World Bipolar Day is an international collaboration to bring awareness to those living with bipolar disorders and to fight the social stigma surrounding it. World Bipolar Day is celebrated each year on March 30, the birthday of artist Vincent Van Gogh who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his death.
Learn more about bipolar disorders and how Embark Behavioral Health is working with teens and families living with bipolar disorders.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a mental health disorder that mainly affects a person’s mood. Bipolar disorder is usually a lifelong condition and leading to a lifelong condition of cycling episodes of mania and depression.
Bipolar disorder can look different in each person and there are several types of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar I disorder
When someone has bipolar I disorder, they have had at least one manic episode that lasts longer than a week. 90% of people with bipolar I disorder have periods of depression, for any amount of time. If left untreated, manic episodes can last 3-6 months and depressive episodes can last 6-12 months.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder means symptoms of depression are more common, with at least one period of major depression and one period of hypomania, instead of mania. Hypomania is a mood state or energy level is above normal but not enough to cause impairment, distinguishing it from mania.
Bipolar I or II disorder with mixed features
Bipolar disorder with mixed features means that a person experiences symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression at the same time. People who have bipolar with mixed features often feel sad and hopeless while also being restless and overactive. They cycle between mania and depression. Mood disorders do still cycle while symptoms overlap.
Bipolar I or II disorder with rapid cycling
Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling means that a person has had four or more depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes in a one-year period.
Bipolar I or II with seasonal pattern
Bipolar disorder with seasons pattern means that depression, mania, or hypomania is regularly affected by seasons. For example, someone with a seasonal pattern may find that they have a depressive episode every winter.
Cyclothymia
Being diagnosed with cyclothymia(milder form of bipolar disorder) means that a person has experienced regular episodes of hypomania and depression for at least two years. People with cyclothymia won’t be diagnosed with bipolar disorder because their symptoms are milder but can last longer. Cyclothymia can eventually develop into bipolar disorder.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and can have a negative impact on relationships and academic performance.
Symptoms of mania
- Feeling overly happy or excited, even when things are going poorly
- Being full of new and exciting ideas
- Inability to focus on one idea
- Overconfidence
- Irritability
- Talking faster than normal
- Restlessness or inability to sleep
- Making big decisions without thinking them through
- Irresponsible spending
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Gambling
- Making poor business decisions
- Having casual sex with different people
- Decreased energy
- Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in weight
- Difficulty making decisions and concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Additionally, people who have bipolar disorder may also have psychotic symptoms including hallucinations or delusions, often resulting in a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia.
Embark Behavioral Health Programs Can Help Teens Living with Bipolar Disorders
Embark Behavioral Health has a range of programs that help teens manage bipolar disorder. In residential treatment centers located throughout the country, our staff is well-trained in helping teens manage symptoms and restore relationships. Our treatment programs are family-focused and outcomes-driven, using a range of therapies and modalities, getting lasting results that matter.
Help your teen take control of their life by contacting Embark Behavioral Health at 1-855-809-0409 right now. You know where they are; now help them get where they want to be.