Bipolar disorder only affects about 2% of the US adult population but nearly 90% of those cases are considered severe. The dualistic nature of bipolar disorder is inherent in the name. Bipolar disorder is characterized by a shifting mood state between manic, or mania, and depression. Other diagnoses of depression have similar symptoms to bipolar depression, but the experience of depression in bipolar is unique. People who live with other diagnoses of depression might have periods of remission or periods of feeling better than their typical symptoms of depression allow. Mania is an entirely separate mood state with extremely elevated feelings, thoughts, energy, and behaviors. When someone with bipolar starts coming down from mania and heading into depression, the depression is magnified because of the contrast it holds against the experience of mania.
The more an individual becomes familiar with their specific symptoms of bipolar and bipolar depression, the more readily they can identify a shift into depression. At the earliest signs, it is important to start taking action to prepare with love, tenderness, and compassion. Bipolar depression, like bipolar mania, can inspire substance abuse as well as other forms of self-harm, including suicidal thoughts, ideations, and behaviors. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Let someone know that you feel the signs of depression coming on. Contact your therapist, primary doctor, psychiatrist, or someone you trust. Feelings of anxiety and fear of going through another depression can happen. Contacting someone you trust helps you enlist that person for help.
As you make your appointments, start to enact your plan for self-care. Living in recovery from mental health disorders like bipolar disorder means that self-care is a normal part of your life. During bipolar depression, it is important to take extra special care of yourself and your needs.
Avoid keeping all your feelings in for fear of shame, wanting to control, or any kind of concern for letting others down. Your experience with bipolar is not a let down or a burden. Have compassion with yourself and find a way to release all of the feelings you are having.
Letting go of your feelings in isolation is easy. Becoming vulnerable and letting other people in by connecting with the world outside of your mind is a challenge, especially during depression in bipolar. Isolating can cause your worst thoughts to get darker and your toughest days to be tougher. Connect with others in any way you can. Encourage yourself to get out and be part of the world. Take time to reboot and recharge when necessary. Remember that this phase will pass and you’re much stronger than you have been before.
Sometimes bipolar can feel unmanageable. As depression sets in and old memories, thoughts, and fears come up, the experience can be too much. Trauma can be the root of bipolar manifestation. Seeking treatment for trauma and co-occurring bipolar can help you find peace in your heart and your life once more.
Call The Guest House Ocala today for information on our residential treatment programs for trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today at 1-855-483-7800