Bipolar Disorder and Mental Health: Common Forms of Mental Distress - Part 4

Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, formerly referred to as manic depression. It can be characterized by extreme mood swings of emotional highs (mania/hypomania) and lows (depression). A mood swing episode can occur only rarely for some, while others may experience an episode multiple times per year. Symptoms may cause unpredictable changes in behavior and mood, often resulting in significant distress and difficulty in daily life.

It is important to know that symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can vary from person to person, as well as over time, and because of this, there are several types of bipolar disorder. Regardless of the type, bipolar disorder is most commonly treated with medication and psychotherapy. Possible symptoms of a manic/hypomanic episode may include euphoria, unusual talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased energy, or poor decision making.  Possible indications of a depressive episode include loss of interest in daily activities, low energy/fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, sleep dysfunction, trouble concentrating or thoughts of suicide. Both depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes can improve with treatment and our holistic treatment plan could include strategies aimed at lifestyle, body, mind and spirituality in order to treat the root cause behind the distressing symptoms. We will form a personalized plan with the goal of creating a balanced mood and life.

By Justin, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC​

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