What is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes major abnormalities in thoughts, energy, mood and behavior—the kind of changes that cause noticeable impairments to your day-to-day life. We all have ups and downs, but people suffering from bipolar disorder experience these in extreme states, called depression and mania . These extreme mood shifts can interfere with personal and professional relationships, harm careers, and disrupt your ability to just get through the day.
Carrie Fisher “Bipolar disorder can be a great teacher. It’s a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life.”
10 Most Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- GREAT MOOD
Hypomania or Mania is a increased energy state and elated mood in which a person feels exuberant and but hasn’t lost his or her grip on reality. - INABILITY TO COMPLETE TASKS
Person will plan many things but will not be able to complete task and keep shifting his attention. This is a hallmark of bipolar disorder. - DEPRESSION
Bipolar depressive state symptoms are very similar to regular depression: energy, appetite, sleep & focus. - IRRITABILITY
“Mixed mania” is very common & means to experience symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. - RAPID SPEECH
“Pressured speech” is one of the most common symptoms, in which person will keep talking in detailed without communicating his goal. - TROUBLE AT WORK
Symptoms can interfere with the ability to show up for work, do their job, and interact productively with friends and family members. - ALCOHOL OR DRUG ABUSE
Many people will drink when in a manic phase to slow themselves down & use alcohol or other drugs to improve their mood when depressed. - ERRATIC BERAVIOR
In a manic phase people can have an inflated self-esteem. Two of the most common types of behavior are spending sprees and unusual sexual behavior. - SLEEP PROBLEMS
During depressive phase they may sleep too much and feel tired all the time, meanwhile, during a manic or hypomanic phase they may not sleep enough but still never feel tired. - FLIGHT OF IDEAS
People feel like their mind is racing and that they can’t control or slow down their thoughts, I it is often seen in the pressured speech.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD ” Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition and people suffering from this disorder can lead productive and happy life “
How Mind & Mood Clinic Can Support You
If you have bipolar disorder, there is support and help. It is a treatable disorder and knowing where to reach out for help is important. At Mind & Mood Clinic, our team of experienced Psychiatrist, Psychologist, doctors, social workers and counselor can work with you as you learn measures to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how to live a fulfilled life. We also offers online counseling services due to COVID-19 that are easily accessible and often more affordable than traditional counseling services.
Edited by : Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD
Rameez Shaikh, MD, is a consultant Psychiatrist at Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur. He has worked for many years on identifying, measuring and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. Dr. Shaikh has served also served as SR in AIIMS, Jodhpur and Consultant Deaddiction Specialist in Punjab.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that science-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, a dedicated psychiatrist , is a beacon of compassion and understanding in the realm of mental health. With a genuine passion for helping others, he combines his extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to create a supportive space for his patients.
