Well first of all, what is Bipolar? It is a mix of things that include, major moods, thoughts, and energy changes. It has three categories, Manic, Depression, and Cyclothymia.
Breaking Down The Three Types
Manic is type one. Manic includes but is not limited to: Mixed feelings and emotions lasting more than seven days. Often, it requires some sort of hospitalization and medication to gain control over it. Even though it is considered Manic, you can still see some depressive issues lasting upwards of two to three weeks.
Depressive is type two and is exactly what it sounds like, depressive. On top of having depressive mood swings lasting longer than a week, you will see more of the hypomanic side to thing and less of the Manic part of it.
What is Hypomanic you ask…that is an easy one. It is a state of mind and body lasting four or more days in a row where you have tons of extra energy and you feel very happy or very irritable most of the day. It can be the pleasure or pain of a depressive episode. Episodes will be different for everyone and could even be different for every episode.
And last but not least, Cyclothmia. This one is a tad harder to understand because it in a sense is not even bipolar. It is just a place to put people that do not fully fit the bipolar bill. This is the diagnosis when you have had mild symptoms over a continuous two-year period. But you do not fit the diagnosing requirements of type one or two bipolar, yet there is a concern.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs can and will come in many forms. But some of the most common include: Not remembering what took place during the episode, an increased risk of suicide, irrational thoughts and behaviors, lack of energy, doubting everything, and in some cases losing interest in things that used to bring you joy.
When To Get Treatment
It is always a good thing to seek treatment if you have any of the signs or symptoms above. This can be a serious problem for yourself and others around you. It is best to reach out and get the help you need in order to handle the battles this disease comes with.
Treatment can be hard to find at times, but don’t give up. When you ever need help, all you have to do is reach out. Our team would be more than happy to guide you through whatever we can when it comes to getting help. We have found the best place (and try not to laugh too hard) to start is with Google. You will be able to find services close to home. Another good idea is to call your insurance company and find out if their members have access to a provider list online.
And if by that off chance you do not have insurance or the right coverage for mental health services, you can google “online therapy” and it will give you some of the best companies to reach out to with the best cash prices.
Bottomline with this like always: do not fear the unknown. Shed light on the darkness and be happy again. Please don’t ever forget, even if you feel alone, you never are. The Squirrel’s Run team is always here to talk. (But we are not licensed providers, so please don’t come to us with anything a provider would/should have to do) And check out Therapy: Is It One and Done?
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