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How Can You Tell If You Have Bipolar Depression?

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For those with bipolar depression, getting a diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible is absolutely essential. Not only does an early diagnosis help increase the effectiveness of your treatment, but it also can help prevent you from damaging your personal and professional relationships.

For those with bipolar depression, getting a diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible is absolutely essential. Not only does an early diagnosis help increase the effectiveness of your treatment, but it also can help prevent you from damaging your personal and professional relationships. With that said, it can be very difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder, as the signs and symptoms of the disorder can vary drastically from person to person and can be confused with other disorders, such as depression. If you are unsure if you are suffering from bipolar disorder, contact Alvarado Parkway Institute by calling (619) 667-6125.

The Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder

While the symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from person to person, there are a few warning signs that can help you determine if you have bipolar disorder. Mainly, the warning signs can be divided into two separate categories: signs of mania and signs of depression.

Warning Signs of Bipolar Mania

If you are experiencing a manic episode, you will feel a surge of happiness and positive feelings for an extended period of time. This will also coincide with an influx of energy and a decreased need to sleep. The mania will also cause you to have racing thoughts that you frequently try to communicate by talking often and at a very fast rate.

You also can make decisions and take part in actions that are very out of character, resulting from an overconfidence in your abilities and impulsive thinking. Some examples of the impulsive and risky behaviors that you may take part in include casual sex, gambling, shopping outside your means, and quitting your job. Finally, during a manic episode you will be very restless and unable to sit still, becoming easily distracted and unable to focus on just one task.

Warning Signs of Bipolar Depression

Many are familiar with the signs and symptoms of depression, and bipolar depression is very similar. When in a bipolar depressive episode, you can feel an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair, feeling as if it is impossible to improve your situation and mood. You react to this feeling by withdrawing from your social support circle, avoiding any kind of interaction with friends and family.

Your body also will feel different, as you will be struck with overwhelming fatigue and a suspicious lack of energy. You will not have the ability to get excited about activities you used to enjoy, refusing to participate. You can also have a change in appetite, either having a voracious appetite and eating everything in sight or completely losing your appetite. Your fatigue will also manifest itself mentally, as you will be unable to concentrate during everyday tasks or make decisions. You may also experience issues with memory.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment in San Diego at Alvarado Parkway

If you find yourself with a lot of the aforementioned signs and symptoms of mania and depression, you may have bipolar disorder. If that is the case, it is absolutely essential to get expert treatment as soon as possible. Alvarado Parkway in San Diego offers incredible treatment for those with bipolar disorder, helping you control your symptoms and live a normal life. To learn more or to sign up for a treatment program, give us a call at (619) 667-6125.

From our mental health blog