- Depression: Bipolar depression is often an extreme and dangerous condition. When someone with bipolar disorder experiences depression, it can lead to long periods of inactivity. Weight gain or loss, sleeping too much, missing work or school for extended periods of time, and suicidal thoughts or attempts are all possible side effects of bipolar depression. In addition, psychotic depression can develop, which includes loss of contact with reality.
- Mixed episodes: Mixed episodes run a serious risk of suicide because the affected person experiences an overwhelming mixture of manic and depressive symptoms. Racing thoughts, sleeplessness, feelings of worthlessness, and guilt, anxiety and agitation combine to make a painful cocktail of inner turmoil.
Bipolar disorder is a serious and chronic mental illness. In order for a person affected with bipolar disorder to manage the condition successfully, he or she must develop an ongoing medical relationship with a good psychiatrist. Treatment options typically involve a prescription of medication(s) uniquely appropriate for the individual. In many cases, it takes some time to find the correct combination of drugs for each patient, and what seems to be working for some time eventually may seem to stop working and need to be reevaluated in the future. In addition to medication, ongoing therapy, social support and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise routines are often successful in managing bipolar disorder.
If you suspect symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, seek medical help immediately. While your symptoms may change and even subside completely at times, the chance that they will return or intensify is great. It is impossible to predict when or if a severe mood episode could change your life forever. Obtaining a formal diagnosis and seeking treatment will help ensure that you can live a wonderful and joyous life now and in the future.