Bipolar Symptom

Are They Mood Swings Or A Bipolar Symptom?

A co-worker, friend or family member doesn't want to hang out anymore. They tell you they can't sleep, they're not hungry and the feel hopeless. How can you tell if this is a bipolar symptom or simply case of the blues?

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression, is diagnosed with people who have mood swings that go from very high to very low or from mania to depression. Depending on where the pendulum of the person's mood has swung, you can have a different bipolar symptom every day of the week.

If the person is in the depressive stage, a bipolar symptom is easy to recognize. This is the "blues" stage. They are sad, they don't want to socialize and are not interested in things they once enjoyed. They have no energy and can't seem to concentrate. In the worse stages of depression, they may consider suicide.

A bipolar symptom when a person is in the manic stage is harder to recognize. You may just think your co-worker is full of energy. You may actually admire the guts your friend has to participate in extreme sports like skydiving or their fearlessness when they stand on the edge of a bridge during a heavy wind. Sometimes your friend or co-worker drives you crazy with excessive talking. In the manic phase what seems like an inability to meet deadlines may be a bipolar symptom.

A bipolar symptom can occur when it is triggered by a stressful event. Even happy events like marriage, a new job or the holidays can trigger a bipolar symptom. But often what triggers the bipolar symptom are not pleasant. The events range from:

Too much sleep or not enough

Alcohol or drug abuse

Death of a friend or family member

Work-related problems

Diagnosis of a serious illness

A family member's serious illness

If you suffer from bipolar disorder, try to discover what triggers you bipolar symptom and if at all possible, try to avoid the trigger.

If you believe a family member, friend or co-worker has a bipolar symptom, encourage he or she to contact a doctor or mental health professional. This is crucial if he or she has thought of suicide or death.

If you are experiencing a bipolar symptom, you should discuss it with you doctor or therapist. Some self-improvement techniques can help ease the bipolar symptom. These include:

Getting regular sleep

Following a regular diet

Staying away from alcohol and drugs

Exercising

Reaching out to others

If work triggers a bipolar symptom, manage your time better by using a personal planner or calendar. Don't stay behind your desk for hours but find ways to take a break every now and then. Tell a co-worker you trust about your symptoms.

Treatment for bipolar disorder is very effective and can include medication or treatment. A doctor or mental health professional can determine what treatment is best for treating your bipolar symptom.