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15 Warning Signs You Or Someone You Love Is Bipolar
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9. Inability To Complete Tasks
One of the hallmarks of bipolar disorder is a house full of partially completed projects or tasks. Although some people with bipolar disorder seem to be able to harness all the energy they have during their manic phase and are incredibly productive (such as staying up all night to decorate the house for Christmas), the majority of them go from task to task, making huge plans or organizing unrealistic projects that are often started but never completed.
10. Listlessness
On the opposite end of their emotional scale, when the bipolar person falls into depression, it is just as low as their high can be. They have no energy, sometimes refusing to get out of bed, saying that they are too tired; they might slur their speech, not appear to be able to make even the simplest decision; and they can even appear to be drugged. These are all common symptoms of a depression episode.
11. Bad Or Careless Decision Making
During the manic phase, there can be signs of impulsive tendencies where the person makes sudden or rush decisions with no apparent awareness or concern about the consequences. A lack of care about the possibility of their decisions or poor judgment can lead to abusive activities.
12. Weight Fluctuation
During their depressive phase, there is usually a lack of appetite. Sometimes, the bipolar person suddenly decides they need to eat, a lot, which can lead to weight gain. These opposing diets can lead to sudden weight loss or weight gain, with many people going through periods of both.
13. Jumbled Or Racing Thoughts
During the manic phase, there is an awful lot of activity going on in the brain of a bipolar person. They often have numerous racing thoughts and ideas that they cannot keep up with, and they sometimes believe that these thoughts are messages from other people, spirits, or that the radio or television is speaking directly to them. This continual airport of thoughts makes it almost impossible for the bipolar person to collect a reasonable perception of the world around them.
14. Rapid Speech
As you might imagine, with all those thoughts bouncing around in their heads, bipolar people try to keep up with it by going off on high speed rants, trying to fit everything they are thinking into words, which is impossible. This sometimes causes feelings of intense stress and anger when people ask them to slow down. This isn’t the same as a “Chatty Cathy.” Some people do like to talk, but this is much more than that. If you try to speak to a bipolar person who is going through this, they will simply speak louder than you, even shout, because they feel the need to get these words and thoughts out of their heads.
15. Recurring Thoughts Of Death Or Suicide
During their depressive phase, many bipolar people find that they have recurring thoughts of suicide or death. They might make plans for committing suicide or even attempt suicide. This often comes from intense feelings of worthlessness, excessive levels of guilt, or even thoughts that are simply not true, but the person believes them to be true.
Unfortunately, many people with this disease never get the treatment they need. They believe that their extreme moods are completely normal and don’t understand why their behavior upsets everyone else. Some people enjoy their manic phases but the crash or depression stage often leaves them feeling worn out and suicidal.
READ ALSO: 15 Natural Herbs for Those with Bipolar Disorder
If you have symptoms of depression or mania, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. If you recognize these symptoms in a family member or friend, it can be difficult to get them to see a doctor because they truly do not believe that there is anything wrong with them. Sometimes it works best if you tell them that you simply want their company while YOU see the doctor.
Bipolar disorder does not go away or get better without some type of treatment. If it is mild, you might try natural calming herbs or essential oils, but severe cases will require treatment. Speak with your doctor to determine what is best for you or the person you care about.
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