Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in your mood, energy and activity levels. People with this disorder experience episodes of depression and mania that affect their ability to maintain stability and function in daily life.
Understanding the Highs and Lows of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder typically involves two extremes:
- Depressive episodes, marked by sadness, fatigue and hopelessness
- Manic episodes, characterized by elevated or irritable mood, high energy and impulsive behavior.
Some people experience a milder form of mania called hypomania, which can still be disruptive, though is often less severe.
What Is a Manic Episode?
A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive or irritable mood that lasts at least one week. During this time, you may feel euphoric, talk excessively, sleep very little and participate in risky or impulsive activities. These episodes often lead to significant life disruptions, such as strained relationships, financial issues or job loss.
Common symptoms of mania include:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts or flights of fancy
- Distractibility and restlessness
- Unrealistic ideas
- Impulsive or reckless behavior, such as lavish spending or risky sexual activity
How Long Do Manic Episodes Last?
The duration of a manic episode can vary, but in general:
- Untreated manic episodes typically last from one week to several weeks.
- Hypomanic episodes are less severe, usually lasting a few days to a week.
- In bipolar I disorder, full-blown manic episodes are more common.
- In bipolar II disorder, people experience hypomania instead of full mania.
Without intervention, a manic episode can extend and potentially escalate into psychosis, making it even more critical to recognize the signs early.
When Should You Seek Help?
Mania may make you feel euphoric or invincible in the moment, but it often leads to serious consequences. It can impair your judgment, make it hard for you to do your daily responsibilities and put you in unsafe situations. You should seek help if you:
- Notice unusual behavior or mood changes
- Have disrupted sleep patterns
- Frequently get the urge to do dangerous or spontaneous things
- Experience hallucinations, delusions or disorganized thinking
Prompt treatment can shorten an episode’s duration and prevent it from worsening. Early intervention is also vital for reducing bipolar disorder’s long-term impact.
Managing Bipolar Disorder and Preventing Future Episodes
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but a tailored treatment regimen will allow you to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
- Medication: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants as needed
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic approaches
- Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a consistent routine, practicing good sleep hygiene and reducing stress
- Monitoring mood: Tracking your symptoms to anticipate and manage potential mood swings
Adult Psychiatric Treatment at Pine Grove
Pine Grove offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for people with bipolar disorder. Our team of compassionate professionals helps clients recognize their symptoms, stabilize their mood and develop long-term strategies for well-being.
If you or someone you love is struggling with bipolar disorder or experiencing manic episodes, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health services and how we can guide you to recovery.
