What do we know about Bipolar I Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is basically classified as a manic-depressive disorder or manic depression. It is classified as a form of mental illness. Most individuals who experience bipolar I disorder have severe symptoms that can last a week or longer. Individuals experiencing the “mania” state often display similar behaviors; yet they can also differ in other individuals during their periods of mood swings. There are many symptoms associated with bipolar I disorder. Research has documented that not all individuals have shown the same symptoms during a “mania” state.

Symptoms associated with bipolar I disorder: Listed below are just some of the symptoms.

1. Not sleeping at all. {Or sleeping for short periods of time.}

2. Not eating. [Or overeating.}

3. Impulsive behaviors. [Spending money they did not have.}

4. Easy to become annoyed. [Or irritated and provoked easily.}

5. Often distracted. {Cannot focus even for a short amount of time.}

6. Displaying racing thoughts. {Usually towards people. places, other things in life.}

7. Showing signs of an elevated level of energy. [High levels of energy.]

8. Not able stay still. {Unable sit down, stand, or stay in one place for long.}

9. Speaking in an extremely fast tone of voice. {Using a different tone of voice.}

10. Being very talkative. {Talking again extremely fast about things does not make any sense.}

11. Not really making full sentences. {Talking using an odd, unknown language pattern.}

12. Having greater self-esteem. {Used to make themselves feel more important.}

13. Displaying overindulging habits. [Spending money unnecessarily.}

14. Doing things that become dangerous. {Not only to themselves but also to others.}

Studies have shown there are several important reasons why some individuals develop bipolar disorders, and others do not.

-Genetics and stress play a major part in developing bipolar disorder.

– Research throughout the years has documented studies on individuals in which diseases or trauma that directly affected the brain could cause bipolar disorder as well.

Unfortunately, throughout the years, many individuals whom I have known about bipolar disorder display suicidal thoughts. Several attempted or committed suicide.

Words that an incredibly good friend spoke told me once…. She said, “When my bipolar symptoms are at their worst… My whole life feels like it is falling apart. It is like I have no control over anything in my life. It is a horrible, crippling, and frightening feeling! And unless you have this disease, you cannot understand the fear that it brings!”

♠Suicide Prevention♠

If you are aware of anyone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or who may have the intent of harming another person:

-Please talk calmly to them.

-Listen to them talk without making any judgments about them.

-Ask if they are thinking about harming themselves, others, or if they have any suicidal thoughts.

-Call the local emergency 911 number for help or an emergency hotline number to see if the individual will talk with a crisis counselor. {If someone else is with you, have them step aside and make this call}

-If you are with the individual, please do not leave them. Stay until the local emergency service providers arrive to transport the individual to a nearby facility for immediate help.

– If you are not with them. Please get someone who will remain calm, whom the individual may know and trust, to talk to over the phone.

– Then, if you are close by and comfortable with going to the individual’s home, then go to their home. {Only do this if you feel sure the individual will not harm you.

-Try to remove any immediate danger from the individual’s home. Such as weapons, medications, and any other items that the individual may use to harm themselves or someone else.

-Always encourage the individual to seek help.

-Always take the time to explain the importance of taking medications to treat their symptoms to the individual. [Especially if they do not understand how important this really is for their own.  overall health.

-Never give up on a loved one or a friend in need.

♥ If you are experiencing a crisis, please call the 988  LIFELINE!

References:

1.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  https://988lifeline.org/

2. Healthline.com. Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder. https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder

3. WebMD. Bipolar Disorder. https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-1-disorder

4. Mayo Clinic. Bipolar Disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

5. National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide Prevention. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention