Bipolar disorder can be hard to identify. However, by looking at these subtle signs, you may be able to pinpoint if your partner, or someone close to you, is suffering from this mood disorder and needs help.
You may love your partner for their quirks, but as time goes by, you notice little things that make you start wondering. You see changes that get you concerned. You see patterns that seems off to you. Guess what–your partner may have bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, known before as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, causes serious mood swings. It also causes sudden shifts in thinking and behavior. From the highs and euphoria of mania to the lows of depression.
Unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of someone with bipolar disorder are extremely intense to the point that interferes with the person’s ability to function in general.
10 Subtle Clues of Bipolar Disorder
1. Having a great mood. This is more than just being happy or ecstatic–it’s hypomania. Hypomania is a high-energy state wherein a person is happy and exuberant. Sometimes, this can occur to the point that they have lost touch with reality.
2. Inability to follow through with tasks. Having stacks of uncompleted tasks is the hallmark of someone with bipolar disorder. When they are in a manic state, they are really productive. They start projects and are even hopeful to finish them. However, when the depressive state kicks in, these projects are left and shelved.
3. Depressive. They have the same problems as someone with depression. However, anti-depressants just make them cycle back even more frequently.
4. Irritability. This is uncontrollable to the point that it affects their life and relationships significantly.
5. Rapid speech. When in their manic episodes, they’ll talk very fast and zoom through different topics.
6. Trouble at work or in school. Bipolar disorder can greatly interfere with their daily tasks, which can lead them to have problems in school or at work.
7. Substance abuse. Those who have bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in alcohol and drug abuse. They may turn to these substances to cope with their cyclic episodes.
8. Erratic behavior. Having a manic episode can push their mood and confidence up. It’s like the world is their oyster and everything is a good idea to them. This can cause them to do impulsive things, such as spending sprees or unprotected and unusual sexual activities.
9. Problem sleeping. When in their manic phase, they may not sleep so much and still have lots of energy. And when they turn to their depressive state, they may just sleep for extended periods of time and yet still feel tired.
10. Mind is racing. Those with bipolar disorder can have thousands of thoughts at the same time. They will have a flight of ideas and will have no way to control or slow down their mind.
This said, people with bipolar disorder are susceptible to substance and behavioral abuse, which can then lead to addiction. If you know someone who has this disorder and are also abusing drugs or alcohol, help is here. Call or text us at Bridges of Hope: 09175098826.
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