Types of Bipolar Disorder Each type of bipolar disorder includes periods between manic or depressive episodes when symptoms lessen, or people feel stable.
If you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than episodes of mania, or vice versa. Between episodes of depression and mania, you may sometimes have periods where you have a "normal" mood.
Still, in general, it could take anywhere from a year to 18 months to experience bipolar recovery.
Binge eating, abusing drugs, smoking—there are many behaviors to deal with bipolar disorder symptoms that can lead to bad habits. But you can learn to break them.
No two people with bipolar disorder share the same thoughts or experiences, but there are some common thought patterns among most folks who have it. This includes cyclical thinking, manic and/or depressive episodes, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
A person who has bipolar disorder also experiences changes in their energy, thinking, behavior, and sleep. During bipolar mood episodes, it is difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, go to work or school, and maintain relationships.
People living with or caring for someone with bipolar disorder can have a tough time. During episodes of illness, the personalities of people with bipolar disorder may change, and they may become abusive or even violent. Sometimes social workers and the police may become involved.
Bipolar disorder can cause a lack of empathy, but symptoms may also make it more challenging to focus on the feelings of others. While there is no medication to improve empathy, treating bipolar disorder can help. Introspection, guided emotional learning, and observing emotions in others may also help build empathy.
It's common to have stable or neutral periods in between episodes. This doesn't mean that you have no emotions during this time. It means that you're not currently experiencing mania, hypomania or depression, or that you're managing your symptoms effectively.
Racing thoughts: Such thoughts occur rapidly, feel uncontrollable, and are highly distracting. This symptom can occur with bipolar disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes.
The average age of symptom onset is 25 years old, but it can present earlier (during the teen years) or in later life (over the age of 60). Bipolar disorder can change with age but whether this change is more positive or harmful depends on a variety of factors.
When you first get diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the idea that you can be happy and live a good life may seem out of reach. It is not easy and it takes time –but it is possible. Here are three ways to start living a better life with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong condition. However, with proper management, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy and productive lives. If you are not currently taking medication for bipolar disorder, it is important to seek professional help.
Being in a healthy relationship with someone with bipolar disorder requires not only careful management of their illness, but also setting aside time to take good care of yourself.
Conditions That Can Co-Occur With Bipolar Disorder
For example, someone having psychotic symptoms during a depressive episode may falsely believe they are financially ruined, while someone having psychotic symptoms during a manic episode may falsely believe they are famous or have special powers.
Unless their condition is causing noticeable dysfunction that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it's perfectly okay to date someone with bipolar disorder I or II. Every person you date is likely to have different strengths and needs. That same logic goes for people with mental health conditions.