Everyone experiences a wide range of emotions throughout the day, depending on what is going on in their life. However, emotional ups and downs are much more extreme for people with bipolar disorder. If you struggle to function in day-to-day life due to rapid mood shifts, you may be asking yourself, do I have bipolar disorder? Learning more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder can clarify whether you may have this condition. But for an accurate diagnosis, you should reach out to a trusted mental health treatment center.

Bipolar disorder treatment can help you live your best life with this condition. Bayview Recovery is here to support you with the appropriate medication and therapies. Contact us today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about our bipolar disorder treatment in Washington.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows. People with this condition may have trouble regulating their emotions, often feeling like they are on an emotional roller coaster. Bipolar disorder is most well known for its manic and depressive episodes, which people can alternate between or experience together. Everyday life can be difficult when your moods shift quickly between depression and mania, so it is vital to seek professional treatment to improve life satisfaction.

Do I Have Bipolar Disorder?

If you are not yet familiar with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, you may be unsure if you have this condition. Mood swings can affect anyone, especially during periods of intense stress. But with bipolar disorder, the emotional highs and lows tend to be more drastic and frequent. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, ask yourself the following:

• “Do I experience intense mood shifts?” – Mood swings tend to be short-term and are usually caused by external factors. Long-term drastic mood shifts associated with bipolar disorder can be triggered by internal factors such as genetics and stress.
• “Do I have little control over my mood shifts?” – It may feel like your emotions are controlling you, and you are powerless to stop or slow down the extreme swings from low to high.
• “Do I struggle with a lack of self-control?” – Bipolar disorder can make it difficult to resist urges and cravings, even if you know the behaviors are harmful to you.
• “Do I experience extreme highs and lows?” – Manic episodes are usually the most severe component of this disorder. During these periods, you may feel excessive irritability or anger, have racing thoughts, speak very quickly, feel restless, and have difficulty concentrating on important tasks.

If you resonate with the above, it is possible that you may have bipolar disorder. However, it is important not to diagnose yourself since bipolar disorder treatment is crucial for helping you manage your symptoms. And in some cases, your symptoms might be caused by another condition, which may require a different treatment approach.

Spotting Bipolar Disorder Signs in a Loved One

What if you think someone in your life may be struggling with bipolar disorder? Here are some bipolar disorder signs to look for:

• It seems they are tired and depressed one moment, then hyper and energetic the next.
• They go through periods where they seem to be in constant motion, not sleeping much and talking very quickly.
• They experience phases of deep depression, where they may sleep excessively and show a lack of interest in things.

Bipolar disorder can be hard to live with, especially if someone does not realize they may have this condition. If you suspect a loved one may struggle with bipolar disorder, encourage them to consult a mental health professional. Getting evaluated can be eye-opening and empower them to get the help they need to support their mental health.

Learn How to Manage Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder at Bayview Recovery

If symptoms of bipolar disorder affect your daily life, it might be time to reach out to the professionals at Bayview Recovery. Our experienced team can provide you with the tools and resources needed to manage extreme emotions and minimize the frequency of mood shifts. Contact Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650 to receive an assessment to determine if you have bipolar disorder and start getting the proper treatment.