Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can range from periods of intense emotional highs (known as mania or hypomania) to episodes of deep depression. Everybody experiences ups and downs throughout their lives, but bipolar disorder goes beyond typical mood fluctuations. It can severely interfere with a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
There is no “cure” for bipolar disorder. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, though, you can find relief from symptoms and live a normal, happy life. At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, an affiliate of Fairview Health Services, in St. Paul, Minnesota, we understand the complexities of bipolar disorder and are here to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for those who are struggling.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
The three most common types of bipolar disorder are:
- Bipolar I disorder is characterized by the presence of manic episodes that last seven days or longer or require hospitalization. Depressive episodes occur as well and last at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II disorder involves patterns of persistent depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are typically shorter and less severe than manic episodes and usually last less than four days.
- Cyclothymic disorder, also referred to as cyclothymia, includes chronic fluctuations between mild hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for a bipolar I or bipolar II diagnosis but are still disruptive to a person’s life.
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder will look different from week to week or day to day depending on the type of episode the person is having: manic (or hypomanic) or depressive.
During a manic (or hypomanic) episode, a person may:
- Experience inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Feel less need for sleep
- Talk compulsively
- Have racing thoughts or shift rapidly from one idea to another
- Be easily distracted
- Feel restless or overly energetic
- Engage in risky or impulsive behavior (e.g., overspending, unsafe sex)
During a depressive episode, a person can:
- Feel persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Lose interest in hobbies or activities
- Gain or lose weight
- Sleep more or feel overly tired
- Feel restless
- Suffer from feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Struggle to concentrate or make decisions
- Experience thoughts of death or suicide
Because episodes vary in frequency, duration, and severity, symptoms can last days, weeks, or longer. They can disrupt all aspects of your daily routine, from school or work to relationships and self-care. You may also find that you have periods of stability between episodes or cycle quickly from one episode to another, which can make managing symptoms difficult.
If you recognize symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself or a loved one, help is available.
Causes of & Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder
Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of bipolar disorder. However, there are a number of factors that may make someone more likely to develop bipolar disorder.
- Having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has bipolar disorder increases the likelihood that you may also have the disorder.
- Differences in brain structures in people who have bipolar disorder suggest that biological factors may play a role.
- Chemical imbalances in the brain may change the way the brain regulates mood, causing or exacerbating intense mood swings.
- Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, abuse, and major life transitions, can trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder when a person was predisposed to the condition.
- Alcohol and drug use can worsen symptoms or make the condition harder to diagnose.
Having bipolar disorder is not a reflection of any personal weakness or character flaw. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans every year.
Potential Effects of Bipolar Disorder
Untreated bipolar disorder can disrupt nearly every part of a person’s life. Challenges people who have bipolar disorder may face include:
- Strained relationships: The intense highs and lows of bipolar disorder can be difficult for friends and family to understand, sometimes causing tension, mistrust, or distance.
- Difficulty at school or work: Shifts in mood and energy may interfere with focus and motivation, leading to poor performance in academic or professional settings.
- Financial challenges: Manic episodes can lead to making impulsive financial decisions, such as overspending or risky investments.
- Problems with the law: Poor judgment during periods of mania may increase the chance of legal trouble or arrests.
- Substance misuse: Some people turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to manage their symptoms.
- Suicidal ideation: The risk for having thoughts of suicide is higher for those who have bipolar disorder, particularly during depressive states.
Seeking treatment for bipolar disorder early can minimize the risk for these effects and help you manage your symptoms and achieve long-term stability.
How To Help a Loved One Who Has Bipolar Disorder
Supporting someone who has bipolar disorder requires patience, understanding, and knowledge about the disorder. Family members and friends can help by:
Recognizing the Signs
Learn to identify bipolar disorder symptoms in your loved one, including mood or behavior changes, disruption in their daily routines, or distance in your relationship. If you hear your loved one express having thoughts of death or suicide, they should receive immediate professional treatment.
Providing Support
Being supportive means offering steady encouragement without judgment. Take time to listen and let your loved one share what they are going through without trying to “fix” anything. Encourage them to seek bipolar disorder treatment and stick to their care plan while also respecting their independence. Continuing to check in with them can provide reassurance during both high and low periods.
What To Avoid
It can be tempting to give advice or try to talk someone out of their feelings, but this may cause more harm than good. Avoid telling your loved one to “cheer up” or “snap out of it.” Do not minimize their symptoms, compare their experiences to someone else’s, or encourage risky behaviors. Finally, remember that while your support is important, you are not their therapist and that professional treatment is a vital part of healing.
Myths About Bipolar Disorder
Misconceptions about bipolar disorder can create stigma, confusion, and delays in getting help. Here are a few widespread myths and the truths that counter them:
Myth: Bipolar disorder is simply moodiness.
Truth: The manic and depressive episodes tied to bipolar disorder are far more severe than the typical highs and lows everyone experiences. These shifts can interfere with daily functioning, work or school responsibilities, and personal relationships.
Myth: People who have bipolar disorder are always manic or depressed.
Truth: Many people experience stretches of stability between episodes. This may cause some people to believe that the disorder can be managed without professional treatment.
Myth: Mania is just feeling extra cheerful or energetic.
Truth: Although mania may start with feelings of excitement or productivity, it can quickly spiral into harmful behaviors. Impulsivity during manic phases may result in reckless spending, unsafe sexual activity, or risky financial choices that may carry serious personal or legal consequences.
Myth: Having bipolar disorder prevents people from being successful.
Truth: With the right support, many people who have bipolar disorder go on to thrive. Receiving bipolar disorder treatment can give you the tools to manage symptoms effectively so that you can live a full and rewarding life.
The Benefits of Seeking Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Getting professional treatment for bipolar disorder can make a meaningful difference in your daily life. With the right treatment plan, you may gain better control of your symptoms, experience fewer mood disruptions, and develop healthier ways to handle challenges. Possible benefits include:
- Greater mood stability: Treatment can lessen both the frequency and intensity of mood episodes. It may also help you recognize potential triggers, giving you the ability to manage symptoms before they escalate.
- Reduced irritability: Many people notice that they feel more at ease and less prone to agitation once they begin receiving bipolar disorder treatment.
- Enhanced functioning: As a person’s mood becomes steadier, it often becomes easier for them to concentrate, stay organized, and succeed at school or work.
- Improved coping strategies: Therapy and support can help people learn effective techniques for managing stress and navigating emotional ups and downs.
- Decreased reliance on substances: Receiving care reduces the likelihood of turning to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope.
- Lowered risk for suicidal ideation: Getting bipolar disorder treatment can greatly reduce the chances of having thoughts of suicide or engaging in self-harming behaviors.
Seeking professional treatment can be life-changing for those who have bipolar disorder. It may include:
- Medication: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants prescribed by a psychiatrist can help curb symptoms.
- Evidence-based methods: Modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy can help you build coping skills and maintain stability.
- Group therapy: Building a strong support network through group therapy can improve outcomes and quality of life.
- Lifestyle strategies: Keeping consistent routines for sleep, nutrition, and stress management can help you manage symptoms and maintain balance.
Residents of St. Paul and the Twin Cities region can access comprehensive bipolar disorder treatment at our hospital. Seeking help is the first step toward stability and healing.
Why Choose Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital in the Twin Cities
At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, we are dedicated to helping adults who are living with bipolar disorder find relief from symptoms while building resilience and confidence for long-term healing.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Expert staff: Our team is made up of psychiatrists, master’s-level therapists, and other experts who have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder and co-occurring conditions.
- Personalized care: Each patient receives a customized bipolar disorder treatment plan that is designed to meet their specific needs.
- Safe, supportive environment: Our campus offers a structured setting to help you regain stability and chart a path to long-term healing.
Bipolar disorder doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care and support, healing is possible.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, an affiliate of Fairview Health Services.
