Bipolar disorder is a difficult disorder that affects millions of adults each day. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is often left untreated because many people are unaware they actually have it. Identifying bipolar episodes is the first step in understanding this condition so you can find treatment and begin the journey of healing.
Bipolar and Misdiagnosis
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), bipolar disorder is a “serious mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs (mania) to lows (depression).” Unfortunately, out of the millions of Americans who experience this disorder, many are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.
A 2004 study in the Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry said that recent evidence suggests diagnoses of bipolar disorder are “frequently missed.” The study points to a survey from 2000 that found “69 percent of respondents with bipolar disorder were misdiagnosed.”
A big contributor to misdiagnosis is the fact that bipolar is often mistakenly recognized as major depressive disorder. Another reason is that individuals are unaware of how to actually spot bipolar episodes.
Spotting Bipolar Episodes
Bipolar disorder can be vastly different from person to person, and there is no definitive list of symptoms. If you think you have this disorder, it’s important to understand the common indicators of bipolar episodes so you can know how to spot them.
Manic Episodes
According to SAMHSA, signs and symptoms of manic bipolar episodes may include:
- Intense feelings of euphoria or excitement
- Excessive energy
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Inflated self-esteem
- Impulsivity around sex or money
Depressive Episodes
SAMHSA also lists signs and symptoms of depressive episodes, including:
- Feeling sad, anxious, guilty, or hopeless
- Lack of interest in activities
- Feeling tired or having low energy
- Changes in diet
- Thoughts of death and/or suicide
Seeking Treatment
Suicide and suicide ideation are quite high among those who have bipolar disorder. In fact, a 2019 study in Medicina (Kaunas) mentions that up to 20% of bipolar subjects, who were mostly untreated, took their own life. This alarming statistic, combined with the various signs and symptoms of the disorder, makes it absolutely crucial to seek treatment.
Bipolar Treatment at The Guest House
At The Guest House, we provide comprehensive, holistic care that will allow you to find long-lasting recovery from bipolar disorder. Healing bipolar disorder is not a linear journey; there are many ups and downs, which makes long-term treatment and recovery our top priority.
The Guest House is committed to helping you find the right methods, tools, and practices to control symptoms and keep them at bay. Our wide variety of therapies and individualized treatment will allow you to find the plan that works best for you.
We also offer an array of holistic programs, like psychodrama, meditation, and yoga. At The Guest House, you will learn how to connect with yourself and re-discover true joy in life.
Bipolar disorder affects millions of Americans each day, yet it often goes widely undiagnosed. If you feel like you are struggling with this disorder, it’s important to be able to spot bipolar episodes. At The Guest House, we are committed to helping you find the right tools and methods to keep bipolar disorder at bay. Our various holistic methods, combined with traditional therapies, allow you to find the right treatment that works best for your individual needs. For more information, call us at (855) 483-7800.