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These are the five main behaviors to look for if you suspect a friend or loved one is living with bipolar disorder. Remember that it is extremely important that you seek help right away as well.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that researchers are still trying to understand. Formerly known as manic depression, this type of mental illness is displayed through extreme behaviors. People who live with bipolar disorder experience their high and low behaviors and feelings differently, and not all symptoms are shared or very obvious. However, these are the five main behaviors to look for if you suspect a friend or loved one is living with bipolar disorder. Remember that it is extremely important that you seek help right away as well.
Extreme Highs And Lows
The manic end of the behavior spectrum can look different for different people living with bipolar disorder. Some people may feel a sense of overwhelming euphoria, others may talk at a fast and nonstop pace, and others might display extreme irritability. Just be on the lookout for anything that seems out of the norm for this individual.
Speed Talking
People living with the disorder also may display a tendency to talk very quickly, so much so that they don’t seem to make very much sense. You’ll notice it may be hard for them to focus and stick to one topic of conversation as they jump from idea to idea. This is why mania can be easily mistaken for ADHD, but these two disorders are very different from each other and do not respond to the same kind of treatment.
Insatiable Energy
Another sign of bipolar disorder is the individual’s seemingly boundless energy. This may cause this person to take on project after project or try out idea after idea, but you’ll notice that they have difficulty completing these projects or ideas. This is because the sufferer has an immense amount of trouble paying attention to one thing at a time.
Impetuous Behavior
Be aware of this person’s tendency to engage in self-destructive behavior. If they have recently gone on a severe spending spree, have had affairs, or have made risky investments, it’s time to contact a mental health professional. Make sure you approach this idea with great patience and calmness.
Inflated Ego
Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder also might display signs of an inflated sense of self-worth. On the manic end of the spectrum, sufferers might feel an immense amount of power, knowledge, or importance. They might feel it necessary to impart this to everyone around them. If you notice this kind of behavior, make an appointment with a mental health care provider today.
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