When Should You Seek Mental Health Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
by Ankita Tripathy Health Care Services 04 November 2024
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that manifests as extreme mood swings and is capable of affecting one’s functioning. The individual with bipolar disorder experiences mania and depression which are characteristic of the condition.
Everyday terminology labels it as mood swings, and it is evidently taxing for the person. The condition also leads to sourness in relations. Without support, the patient may not understand when is the right time to seek mental health therapy. Incurable mental health conditions rely on minimizing the symptom’s impact to control the condition.
The following sections will help navigate treatment for bipolar disorder and how the timing makes a difference in the patient’s symptom management. Treatment at the right time is crucial for restoring the individual’s quality of life.
The following sections will also explore the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how early intervention is critical to its control. There will also be a discussion of the essential indicators suggesting it’s time to seek professional help.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
As briefly known, bipolar disorder is a type of mental health condition that manifests as extremity in symptoms. The individual swings between having emotional phases of extreme happiness where they’re hopeful and happy about things.
On the other end of the swing, their experience of extreme sadness awaits, and they feel extreme hopelessness.
During depressive episodes, the individual can feel decreased energy and low levels of activity with indifference and hopelessness. They may even cut off social participation and display signs of sleep and eating disorders.
No one knows for sure how long the episodes can be – it varies greatly for each individual with the condition. The intensity and duration of the episodes are something that makes recovery difficult for the individual.
There are other changes in the person – from impact on their thinking patterns to behavior and decision-making. This can pose significant challenges to the individual’s relationships and professional life as they find it difficult to manage the day-to-day tasks.
An individual may even experience episodes where both manic and depressive episodes co-exist. This is seen as:
- Feeling very irritable, happy, or excited and an increased activity level and energy. They have an inflated sense of self-worth and talk quickly.
- Eating too little or too much, having insomnia, or sleeping too much.
Signs That Indicate the Need for Treatment
Despite the symptoms that can indicate the need for professional help, here are some exclusive signs that help you know it’s time to visit a professional.
Persistent Mood Swings
Everyone feels sad about different things and gets over it after a while, everyone has their own time to cope with sadness. When this happens frequently and persistently, it indicates something more than being unable to let go.
Unusual mood changes that persist for a prolonged period are a cause for concern as they strongly indicate unusual mood changes. The persistent mood changes that disrupt the individual’s daily life are a strong indication they’re experiencing signs of bipolar disorder.
Impulsive or Risky Behavior
Again, everyone has that small part that likes to feel the adrenaline rush from taking risks. It becomes concerning when the frequency of engaging in risk activities increases. It is particularly important to note that a person who needs medical care will show frequent impulsiveness, taking unnecessary risks without thinking of the consequences.
When you notice impulsiveness coinciding with manic episodes, you’ll be sure it’s bipolar disorder.
Difficulty Functioning
Bipolar disorder makes it challenging to perform well or the same at school and work, it can also strain relationships with loved ones before they understand the situation. When the individual’s symptoms interfere with their ability to function, it strongly indicates needing external professional support.
Professional support can make it easier for the individual to manage their condition and navigate their symptoms.
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
Experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm requires immediate attention. When this occurs frequently and does not go away even with support from friends or family, it indicates bipolar disorder.
The condition due to the characteristic episodes brings suicide ideation and self-harm behavior which must be brought under control immediately.
When you notice it in yourself or someone you know, it’s time to seek professional emergency services.
Lack of Insight or Control
Individuals with bipolar disorder may not understand the extent or intensity of their symptoms. it becomes difficult to differentiate it and their periods of self-doubt make it worse. When it happens, they feel abysmal about losing control over their actions and emotions.
So, if you notice it in yourself or someone you know, it is time to seek professional intervention.
The Importance of Timely Treatment
Early intervention in bipolar disorder can significantly improve outcomes. Treatment typically involves:
- a combination of drug therapy, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers, and
- Psychotherapy, such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
These treatments help stabilize mood swings, reduce the risk of future episodes, and enhance overall functioning.
Timely treatment ensures the condition does not proceed to the next stage which may be even more challenging to treat. Any condition has different stages, and intervention in the initial stages always helps reverse the damage.
Moreover, with timely treatment, you ensure there is no relapse in comparison to those with inadequate or delayed intervention. With timely treatment, you can ensure you or a loved one experiences relief from the symptoms and achieve stability.
Why Should You Seek Help?
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s essential to understand that seeking help is a vital step toward managing bipolar disorder effectively. Reaching out to a mental health professional can provide you with the tools and support needed to navigate the complexities of the condition.
Conclusion
Remember, seeking treatment is a sign of strength and a commitment to your well-being. With the proper support, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives, balancing their moods and achieving personal and professional goals.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, don’t hesitate to contact a therapist or counselor.
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