Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that affects a person's mood, energy levels, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood shifts can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- Manic episodes: abnormally upbeat or irritable mood, increased activity or energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, distractibility, poor decision-making
- Depressive episodes: sad or hopeless mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death or suicide
- Mixed episodes: symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time
Impact on Caregivers
Bipolar disorder can be challenging to manage, and mood episodes can be disruptive to both the person with the condition and their loved ones. As a caregiver, it's important to understand the condition, recognize warning signs of mood episodes, and support your loved one in following their treatment plan.
Steps to Take
- 1Learn about bipolar disorder and its treatment options
- 2Help your loved one stick to their treatment plan
- 3Recognize early warning signs of mood episodes
- 4Create a supportive and stable environment
- 5Develop a crisis plan for severe episodes
- 6Encourage healthy lifestyle habits
- 7Seek support for yourself as a caregiver