Types of Bipolar Disorders: How the Highs and Lows Differ
It can be so frustrating when you wake up and feel down – like the very idea of getting out of bed sounds exhausting. Especially when the day before seemed to be one of your best days, accomplishing everything at work and home while still getting to do activities you enjoy.
Now imagine this happens every month, you go from up and down over and over with no understanding of why it is happening. How can you be so productive and happy for a week yet met with darkness and depression the next?
You are not alone. In 2022, over 4,000 hospitalizations from mood and depressive disorders occurred in Hillsborough County alone. The feelings of being up one day to be down the next are a tell-tale sign of something more serious, bipolar disorder.
However, not everyone will experience bipolar disorder the same. At Clean Recovery Centers, we provide education surrounding topics involving mental health and substance use disorders. Today, we are discussing the different types of bipolar disorder and tips for managing the condition.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: The Highs and Lows
Bipolar disorder is a life-long mental health condition. Formerly known as manic depression, it is characterized by intense mood swings that involve mania/hypomania and depression. Someone with bipolar disorder will experience moods that cycle, often referred to as just “highs and lows.” T he “highs” refer to manic states and the “lows” refer to depressive states.
Though cycling moods are standard with bipolar disorder, there are different types of bipolar based on how often cycles are experienced. They are broken down into bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. The highs and lows vary between each which is why they are broken into different variants.
Bipolar I Disorder: The Manic One
Bipolar I disorder is focused on mania, where the person experiences manic episodes that last for at least 7 days. Mania is a condition where the person experiences a drastic change in energy levels, elevated activity, and mood swings. These behavioral changes will be noticeably different from the person’s normal activity levels. Mania can become severe and lead to psychosis, where the person has a break in reality. This can be serious and often requires medical attention.
Those with bipolar I disorder will also cycle through depressive episodes. These can last around 2 weeks at a time. Depressive episodes can also involve mixed symptoms of both depression and mania. Those who experience more than 4 episodes of mania or depression in a year are experiencing rapid cycling.
Symptoms Experienced From Bipolar I Disorder
During manic episodes, the person will have high levels of energy that can increase productivity. They will feel jumpy, more wired than usual, and may talk quickly through multiple ideas. Feeling like they have endless energy to accomplish tasks is met with the negative side, lacking the desire to sleep.
Depressive episodes zap energy and are the complete opposite of manic episodes. Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness take over. Sleep patterns change, either involving sleeping too much or too little. Losing interest in activities is common as well as having difficulties accomplishing tasks. Thoughts of self-harm and suicide can occur, which require immediate medical attention and should always be taken seriously.
Bipolar II Disorder: The Depressed One
Bipolar II disorder has both manic and depressive episodes but on a different scale than bipolar I disorder. In bipolar II, manic episodes are defined as hypomanic, as they are not as intense as the episodes in bipolar I. Hypomanic episodes also tend to last for shorter timeframes.
Bipolar II is not a lesser form of the disorder. Those living with bipolar II disorder have longer periods of depressive episodes as opposed to hypomanic. Experiencing one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode in a year’s time quantifies a bipolar II diagnosis.
Symptoms Experienced From Bipolar II Disorder
Symptoms experienced from bipolar II disorder are similar to bipolar I. Depressive episodes can cause:
- A lack of motivation
- Difficulties with daily tasks including self-care, chores, and work
- Feeling down, sad, irritable, or anxious
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
These symptoms can last for weeks to months between hypomanic episodes. When hypomania sets in, symptoms experienced include:
- A hyperactive sense of motivation
- Rapidly having ideas and thoughts that change plans
- Multitasking without feeling stressed or tired
- Difficulties going to sleep
Cyclothymic Disorder: The In-Between
Cyclothymic disorder describes experiencing hypomanic and depressive episodes that are not as intense as major depression or mania. They do not last as long as they would in someone with bipolar I or II. Those with cyclothymic disorder can have bouts in between either type of episode where the person feels they are at their level of normal functioning. Though the condition is not as common as bipolar disorders, cyclothymic disorder can be managed with proper care and treatment.
Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder
When we don’t feel our best mentally, other areas of life can seem to fall apart. Bipolar disorder can turn things upside down, but the condition is manageable with the right support and care. Therapy and medications have been shown to help keep the highs and lows in check for all types of bipolar disorders. Some tips that you can do for yourself include:
- Keep a mood journal: Mood journals help you track your daily feelings and show you patterns. You may notice you feel more irritated right before a depressive episode begins or that you tend to spend more before a manic episode comes on. Having a journal can help you connect these patterns and be prepared as episodes begin.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise is a healthy way to release negative emotions you may be feeling. Doing rigorous exercise can help when you feel anger or stress, while movement exercises such as yoga can bring calmness to your mind. While these can coincide with cycling episodes, it is important to note that exercise should be comfortable for your body and your needs. Exercising too often or vigorously can trigger a manic episode.
- Follow medication protocols: For those taking medications, having a set time they are taken each day can prevent missing a dose. If a medication is missed, check the directions for what to do next. Never take more than the prescribed amount of any medication. This can lead to triggering a manic or depressive episode.
- Establish healthy habits to build a routine: Cycling through depression and mania can make it seem impossible to build a daily routine. Mood contributes to more than just our thought process – it affects behaviors and how we react to situations. During manic episodes, it can be easy to create a whole new routine that seems achievable, but then depression takes that away leaving you at square one. Instead, add in healthy habits gradually until they become routine. Simple tasks such as going to bed at the same time every night or swapping a healthy snack in the afternoon will begin to become habits. As time goes on, continue adding what you wish to accomplish.
- Have a support system in place: Having someone to talk to about feelings and hardships is always a boost to mental health. Family members, friends, therapists, or any combination can make up your support system and give you a safe space to talk when you need.
Get Help for Bipolar Disorder Today in Hillsborough County
Bipolar disorder – no matter the type – can cause mood shifts that have you feeling great one day and down the next. The good news is there are treatment options that can help you regain control of your emotions and get back to the activities you once enjoyed. Bipolar disorder treatment will be the first step in healing your mental health. Through therapy, coping skill development, and possible medications, you will be armed with all the tools needed to move forward into a happier, healthier life.
If you or someone you love is living with bipolar disorder, help is available today. Clean Recovery Centers offers quality and compassionate mental health care here on the Suncoast. Our unique, three-phase approach to mental health consists of trauma therapy resolution, identity reconstruction therapy, cognitive self-management techniques, and personal growth development strategies. We also offer co-occurring treatment for those living with substance use disorders as well as mental health conditions. Call us today at 888-330-2532 to learn more about our program offerings.
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