Inflated ego and self-esteem, and delusions of grandeur Increased goal-directed activity, or excessive planning of new ideas and ventures without considering the risks Racing thoughts or flight of ideas (rapid flow of thoughts or ideas) Decreased need for sleep Pressured, rapid speech Reckless and promiscuous behavior Increased distractibility
There is a higher rate of bipolar diagnosis in developed, high-income countries. Various environmental and personal stressors can also trigger onset of bipolar disorder.
In fact, if you have a younger loved one with chronic sleep disturbance, this could be an early indicator of bipolar. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source In order for these symptoms to meet the criteria for mania, they must occur for at least one week.
This symptom, known as pressured speech, happens because the person has racing thoughts and excess energy. In a sense, their speech patterns are a sign of what’s going on inside their heads. [8] X Research source Keep in mind that you are checking for dramatic changes in a person’s speech. Some people speak in a fast, pressured manner naturally, so be aware of any noticeable changes.
They are euphoric and energized. The person may stay up all night brainstorming projects or goals. They may view themselves as especially destined for greatness by God. [9] X Research source
They may engage in risky activities like unprotected sex, drug and alcohol use, gambling, or excessive spending. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Hallucinations are sensory experiences, such as hearing, feeling or seeing something that no one else does. Delusions are persistent yet false beliefs like believing that TV characters are sending you special messages. More often than not, someone with psychosis will need to be hospitalized. This will prevent the person from harming themselves or others. The hospital can also provide mood and sleep stabilization and medication for their symptoms.
Psychosis is not present during hypomanic episodes. Hypomania can be a characteristic expressed within all the Bipolar subtypes, but the full manic episodes only occur in Bipolar I.
Sad mood for much of their day Anhedonia or decreased interest and pleasure in their normal activities Fluctuations in appetite and weight Insomnia (inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) Fatigue and/or loss of energy Restlessness or increased motor activity, or slowing down of their normal movement Decreased memory, inability to make decisions, and difficulty concentrating Feeling worthless, hopeless, helpless or guilty Considering or imagining suicide
In order for these symptoms to meet the criteria for a depressive episode, they must interfere with the person’s functioning for a period of at least two weeks. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental Illness Grassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source
On the flip side, a depressive episode may also translate to eating much less than usual and losing a fair bit of weight in a short period of time due to lack of appetite. [19] X Research source
Fatigue can be a sign of a medical condition like hypothyroidism or even unipolar depression (that is, depression without mania). Be sure to examine other symptoms before assuming your loved one has manic depression.
Obsessing over death or loss Giving things away, even prized possessions Saying “goodbye” to friends and family Researching suicide Practicing the act, such as looking for a place and gathering materials (e. g. pills or a rope)
Pay attention if depression is accompanied by agitation, anxiety, irritability or restlessness. Look for combinations of high energy and low mood during mixed episodes. Because people in mixed episodes are experiencing a two-polar cycle of both highs and lows, they may also be at increased risk of suicide. If you see signs of both mania and depression in someone you know, get them help right away. [23] X Research source
You might watch them for a while and conduct research on bipolar disorder to support your observations. You might also talk with other friends or relatives to see if they have noticed the same issues.
Say something like, “Jane, I have noticed you haven’t been sleeping very much lately. This is a surprise because a few weeks ago you stayed in bed all day. I also noticed some questionable charges on your credit card. I’m worried about you, sweetie. How about you go visit the doctor for a checkup?”
For instance, you might ask, “What can I do to help you? If you want I can help you find a doctor, or go to an appointment with you. I just want to see you doing better. ”
Coping skills may include writing in a journal, improving sleeping habits, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and maintaining daily routines. Both formal and informal support systems–such as family, friends, and bipolar support groups– are important to helping the individual avoid the onset of symptoms. A psychotherapist will help you identify and connect with various support systems. Although the use of cognitive behavioral therapy will help reduce relapse, it is important that the patient and family work with the therapist to develop an emergency plan in case there is a relapse.
Say, “It seems like I have upset you and that wasn’t my intention. I’ll give you some space to think about it. Let’s talk again another time. ” If the person is in danger of committing suicide, don’t back off. Call your local emergency services department or a suicide hotline for help. [26] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source If you are in the U. S. , call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If in the U. K. , call Samaritans at 116 123.
