Bipolar Disorder or
“Manic-Depressive Illness”

During manic episodes, you may experience a heightened, euphoric mood. You can feel invincible, have increased self-esteem, and exhibit extreme optimism.

HIGH Energy - There is often a surge in energy levels, leading to hyperactivity, restlessness, and a reduced need for sleep.

Impulsivity - You may engage in impulsive behaviors, like excessive spending, gambling, risky sexual behavior and bouncing through partners exhaustively. You may begin making grandiose plans without considering consequences. Launching without plan.

Racing Thoughts and Quick Speech - Your thoughts can feel like they are racing, like a train rushing past inches away. Speech speeds up to try and compensate, but it’s too much and people listening find it hard to keep up.

Like mania, “Hypo-mania” shares many features, but is generally less severe. You may still experience an increased sense of energy, creativity, and impulsivity but to a lesser extent.

Increased Productivity - Some people find that they are more productive during hypo-manic episodes, experiencing bursts of creativity and ambition.

Depressive episodes involve intense feelings of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, and deep despair. It is often saturating, like a wet blanket, smothering out drive, energy, even hope.  It is profoundly depressive in both a physical and mental sense. It robs the joy from things you may have regularly gone to for comfort. Simple pleasures: like watching funny videos, reading on-line, checking-in with friends, it’s all exhaustive and just, too, much. The smallest things feel overwhelming.

Fatigue - Physical energy levels plummet, leading to a constant feelings of unmotivated, dragging.

Changes in Sleep and Appetite - You may experience insomnia or the opposite, excessive sleep, needing sleep like never before.  There are sometimes changes in appetite, eating, too, little or, too, much, binging, or even forgetting to eat entirely.

Negative Thoughts - You may have negative thoughts about yourself, experience feelings of guilt, and contemplate or attempt suicide. It’s very important to have a plan in place, a therapist and instant access to support! REMEMBER - If you are someone you love is experiencing a crisis, DIAL 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

In some cases, individuals may experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, or in rapid-cycling, leading to a very complex emotional state.

High Risk - Mixed episodes often carry a higher risk of impulsive behaviors and suicidal thoughts.

Experiencing Bipolar Disorder with mixed episode most often requires both psychiatric and psycho-therapeutic services. Systems Family Therapy works with medical providers to bring the best coordinated mental health to you and your loved ones.