decreased need for sleep, talking fast, racing thoughts, excessive appetite, increased interest in activities, participating in risky behaviors, or feelings of importance or power. Depressive episodes, on the other hand, can last for several weeks and make it challenging to accomplish everyday tasks. Common symptoms include experiencing suicidal thoughts, extreme sadness, restlessness, talking slowly, difficulty concentrating, losing interest in all activities, and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

The difference between depression and bipolar disorder is that bipolar disorder has manic episodes, while someone who only has depression will not. Bipolar disorder is characterized as having at least 4 mood shifts in a year. Someone with depression will not experience these. Similarly, bipolar disorder is different from seasonal depression due to the presence of mania symptoms. When someone is not currently experiencing seasonal depression, their mood will return to a normal state for that person.

Bipolar disorder is challenging and potentially dangerous as it involves drastic changes in a person’s life that make it difficult to accomplish what they want to at work, school, or in their personal relationships and lives. Some people might feel like they are a danger to themselves or others. Suppose someone has any of the signs of bipolar disorder. In that case, they should talk to their doctor about receiving a proper diagnosis. Receiving this information allows people to live a more manageable life.

“Bipolar disorder treatment can be a life-saving experience for many people when it comes to managing their symptoms. Typically, it involves medications, therapy, or a combination of both. Medications can aid in regulating the symptoms associated with this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is standard in treating bipolar disorder. This can provide the individual with skills and coping strategies to recognize and change their thoughts and emotions,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Delaware solves the unmet needs of adults and adolescents in Georgetown. Their no-cost care assessments allow them to work with their potential patients and doctors to determine the best treatment plan for them to find healing. Also, their crisis care center is open 24/7, providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

For more information, visit their website or call them at 302-604-5600. SUN Behavioral Health solves unmet needs.